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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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Op-Ed: ‘Demolition’ is not a bad word — Just keep it strategic
September 26, 2013
Op-Ed: ‘Demolition’ is not a bad word — Just keep it strategic

Cross-posted from Next City, this article is part of the 2013 Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference liveblog series. Check out all the in-depth content — even if you weren’t able to…

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The Mayors’ Exchange on Unlocking Value in Vacancy: Full Video
September 25, 2013
The Mayors’ Exchange on Unlocking Value in Vacancy: Full Video

Five mayors from cities across the country joined us at the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference to share how their own communities are putting innovative programs into practice….

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Baltimore’s Three-Part System for Dealing With Vacant Properties
September 24, 2013
Baltimore’s Three-Part System for Dealing With Vacant Properties

Cross-posted from Next City, this article is part of the 2013 Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference liveblog series. Check out all the in-depth content — even if you weren’t able to…

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Top headlines from the 2013 Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference
September 19, 2013
Top headlines from the 2013 Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference last week in Philadelphia!  Below, we’ve shared some of the most interesting headlines related…

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Group hug: Institutions join together to revitalize west Philadelphia
September 11, 2013
Group hug: Institutions join together to revitalize west Philadelphia

Cross-posted from Next City, this article is part of the 2013 Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference liveblog series. Check out all the in-depth content — even if you weren’t able to…

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Tax lien sales are no panacea for local governments
September 11, 2013
Tax lien sales are no panacea for local governments

Cross-posted from Next City, this article is part of the 2013 Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference liveblog series. Check out all the in-depth content — even if you weren’t…

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In Philadelphia, online: top tweets from two days at Reclaiming Vacant Properties
September 10, 2013
In Philadelphia, online: top tweets from two days at Reclaiming Vacant Properties

Two days down, too many tweets to count. This year’s Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference has been more inspiring and instructive than ever. On Monday, some workshops went…

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Adding “oomph” to enforcement: a statewide coalition reshapes Louisiana’s blight fight
September 5, 2013
Adding “oomph” to enforcement: a statewide coalition reshapes Louisiana’s blight fight

What started out as a lunchtime conversation at a national conference back in 2010 culminated this past spring with state legislative reforms that dramatically strengthen blight prevention…

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President’s Preview
September 5, 2013
President’s Preview

Next week, over 700 professionals from around the country will descend on Philadelphia for the fifth Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference, coming together to share ideas and inspire action…

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Online RVP: Join in on the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference from anywhere
September 4, 2013
Online RVP: Join in on the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference from anywhere

The Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference is happening in Philadelphia from September 9-11, 2013, and we’re working hard to ensure that you can reap the benefits online as…

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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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