(Washington, D.C.) — The African American Mayors Association (AAMA) proudly congratulates four of its member mayors, whose cities have been selected to receive transformative investments from the Bezos Earth Fund to create vibrant public spaces, strengthen local economies, and improve quality of life for generations to come.

The funding is part of a larger $100 million investment the Bezos Earth Fund announced yesterday to support green spaces and other outdoor areas in cities across the country. The Fund began with an initial $10 billion in 2020 and is guided by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos. The investments recognize cities that are reimagining underutilized land as community assets that promote economic development, environmental sustainability, public health, and neighborhood connectivity.

Selected AAMA mayor led cities include Little Rock, Arkansas; Atlanta, Georgia; Cleveland, Ohio; and Los Angeles, California, representing half of the eight cities chosen nationwide for this highly competitive initiative.

AAMA extends special congratulations to Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, Jr., former president of AAMA, whose city received the initiative’s largest award, $30 million, to support the transformational 30 Crossing Park project, a once-in-a-generation investment that will reconnect neighborhoods, expand green space, and drive economic opportunity throughout the city’s urban core.

“These awards reflect the incredible leadership of America’s mayors, who are overseeing some of the nation’s most innovative and impactful work to strengthen communities, attract investment, and build more resilient local economies,” said AAMA President and Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “We are incredibly proud of Mayor Frank Scott, Jr. and our mayors in Atlanta, Cleveland, and Los Angeles for securing these highly competitive investments. Their leadership demonstrates that bold local vision, strong partnerships, and a commitment to residents can transform cities and improve lives.”

In addition to the project in Little Rock:

Atlanta, GA: Mayor Andre Dickens and the nonprofit organization Park Pride are utilizing $9.4 million to completely redesign Four Corners Park in the historically underserved Peoplestown neighborhood.

Cleveland, OH: Mayor Justin Bibb and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy will use a $10 million grant to turn 600 vacant parcels on the city’s East Side into small parks, natural landscapes and community spaces.

Los Angeles, CA will receive a $10.1 million grant for development of a five-acre park and arts and culture campus at the site of the Watts Towers.