- In the City of Phoenix, vacant lots occupy 43% of total land.
- Mayor Greg Stanton started Phoenix Renews in 2012 because he recognized the negative impacts of vacant lots on the community and businesses.
- Phoenix Renews is an organization dedicated to promoting temporary use of the lots in order to beautify the city. One example is the Tiger Mountain Foundation (TMF) People’s Garden.
- The organization shows the potential of community projects to keep community members involved, and the social benefits of urban farming: 80% of TMF participants stay in school or out of jail.
- The program has supported the large refugee population.
- The Phoenix Renews garden closed suddenly in February 2017.
Keys to Success
- A partnership with International Rescue Committee, a nonprofit.