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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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Building equitable communities: It takes systems reform, collaboration, and community wealth-building
August 7, 2018
Building equitable communities: It takes systems reform, collaboration, and community wealth-building

The day-to-day work of community revitalization is intense and consuming. For all the talk of “breaking down silos,” it is a challenge to carve out the time…

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A Green Culture Shift: Changing Perspectives on Open Space in Detroit
March 8, 2018
A Green Culture Shift: Changing Perspectives on Open Space in Detroit

Whether it’s the roughly 120,000 vacant lots like Detroit, or the roughly 14,000 vacant lots in the City of Baltimore, vacant lot statistics are enough to keep…

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Lots of love for #LoveThatLot! Highlights from the 2018 campaign
February 21, 2018
Lots of love for #LoveThatLot! Highlights from the 2018 campaign

What an amazing year for #LoveThatLot! From in-person celebrations in Albany, New York, Baltimore, Maryland, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to the many Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram posts that filled…

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Time to #LoveThatLot — A Valentine’s Day campaign for revitalization projects!
January 25, 2018
Time to #LoveThatLot — A Valentine’s Day campaign for revitalization projects!

Back again for the fourth year, it’s time to #LoveThatLot! ♥ In 2017, the #LoveThatLot campaign gained national momentum. You took to Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to…

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2017 Year in Review: You made change happen!
December 15, 2017
2017 Year in Review: You made change happen!

Thank you for all you did in 2017 to support communities experiencing property vacancy, abandonment, and deterioration. We reached 1,000s of people through our work, and are…

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‘Inside Out’ project shines light on Edison neighborhood and residents
October 24, 2017
‘Inside Out’ project shines light on Edison neighborhood and residents

Information provided by Kelly Clarke, Executive Director, Kalamazoo County Land Bank.  The ‘Inside Out’ project (Credit: Kalamazoo County Land Bank) What is Inside Out, and how did…

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Kansas City neighborhoods get a boost from pro bono attorneys
September 25, 2017
Kansas City neighborhoods get a boost from pro bono attorneys

By: Peter Hoffman, Rebecca McQuillen, and Kayla Hogan   For thirty years, Legal Aid of Western Missouri’s Economic Development Unit has represented grassroots community groups in Kansas City,…

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How to stop predatory land contracts and rent-to-own scams: require habitability
September 19, 2017
How to stop predatory land contracts and rent-to-own scams: require habitability

Any views or opinions represented in this blog post belong solely to the guest blog author.  By: Sarah B. Mancini and Margot Saunders, National Consumer Law Center The…

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From a Shipping Container to a Solar-Powered Greenhouse: Arts Meets Agriculture in Detroit
September 15, 2017
From a Shipping Container to a Solar-Powered Greenhouse: Arts Meets Agriculture in Detroit

In Detroit, a recycled shipping container will soon become a community beacon for fresh food, job creation, and arts and culture. Part agricultural, part placemaking, the Liberty…

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From Randyland to grand new plans: Albany and Flint residents learn from Pittsburgh successes
September 5, 2017
From Randyland to grand new plans: Albany and Flint residents learn from Pittsburgh successes

What can dinosaurs teach us about vacant land? Probably not very much. Dinosaurs are long extinct. Even plastic dino-toys – though ironic – have very little to…

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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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