Policy Priorities
Policies for People & Green Spaces
The Green Guerillas Council of Gardeners is advocating for stronger investment, protection, and long-term support for New York City’s community gardens. These green spaces play a critical role in advancing environmental justice, expanding access to fresh food, supporting youth development, and strengthening neighborhood resilience. Despite their impact, ongoing funding reductions and limited protections continue to put many gardens at risk.
This set of policy priorities calls for bold, equitable investment and permanent safeguards to ensure community gardens remain protected, supported, and accessible for generations to come.
Sign On: FY27 Policy Priorities Platform
The Council of Gardeners invites you to add your name to our Open Letter to NYC Council in support of a stronger, more equitable future for community gardens across the city.
The FY27 Policy Priorities Platform outlines key priorities to protect and expand community gardens, strengthen youth development programs, and ensure long-term investment in neighborhood green spaces. This platform reflects the voices and lived experiences of gardeners across the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens.
By signing on, you stand in solidarity with hundreds of gardeners and community members advocating for policies that center environmental justice, food sovereignty, and grassroots leadership.
Together, we can ensure that community gardens remain protected, funded, and community-led for generations to come.
Policy Priorities at a Glance
The FY27 Policy Priorities Platform outlines the key areas of advocacy being advanced to protect, strengthen, and invest in New York City’s community gardens. Below is a breakdown of the main priorities included in the platform so readers can quickly understand the focus of this effort without needing to open the full document.
Parks Equity Initiative
Support increased funding for maintenance, beautification, safety, and community engagement in gardens, including a pilot program that would help garden groups access funds more directly.
Preserve Our Gardens, Protect Our Future
Call for strong legislation that permanently protects community gardens on city-owned land from rezoning and development, ensuring these spaces remain safeguarded for future generations.
A Greener NYC
Expand investment in youth programs, green jobs, environmental education, advocacy training, and community service opportunities connected to gardens and neighborhood green spaces.
Get Stuff Clean Initiative
Address illegal dumping, rodent infestations, and sanitation concerns affecting community gardens through stronger city support, better interagency coordination, and community-driven solutions.
Play Fair Coalition
Support dedicating 1% of the city budget to the Department of Parks and Recreation so parks and community green spaces receive the staffing, maintenance, and programming they need.