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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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Just released! Our new report shares stories of placemaking in Legacy Cities
January 16, 2014
Just released! Our new report shares stories of placemaking in Legacy Cities

Today marks the release of our latest publication: Placemaking in Legacy Cities: Opportunities and Good Practices! The impetus for the report began with a question: how does placemaking…

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The Housing Recovery: Now You See It, Now You Don’t
January 3, 2014
The Housing Recovery: Now You See It, Now You Don’t

Originally posted on the National Housing Institute’s Rooflines blog The housing market is coming back. Finally, after listening to false hopes and promises for the last few…

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Season’s greetings from Community Progress
December 23, 2013
Season’s greetings from Community Progress

Season’s greetings from Community Progress! As 2013 comes to a close, we took some time to reflect on the last twelve months. It’s easy to declare, “It…

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Demolition the right way: Using strategic demolition to revitalize communities
December 20, 2013
Demolition the right way: Using strategic demolition to revitalize communities

Though temperatures were in the low 40’s, spirits were high when I attended the 3rd Anniversary of the multifaceted Vacants to Value program in Baltimore last month….

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Can we demolish our way to revitalization?
December 9, 2013
Can we demolish our way to revitalization?

Originally posted on the National Housing Institute’s Rooflines blog While the answer to that question in the title of this piece is obvious, there’s a strong case…

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What we’re thankful for today
November 28, 2013
What we’re thankful for today

If there’s one thing we’ve learned in this line of work it’s that, all over the country, there are thousands of talented, passionate leaders doggedly fighting the…

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Community Progress’ Kim Graziani and PACDC’s Rick Sauer talk Philly Land Bank on WHYY
November 8, 2013
Community Progress’ Kim Graziani and PACDC’s Rick Sauer talk Philly Land Bank on WHYY

“Will Philadelphia create a land bank, and how would it be most effective and equitable?” This was the question of the hour as Kim Graziani, Vice President…

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I Wish This Were a ______: A community re-imagines a blighted building in Lansing
November 6, 2013
I Wish This Were a ______: A community re-imagines a blighted building in Lansing

Some chalkboard paint and a bucket of chalk turned a vacant eyesore into a canvas of possibilities in Lansing, Michigan’s Urbandale neighborhood. The abandoned, crumbling Paro Party…

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The feds bow out: We’re on our own
October 31, 2013
The feds bow out: We’re on our own

Originally posted on the National Housing Institute’s Rooflines blog Yes, the federal government is back in business. After 16 days and untold billions in lost earnings and…

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Historic blight blitz is now underway in Flint, Saginaw
October 25, 2013
Historic blight blitz is now underway in Flint, Saginaw

A historic new ‘blight blitz’ is now underway in Michigan, constituting the largest blight removal program in the state’s history. Both the state and the nation have…

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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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RVP 2024: Philanthropy and Community Revitalization

With the 2024 Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference (RVP) kicking off in St. Louis this week, Community Progress took a moment to ask three of our top sponsors—JPMorganChase, Missouri Foundation for Health, and Wells Fargo Foundation—what they were looking forward to at the event, and how philanthropy plays a critical role…

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Celebrating Legislative Wins to Combat Vacancy in Missouri and Alabama 

Effective legislation is a vital piece of equipping state and local governments to effectively address vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties (VAD). Through our Land Bank Incubator Scholarship Program, over the last three years Community Progress has been honored to support local efforts to craft and advance these pieces of legislation….

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A Conversation with Crystal Loffler, President of the Office of Community Renewal

We sat down with Crystal Loffler, President of the Office of Community Renewal at New York State Homes & Community Renewal, to talk about unique and flexible funding opportunities available to land banks in New York State and what other entities can learn from her work. Can you share a…

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Mourning Gus Frangos (1954 – 2024)

It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Gus Frangos, Founder and President of the Cuyahoga Land Bank.

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FHA Updates 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program to Increase Accessibility

Revisions to the 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program aim to make it more accessible and effective and increase the number of 203(k) consultants.

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How to Convince Your Boss to Send You to the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference

So you want to attend the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference (RVP). It sounds awesome, right? Three days of networking, learning relevant skills, and seeing real-life examples of neighborhood revitalization up close. But your boss needs some convincing. After all, you’ll have to be away from your day job and spend…

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