Unlocking Opportunity in City-Owned Land & Brownfields: A Guide for City Managers Seeking Smart, Confident Redevelopment Strategies
13 October 2025
Why This Matters
Many cities across the U.S. are sitting on underutilized or contaminated land that could be transformed into housing, community assets, new industrial or commercial workplaces, or sports and recreation facilities – all economic engines. But brownfields, legacy industrial sites present a range of challenges, from “attractive nuisance” and environmental risks to funding gaps to community trust. This one-pager highlights common barriers and introduces a solution to help city leaders take innovative and informed action.
Top Pain Points for City Managers
- Environmental uncertainty and fear of liability
• Limited upfront funding for studies and remediation - Non-responsive or non-viable site owners
• Undefined, financially non-viable or politically conflicting reuse options
• Poor site infrastructure or outdated utilities
• Time pressure from community and elected officials
• Regulatory red tape and complex compliance hurdles
• Community skepticism, social justice challenges or NIMBY resistance
• Difficulty attracting developers to risky sites
A Smarter Way Forward: CFAP for Municipal Leaders
The Conversion Feasibility Assessment Program (CFAP) is a joint initiative by CCS International, Pioneer Engineering, Corporate Law Partners, and Pace Equity—designed to help city leaders unlock value in difficult land assets.
✓ Environmental + legal + engineering + financing = one unified plan
✓ Clear conceptual pricing & reuse comparisons
✓ Site assessments & reports to attract serious developers
✓ Help navigating regulatory risk
✓ Help identifying funding sources and options
✓ Transparent tools to help win community support
With CFAP, your team gets a single point of contact and a clear roadmap from liability to opportunity.
Let’s Talk
To explore how your city can reposition underutilized land for community and economic gain, schedule a complimentary CFAP strategy session.
David White
CCS International
630-678-0808
dwhite@ccsdifference.com
Company Announcements
17 February 2026
Who is Protecting Your Budget? Why Owners Need Independent Cost Consultants.
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The Hidden Costs That Blindside Capital Project Owners — And How to See Them
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Trust, Safety, and Stewardship: Our Commitment to CUI (NIST 800-171)
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