A new white paper by Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Urban Institute assesses the effectiveness of New York State’s 2016 “Zombie Law” (also known as the Abandoned Property Neighborhood Relief Act) and LISC’s “VacantsREAD MORE
Let’s Pull Together Initiative
Let’s Pull Together works with local faith-based organizations and major employers’ volunteer groups to enlist their help with homeowners in need with minor code compliance issues. A similar program in Round Rock TX was theREAD MORE
Vacant Property Inspections – The Future?
One city in New York State has partnered with a drone company to conduct inspections of vacant properties. “This cutting edge technology and data collection will allow the city to have a more complete pictureREAD MORE
The Whole-Home Repairs Act
Update May 1, 2023 A recent hearing of the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs discussed the idea of Pennsylvania’s “Whole-Home Repair” program being utilized across the country. Testimony was provided by Lou Tisler,READ MORE
Holyoke Property Preservation Group First 5 year report
A recent Massachusetts Municipal Association report focused on Holyoke’s Property Preservation Group, a working group started in 2015 comprised of professional employees who work for the City who issued their initial report. “By putting awayREAD MORE
Vacant Property Tax Initiatives
April 17, 2025 California Senate Bill 789 may result in California becoming “the first state in the nation to impose a statewide tax on vacant commercial properties”. Senate Bill 789 would impose a $5-per-square-foot annualREAD MORE
Washington SB 5825 Dept. of Commerce Work Group
Under consideration in the Washington Senate is SB 5825.If enacted would, require the department of commerce to convene a work group to make recommendations on the creation of a statewide rental and vacant property registrationREAD MORE
VA HB 729 “VPRO” Legislation
On January 11, 2022 HB 729 was introduced. If enacted, it would allow “cities and certain towns to require annual registration by the owners of buildings that have been vacant for a continuous period ofREAD MORE
OH HB 566 “The Neighborhood Protection Act “
The Neighborhood Protection Act was introduced on Feb. 9. It would “require owners of vacant properties to file full contact information with their county auditor’s office. It would apply to residential and commercial properties” InterestingREAD MORE
Baltimore’s New Approach to Abandonment and Blight
More of the same? Or something new? Following the tragic death of 3 firefighters at a vacant property, Baltimore officials promised a new plan to address abandonment and blight. Commenting on the initial announcement fromREAD MORE