A community-based air quality monitoring project led by the 鈥檚 continued its momentum this month with its annual community summit following recent statewide recognition for its grassroots approach to environmental planning and public health.
The (CAMN) earned an Award of Excellence in the Grassroots Initiative category from the Florida Chapter of the American Planning Association as part of its 2025 Project Awards.
CAMN is a collaborative effort among the Hillsborough Transportation Planning Organization, the USF College of Public Health, the Environmental Protection Commission of Hillsborough County and several community organizations, including the Tampa Heights Junior Civic Association.
The initiative focuses on better understanding and improving air quality in neighborhoods located near interstate highways in Hillsborough County while strengthening community engagement in transportation and urban planning decisions. Stuart, professor and interim chair for the , who leads the project鈥檚 research component, said the recognition reflects years of collaborative work centered on accessibility, data transparency and neighborhood involvement.
鈥淭his has been a real collaborative effort with all our groups and others finding it important and putting a lot of effort in,鈥 Stuart said. 鈥淚 just feel lucky to be part of this and to have so many people who have gotten excited about an area that I think is really important.鈥
USF researchers installing PurpleAir Monitors at the Hillsborough County EPC Munro Street Air Monitoring Site. (Photo courtesy of CAMN)
Building on a 2021 pilot study, the project distributes low-cost air pollution sensors to environmental justice communities. Residents help identify priority monitoring locations, and public gathering places such as schools, libraries and neighborhood centers are invited to host the devices. The sensors provide real-time access to air quality data and are supported through grant funding.
An educational campaign led by the Coalition for Community Air Quality Monitoring provides guidebooks, training sessions and quarterly meetings to help residents understand and interpret the data. Organizers say the approach strengthens public awareness while connecting environmental health information to transportation and urban planning decisions.
Stuart noted that sustaining the network presents ongoing challenges, including funding, equipment maintenance and long-term leadership. While the sensors themselves are
relatively affordable, annual subscription fees, data management and storm-related repairs can add significant costs. Much of the work is carried out by students, volunteers or community partners who balance the project alongside other responsibilities.
She said the award helps build credibility and reinforces the value of continued participation.
鈥淗aving an award of excellence shows that this work is high quality and meaningful,鈥 Stuart said. 鈥淚t helps lead to the credence that this is a good thing and can potentially help with funding and sustaining the project.鈥
Stuart also hopes the statewide recognition will inspire similar grassroots efforts elsewhere. Because the award was presented by a statewide organization with national connections, she said other communities may view the project as a model.
鈥淧otentially other planners and other communities might think, 鈥楳aybe we could do that here,鈥欌 she said, noting that several groups have already reached out for more information.
She said that students have also played a significant role since the project鈥檚 inception, contributing to data analysis, outreach, educational materials, and technical support that help maintain the monitoring network. Stuart credited USF undergraduate, master鈥檚 and doctoral students with helping make the project sustainable through both paid and volunteer roles. Partners and residents gathered for the annual Community Air Monitoring Network Summit on Saturday, Feb. 21. The event invited neighbors, researchers and local organizations to review findings, participate in training opportunities and discuss next steps for expanding the network.
Organizers say the summit was designed to strengthen neighborhood involvement and reinforce the project鈥檚 emphasis on grassroots collaboration while keeping the momentum of the recent award relevant to ongoing community efforts.