Mow-To-Own Program (New Orleans)

New Orleans’ ‘Mow-to-Own’ Program invites homeowners adjacent to blighted lots to apply to take care of the empty spaces with the goal of purchasing them down the line. Approved applicants must pay a $650 deposit towards purchasing the property. After one full year of maintaining the grass and keeping the property clean, the participant will receive a closing date and an additional $875 credit for taking care of the lot. Upon completion of the Mow-to-Own Program, the property will be clear of taxes and other fees owed to the city.

Cities who are seeking creative solutions to an abundance of vacant land and lack of maintenance resources can learn from this creative approach to put vacant lots back into the hand’s of residents.