New Resource: Vacant Land Stewardship Online Resource Center

Washington, D.C. – Today, the Center for Community Progress, America’s leading resource on issues of vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated (VAD) properties, launched the Vacant Land Stewardship Online Resource Center, an expansive, ever-growing database of submitted vacant lot projects from across the country, along with new publications on best practices for vacant land programming and a community self-assessment tool. 

Vacant lots make up the majority of vacant property inventories across the country – over 75% according to the Center for Community Progress’ 2019 National Survey on Greening. In many places, vacant land can feel like an insurmountable challenge. Yet, it presents an incredible opportunity. 

The Online Resource Center Provides Inspiration, Information, and Implementation Resources for Communities Addressing Vacant Land.

“With the significant reduction in dangerous buildings over the last decade, many communities are left with an abundance of land that now sits unused. Historically, communities have struggled to see the potential it holds and redefining how we understand these pieces of land are a critical part of their next chapter,” said Dr. Akilah Watkins, President and CEO of the Center for Community Progress. 

When used and managed intentionally, vacant land can help address some of the country’s most pressing challenges – healthy food access, stormwater management, aging infrastructure, natural ecosystems, safe neighborhoods, community wealth, and more. While individuals in many communities large and small recognize this opportunity and are repurposing lots to improve their neighborhoods, vacant land remains a significant untapped resource to further holistic community revitalization.  

The Vacant Land Stewardship Online Resource Center provides communities with tools to start thinking comprehensively about vacant land stewardship – expanding their view and knowledge of what is possible and how to move towards a more environmentally and economically sustainable future. 

To view the full Vacant Land Stewardship Online Resource Center, visit https://communityprogress.org/resources/vacant-land.  

Community Progress gives a special thanks to our collaborators at the Michigan Youth Violence Prevention Center at the University of Michigan School of Public Health for their support in the research and development of this resource.

For media interviews and more information about the Center for Community Progress, email [email protected] or call (877) 542-4842 ext. 167

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About the Center for Community Progress

Founded in 2010, the Center for Community Progress is the national leader for building strong, equitable communities where vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties are transformed into assets for neighbors and neighborhoods. Today, Community Progress has affected change in more than 48 states and seven countries through leadership education and collaborative systems, policy, and practice reforms. Simply, we work to transform “Vacant Spaces into Vibrant Places.”