New federal proposal could provide key funding for trails, parks and community spaces
A new federal proposal introduced last week by U.S. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut could create a significant new source of funding for the places that bring people together, including parks, trails and other community spaces. As part of the Percent for Place Coalition, the East Coast Greenway Alliance played a role in advancing the In Real Life (“IRL”) Act.
In response to record-high rates of loneliness and distrust, the IRL Act would hold social media companies accountable by requiring their investment in community-building third spaces.
According to Murphy’s staff, “the legislation would tax digital advertising revenue of only the very largest algorithmic-based social media corporations at 50%, redirecting funds to a newly-established Social Capital Fund for local communities to support the institutions, programs and physical spaces that bring neighbors together in common cause.”
“We don’t have to accept the transition from in-person connection to online isolation. Massive social media platforms knowingly addict us to screens and harm our kids to boost their profits. These big tech companies have gotten a free pass for far too long, and the least they can do is pay to rebuild the spaces that actually bring us together — in real life,” said Murphy.
“Trails are more than transportation infrastructure, they are places where people encounter their neighbors, spend time outdoors and build connections to the communities around them.”
Community Benefits of Civic Infrastructure
The IRL Act has two components: imposing a digital advertising tax on the very largest social media giants, as well as establishing a new Social Capital Fund for local communities. The proposed legislation could create a new federal funding stream for the types of civic infrastructure that brings people together, including parks, trails, recreation spaces, libraries, schools, arts and other community gathering places.
This potential new source of funding could support the efforts of local leaders and policymakers who seek to revitalize their communities by investing in “quality of place” by driving community and economic development through the creation of “livable neighborhoods, thriving commercial districts and lively entertainment and recreation zones.”
According to the Percent for Place Coalition, research has shown that communities thrive when they have “well-funded, programmed and managed civic infrastructure,” an investment that boosts local economies, improves health and well-being, reduces crime and provides more resilient and sustainable communities.
Alliance Support for the IRL Act
The Alliance’s membership in the Percent for Place Coalition, a broad coalition of organizations committed to increasing funding and supporting policy changes to create welcoming and robust civic infrastructure for all Americans, played a key role in bringing this bill to life. The Alliance joined the Coalition in October 2022 with Deputy Director Niles Barnes and Regional Initiatives Manager Elliott Caldwell attending meetings over the past four years. Barnes was on hand for a recent in-person advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., that set the stage for the introduction of this bill.
The East Coast Greenway Alliance joined a number of organizations and policy advocates who endorsed the bill “to combat the loneliness epidemic, hold social media companies accountable and revitalize community and trust.” Other supporting organizations include KABOOM!, the Trust for Public Land, the Sierra Club and National PTA.
“Trails are more than transportation infrastructure, they are places where people encounter their neighbors, spend time outdoors and build connections to the communities around them. The East Coast Greenway encourages that kind of connection, linking communities and creating shared spaces where people can walk, ride and roll together,” Barnes said.
“The Social Capital Fund recognizes the value of these places and would invest in trails and other public spaces that strengthen the relationships, trust and sense of belonging that hold communities together.”
Get Involved
More rides, more walks, more joy. Vote for more greenways.
During this fall’s midterm elections, voters have an opportunity to consider where candidates stand on investments in civic infrastructure, including greenways, trails and parks. Confirm that you are registered to vote and find your local polling place online at vote.org.
Help us increase our impact.
Supporting the East Coast Greenway Alliance allows our team to continue the transformational advocacy work — like our engagement with the Percent for Place Coalition — that is fueling completion of the Greenway. The Alliance has a sustained track record of turning every dollar donated to our nonprofit into $100 in public infrastructure investment. Learn more and support the Alliance at greenway.org/donate.
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