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Community Progress regularly posts to this blog on a range of related topics to help communities across the country turn vacant spaces into vibrant places. Please check back regularly, and sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news directly in your inbox.

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Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – June 14, 2019
June 14, 2019
Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – June 14, 2019

This is our twice-monthly round-up of news stories covering challenges related to vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties — and how communities are transforming these properties into assets….

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Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – May 16, 2019
May 16, 2019
Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – May 16, 2019

This is our twice-monthly round-up of news stories covering challenges related to vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties — and how communities are transforming these properties into assets….

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Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – May 3, 2019
May 3, 2019
Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – May 3, 2019

This is our twice-monthly round-up of news stories covering challenges related to vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties — and how communities are transforming these properties into assets….

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Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – April 18, 2019
April 18, 2019
Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – April 18, 2019

This is our twice-monthly round-up of news stories covering challenges related to vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties — and how communities are transforming these properties into assets….

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Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – April 5, 2019
April 5, 2019
Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – April 5, 2019

This is our twice-monthly round-up of news stories covering challenges related to vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties — and how communities are transforming these properties into assets….

Read More »
Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – March 8, 2019
March 8, 2019
Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – March 8, 2019

This is our twice-monthly round-up of news stories covering challenges related to vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties — and how communities are transforming these properties into assets….

Read More »
Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – February 22, 2019
February 22, 2019
Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – February 22, 2019

This is our twice-monthly round-up of news stories covering challenges related to vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties — and how communities are transforming these properties into assets….

Read More »
Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – February 7, 2019
February 7, 2019
Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – February 7, 2019

This is our twice-monthly round-up of news stories covering challenges related to vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties — and how communities are transforming these properties into assets….

Read More »
#LoveThatLot Turns 5: Let’s celebrate amazing revitalization efforts!
January 28, 2019
#LoveThatLot Turns 5: Let’s celebrate amazing revitalization efforts!

For four years, you’ve helped #LoveThatLot blossom into the Valentine’s Day celebration for your favorite revitalization projects and community champions: 2015 – In its inaugural year, people were…

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Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – January 25, 2019
January 25, 2019
Headlines: The latest on vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties – January 25, 2019

This is our twice-monthly round-up of news stories covering challenges related to vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties — and how communities are transforming these properties into assets….

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How to Buy Property From a Land Bank

Find a land bank near you and make sure you understand what makes them different from traditional real estate sellers.

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To Prevent Illegal Dumping, You Have to Know the Scale of the Problem

How to conduct a neighborhood survey to assess the scale of illegal dumping and prioritize city resources for cleanup and prevention.

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Five Innovative Approaches from Land Banks Across the Country

Five examples of creative approaches land banks have taken to addressing vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties.

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Meet the 2024-25 Cohort of Community Revitalization Fellows

Grassroots community leaders from Lafayette, Memphis, and Rochester share their stories and motivations for community revitalization.

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Our Commitment to Code Enforcement: 2024 Recap

In 2024, Community Progress doubled down on its commitment to helping local governments use code enforcement to address VAD properties.

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Opportunities to Connect Urban Conservation and Vacant Land Stewardship

In many communities, tackling vacant lots can feel like an impossible challenge. Local officials, land banks, and community organizations recognize the importance of finding effective strategies to maintain and repurpose vacant lots to meet community needs. According to the National Land Bank Network’s 2023 State of Land Banking Survey, vacant…

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2024 Year in Review: National Land Bank Network

Learn how the National Land Bank Network served land banks across the country in 2024.

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Looking for a Land Bank Near You? This Map Will Help!

Learn what a land bank is, how it works, how to buy vacant property from a land bank, and if any land banks serve your community.

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Why Land Banks Matter

For neighborhoods burdened by systemic disinvestment; vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties often become symbols of neglect. They pose social, economic, health, and environmental hazards to communities and residents. Addressing these properties requires intervention at multiple points and systems—and one powerful tool many communities use to address vacancy and promote equitable…

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That’s a Wrap on RVP 2024!

This month, we were excited to put another Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference (RVP) on the books. Our 2024 conference brought 900 people from across the country to St. Louis for three days of learning, exploration, and even dance!  Day 1: The Service Project and Welcome Ceremony  Every RVP, Community Progress…

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