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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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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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The Basics of Brownfield Redevelopment: Finding and Assessing Brownfields

Brownfield redevelopment reclaims the potential of underutilized properties, improves a neighborhood’s health and wellbeing, and can spark community revitalization.

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How Opportunity Zones 2.0 Can Leverage Existing Vacant Property Inventories

Ideas for Opportunity Zones 2.0 to leverage existing vacant properties in distressed communities, with land bank support.

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What is a Land Bank?

A land bank is a public entity with unique powers to put vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties back to productive use according to community goals.

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What is a Brownfield?

Brownfield properties, often referred to as “brownfields,” are properties where the presence or potential presence of hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant makes redevelopment challenging and costly.

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What to Know About the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act in 2025

NHIA would create a new federal tax credit to support construction or rehabilitation of single-family homes in distressed communities.

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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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