Building Political Will for Parks: Funding the Public Parks We Want

Every community says it values parks, but what kind of park system are we working to sustain? As public funding becomes more constrained and communities increasingly rely on partnerships and private dollars, how do we preserve parks as public spaces while striving for greater accessibility, equity, and accountability for everyone? This conversation explores how cities define their vision for public parks, build political will around that vision, address historic inequities, and develop sustainable funding strategies that support more just outcomes for today’s communities and future generations. Moderator: C.N.E. Corbin, PhD. (Portland, OR) Panelists: Justin Cutler (Trout Lake, WA) Earl Jones (Louisville, KY) Jayne Miller (Ann Arbor, MI) This discussion was part of the Olmsted Network's 2026 Annual Conference—The Power of Connection: Shaping Resilient Public Landscapes