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 works with a local nonprofit to organize a pre-conference service project for participants who don’t mind getting their hands a little dirty before the main event. This conference was no different! We partnered with Pocketparks to transform two vacant, underutilized lots at Laclede’s Landing—a historic spot overlooking the Mississippi—into a gathering spot with benches, planters, disc golf, and sculptures made of reclaimed bike parts. 

We reconvened at the conference center for opening remarks from Community Progress Board Chair Don Phoenix, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones, and a powerful speech from President & CEO Kat Guillaume-Delemar that reminded all of us to keep our focus on the people who benefit from our work. 

Kat then invited to the stage Nikole Hannah-Jones, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and creator of The 1619 Project, for an honest conversation about what real equity looks like when tackling disinvestment. 

Then it was off to breakout sessions and mobile workshops across St. Louis. From learning about reactivating commercial spaces and creating affordable housing, to Olympic athletes and champagne toasts, attendees got to see a wide variety of community revitalization work.

Day 2: Conference Sessions and Workshops 

The second day of the conference was packed with more breakout sessions and mobile workshops as the conference went into full swing. At our afternoon plenary, National Land Bank Network Director Brian Larkin launched Community Progress’ first official land bank report in nearly a decade. (Check out The Road Ahead here to learn more about why land banks matter!)  

Our plenary panel talked about the role philanthropy plays in community revitalization, showcasing powerful examples from Baltimore, St. Louis, Pittsburgh, and Puerto Rico. 

We also extended a special thanks to our sponsors and partners that evening at our Philanthropic Spotlight Reception, hosted at McCormack Baron by Executive Director and Community Progress Board Member Vincent Bennett. Without their support of our work and belief in our mission, the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference wouldn’t be possible.  

Day 3: Closing and Honoring Sundy Whiteside 

We held a brunch on the final day of the conference in honor of Sundy Whiteside, a powerful community leader who passed away in December 2023. We were privileged to have her daughter, Haley, join us on stage to speak about her mother’s legacy.  

To close the conference, students from the historic Sumner High School—the first high school for Black students west of the Mississippi River, with Chuck Berry and Tina Turner among their storied alumni—performed poetry, sang, and danced in a powerful reminder to all attendees of the potential of the next generation.  

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Thank you to everyone who attended RVP this year. It was one of our best because of you. Stay subscribed to our email newsletter to make sure you don’t miss out when we announce the next location!