The City of Syracuse’s latest audit, “Following the Fire: Analysis of 2024 Vacant Structure Fires,” (link) sheds important light on the connection between vacant properties and public safety. According to the report: Nearly 30% ofREAD MORE
Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments (RESIDE) Act
Senator Jim Banks (R-Ind.) introduced the Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments (RESIDE) Act with Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.). This bill would set aside funding within the Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) starting in 2026READ MORE
“A” for Creativity! Raffle to win a city home!
In a bold move to tackle urban decay, Watertown, NY, is exploring a novel approach to combat blight: raffling off city-owned homes. Targeting mid‑score houses (rated between 40–70 on their condition scale), renovating one, thenREAD MORE
Leveraging code enforcement units to reduce crime: A difference-in-difference analysis of a targeted crime prevention intervention
In the face of rising crime and ongoing police staffing shortages, a new study published in the Journal of Criminal Justice highlights the potential of code enforcement as a cost-effective crime prevention tool. Authored byREAD MORE
Blight Mitigation Revolving Funds
Two states have recently undertaken efforts to implement a “revolving fund” to spur property rehabilitation. Mississippi Approved by the Governor in April 2025, House Bill 733, created the “Property Cleanup Revolving Fund.” It authorizes theREAD MORE