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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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Redevelopment Perspectives: New Orleans and Pittsburgh by David Lessinger, New Orleans Redevelopment Authority
August 5, 2013
Redevelopment Perspectives: New Orleans and Pittsburgh by David Lessinger, New Orleans Redevelopment Authority

Originally posted by David Lessinger on NORA’s website. I recently had the opportunity to visit Pittsburgh and see for myself its redevelopment challenges and successes. What I…

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Forget NSP, Tax Credits Will Save Neighborhoods by Alan Mallach, Senior Fellow, Center for Community Progress
June 28, 2013
Forget NSP, Tax Credits Will Save Neighborhoods by Alan Mallach, Senior Fellow, Center for Community Progress

Originally posted by Alan Mallach in the National Housing Institute’s Rooflines Blog, June 21, 2013. In my last two posts, I tried first to explain why NSP…

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Detroit and four other Michigan cities to receive additional federal dollars for strategic demolition
June 12, 2013
Detroit and four other Michigan cities to receive additional federal dollars for strategic demolition

In an exciting development, the U.S. Treasury Department announced last week that Michigan may use up to $100 Million—or 20%—of its Hardest Hit Fund (HHF) allocation for…

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What Creating a Stable Neighborhood Really Means by Alan Mallach, Senior Fellow, Center for Community Progress
May 21, 2013
What Creating a Stable Neighborhood Really Means by Alan Mallach, Senior Fellow, Center for Community Progress

Originally posted by Alan Mallach in National Housing Institute’s Rooflines Blog, May 14, 2013. Community Progress Senior Fellow, Alan Mallach, discusses the basic principles of neighborhood stabilization…

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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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