A brownfield is a property where the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of it may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. A 2022 inventory identified 880 brownfield properties within the City of Rockford. The map-based brownfield inventory can be viewed at the public Tolemi Building Blocks website by navigating to the "Environmental" filter in the upper right corner. The City recognizes that clean-up and redevelopment of these underutilized and potentially contaminated properties is a key component in improving multiple variables that contribute to economic growth and blight reduction. The City of Rockford has been very successful in applying for and using Federal and State Brownfields Grant Funds dating back to 2000, when the City was selected as one of the original United States Environmental Protection Agency's Brownfield Pilot Programs.