In an Op-ED for PublicCEO, Ryan Griffith, Attorney & Receiver at the Bay Area Receivership Group discusses his experience creating the Neighborhood Law Program (“NLP”) for Vallejo, CA in 2013. Coming at a time whenREAD MORE
National League of Cities Resources “Housing Supply Accelerator” & “Landlord Engagement Lab Toolkit”
Two recent initiatives have been introduced by the National League of Cities (NLC). Landlord Engagement Lab Toolkit Per NLC “Engaging mom-and-pop landlords is key to longer-term eviction prevention efforts, housing stability, and supporting both vulnerableREAD MORE
The Price Effects of Greening Vacant Lots: How Neighborhood Attributes Matter
Recent article discusses a University of Pennsylvania – Wharton School June 2022 study on the “economic effects of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society’s Philadelphia LandCare program on thousands of homes in the city” that resulted inREAD MORE
Taking Tougher Stand on Fires at Abandoned Properties
Two recent articles discuss new strategies pertaining to fires, and the associated costs to local government, at vacant and abandoned properties. Winnipeg (Canada) Newly proposed legislation in Winnipeg (Canada) proposes that owners of vacant propertiesREAD MORE
Bank Versus Land Bank – Surplus Tax Sale Funds
In a recent article, the Toledo Blade, discusses suit brought by U.S. Bank Trust in the Ohio Supreme Court to force in Lucas, Cuyahoga, and Summit counties and two other counties to compensate it for vacant andREAD MORE
Increasing Resources Through a Public Safety Levy
After Billings MT voters approved a $7 million public safety levy in November 2021, the City has now utilized the funds to increase staffing of police, community service and code enforcement officers, along with implementingREAD MORE
Another “Carrot” – Property Tax Credits for Purchase and Restoration of Abandoned and Nuisance Buildings
A new bill scheduled for introduction in the Wyoming Statehouse “would let communities issue property tax credits to people who buy and restore abandoned and nuisance buildings”. A draft, “provided to the city of Casper”READ MORE
New York State: Statewide Strategy to Address New York’s Housing Crisis “New York Housing Compact”
Governor Kathy Hochul announced a statewide strategy to address New York’s housing crisis. Included are; Proposed legislation to create a program that will require multi-family rental units that were built prior to 1980 to undergoREAD MORE
Abandoned homes can be dangerous. How can cities fight blight?
Interesting interview by American University Radio discussing why abandoned homes exist, what problems they cause, and what communities can do to reclaim some of these spaces. Interview features Alan Mallach – senior fellow Center forREAD MORE
Washington Senate Bill 5060 Registration of Rental and Vacant Housing Units
In March 2022, we reported on Washington Senate SB 5825 that would require the department of commerce to convene a work group to make recommendations on the creation of a statewide rental and vacant propertyREAD MORE
Rental Inspections – The Successes and Challenges
A recent webinar, convened by Strategic Code Enforcement Management Academy (SCEMA) discussed how to leverage Health Impact Assessments’ program and policy recommendations with local leaders, nonprofits, and code officials. Additionally, representatives from Syracuse and RochesterREAD MORE
Scary Development? Frustration Boiling Over With Vacant Properties
The proliferation and associated dangers of fires at vacant properties are well documented. These fires are often attributed to squatters or homeless individual taking up residence. However, a new report from Flint MI asks aREAD MORE