For many years, brownfields programs focused on cleanup of older industrial sites without consideration of the broader growth goals of the community or region. Today, however, brownfields are being seen as key components of state growth management initiatives. There is a compelling economic case for state spending on brownfields. A dollar of state spending produces about 10 times to 100 times more dollars in economic benefits. Expanding the mission of brownfields justifies greater state spending.

State brownfields programs have been very successful, but the new challenge is to improve performance through greater integration into state, regional, and local growth and land use planning. Five states leading the way are Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania; and the special tools used by them are described in this report. Success in these states is being driven by several factors.

Having the governor provide clear and public support for the importance of brownfields in advancing the state's quality of life and economy. Viewing brownfields redevelopment from an area-wide perspective rather than on a project-by-project basis and integrating brownfields cleanup and redevelopment objectives into state growth planning.

Broadening state brownfields programs to include involvement of state planning agencies and other appropriate state and local government agencies. It is imperative to have strong involvement of state organizations besides environmental regulatory agencies.

Working to eliminate all remaining barriers to brownfields redevelopment and improving the full package of incentives, assistance, and liability reduction offered to developers. State actions to address liability concerns are working, but the federal liability under the Superfund statute still biases some decisions in favor of greenfields developments and sprawl.

Considering the redevelopment of brownfields sites in the full context of "smart" community design. This includes mixed use, pedestrian-friendly design, urban parks, and close collaboration with community stakeholders. Ensuring the protection of public health while shifting emphasis to the broader economic development value of brownfields sites.

It is an ideal time for states to consider these successful approaches. State brownfields programs have been operating for less than a decade. In that short period, programs have successfully facilitated reuse of more than 40,000 sites - but this is less than 10 percent of the estimated 450,000 to 600,000 brownfields in the nation.

With so many more sites to address and so many potential economic benefits to obtain, the advantages of using the lessons learned from the five states highlighted here are clear. Perhaps the most important lesson for states concerned about suburban sprawl and loss of open spaces is that by leveling the playing field between brownfields and greenfields development, urban revitalization efforts can become more successful in shifting more growth back into older communities.