Blog

Home » Blog

Our blog unpacks complex approaches to community revitalization so you feel ready to return vacant properties to productive use. Sign up for our newsletter to get solutions in your inbox.

Filter by Date

Topics

A Love Letter to the Next Decade of Community Development (from Shelterforce)  
April 3, 2020
A Love Letter to the Next Decade of Community Development (from Shelterforce)  

I’m in love. When you wake up every day knowing that what you do helps improve people’s lives and where they live, it’s one of the best…

Read More »
Problem to Purpose: From Landlord Neglect to a Circus for Youth
March 24, 2020
Problem to Purpose: From Landlord Neglect to a Circus for Youth

Newburgh’s Creative Solutions to the Vacancy and Deterioration Challenge Kids flying through the air on isn’t uncommon in one community north of New York City. There, residents…

Read More »
Event Update – Cornerstone Webinar Postponed, Recordings Available
March 23, 2020
Event Update – Cornerstone Webinar Postponed, Recordings Available

To our Community Progress Partners and Supporters,  As we all face the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we know you are playing vital roles in your communities, engaging in crucial tasks aimed at protecting public health…

Read More »
Community Progress Joins 200+ Nonprofits in Supporting “Charitable Sector: COVID-19 Relief and Economic Stimulus Package”
March 23, 2020
Community Progress Joins 200+ Nonprofits in Supporting “Charitable Sector: COVID-19 Relief and Economic Stimulus Package”

The Center for Community Progress is proud to join more than 200 fellow nonprofits including Smart Growth America,   Habitat for Humanity, United Way Worldwide, Meals on…

Read More »
Dorothy Mae Richardson: Honoring the Woman That Helped Shape Community Development
March 19, 2020
Dorothy Mae Richardson: Honoring the Woman That Helped Shape Community Development

Women’s History Month, which began in 1987, is a month-long celebration of women’s contributions to society, whether in the arts, sports, politics, or music. This month offers…

Read More »
Problem to Purpose: Indiana Teens Recycle to Turnaround Vacant Lots
March 17, 2020
Problem to Purpose: Indiana Teens Recycle to Turnaround Vacant Lots

Tired-A-Lot Transforms Vacant Properties While Creating Youth Volunteerism Teaching teens to give back can yield more than positive values and great character; it can help change a…

Read More »
Problem to Purpose: Teens Create Deterioration Answers in Colorado Springs
March 3, 2020
Problem to Purpose: Teens Create Deterioration Answers in Colorado Springs

A Camera and $500 Turn into a Deteriorated Property Solution “Eventually the youth started asking, ‘Why can’t we just make the changes?’” explained Mia Ramirez of The…

Read More »
Power of Placemaking – What Vacancy Victories from Massachusetts, New York, and California Taught Us
February 18, 2020
Power of Placemaking – What Vacancy Victories from Massachusetts, New York, and California Taught Us

From increased fire outbreaks to elevated safety concerns, there’s no secret property vacancy can weigh down a community. But, how can communities lift themselves up? What are…

Read More »
Problem to Purpose: From Gas Station to Food Station, Solving Insecurity through Creative Placemaking
February 18, 2020
Problem to Purpose: From Gas Station to Food Station, Solving Insecurity through Creative Placemaking

According to a 2017 study, a whopping 48 percent of Detroit households are “food insecure.” This means that nearly 30,000 Detroit residents experience hurdles when trying to access…

Read More »
#LoveThatLot – Help Tell America’s Big Revitalization Story, Score National Exposure
February 14, 2020
#LoveThatLot – Help Tell America’s Big Revitalization Story, Score National Exposure

#ValentinesDay six years ago was just the start. For six years, you’ve shared #LoveThatLot stories of your revitalization wins that have turned vacant lots and homes into…

Read More »
Ira Goldstein on Lessons in Redevelopment Without Displacement from Pittsburgh’s Hazelwood Neighborhood: An RVP Speaker Spotlight

We asked one of our speakers to preview his session at the 2026 Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference, and what you’ll learn by attending.

Read More »
Jack BeVier on Rethinking Vacant Property Strategy in an Era of Private Reinvestment: An RVP Speaker Spotlight

We asked one of our speakers to preview his session at the 2026 Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference, and what you’ll learn by attending.

Read More »
Aaron Sukenik and Cate Irvin on Sustaining Storefront Activation in Downtown Pittsburgh: An RVP Speaker Spotlight

We asked our speakers to preview their walking tour at the 2026 Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference, and what you’ll learn by attending.

Read More »
Get Ready for the ROAD to Housing Act: Steps to Take Before Accessing New Housing Funds

What the ROAD to Housing Act contains relating to community revitalization and vacant property reuse.

Read More »
What Pung v. Isabella Means for Communities Dealing with Vacant, Tax-Delinquent Property

What communities dealing with property vacancy, abandonment, and tax delinquency should expect following the Supreme Court’s ruling in Pung.

Read More »
Proposed Housing Legislation in the 119th Congress: What Land Banks Need to Know

Guidance for land banks on emerging housing legislation moving through Congress.

Read More »
How Vacant and Abandoned Buildings Affect Communities

Learn how vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties—referred to by some as “blighted properties”—pose significant costs to public health, property values, and local taxpayers.

Read More »
How Land Banks and Under-Resourced Developers Can Collaborate to Build Affordable Housing

Ways that land banks and under-resourced developers can collaborate to build green, affordable infill housing.

Read More »
What are Proactive Rental Inspection Programs?: Keeping Homes Occupied and Communities Healthy

Proactive rental inspection programs shift code enforcement from reactive to strategic, identifying health hazards like lead paint, mold, and broken heating before they harm tenants or push properties toward vacancy. Learn how local governments design effective programs, with examples from cities across the country.

Read More »
How Land Banks Can Address Brownfields: Case Studies

Land banks are well-positioned to engage in brownfield redevelopment. As public entities with unique powers to address vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties, land banks can help communities return these properties to productive use in alignment with community goals. A growing number of communities across the country are seeing land banks…

Read More »