Publications

Michigan

Code Enforcement System, State/National Analysis

Revitalization in Michigan
A Guide to Transforming VAD Properties through Code Enforcement

Revitalization in Michigan: A Guide to Transforming VAD Properties through Code Enforcement breaks down leading code enforcement tools that help fight vacancy through traditional enforcement, proactive regulation, and additional strategies.

State/National Analysis

State of Vacancy in Michigan (2020)
General Trends in Residential Vacancy and Distressed Properties

The State of Vacancy in Michigan 2020 Update shares the general trends in residential vacancy and distressed properties across Michigan’s counties and 25 cities experiencing the highest rates of residential vacancy.

Local Analysis

Islandview Greater Villages
Neighborhood Framework Plan

Neighborhood Framework for the Islandview Greater Villages (IVGV) seeks to 1) communicate current and near-term implementation initiatives and 2) outline long-term recommendations and guiding principles that can spur neighborhood growth over time.

Creative Placemaking, State/National Analysis

Trends in Creative Placemaking on Problem Properties
2019 National Survey Findings

This report shares trends, case studies, and survey responses from people involved in creative placemaking and shares how they’re addressing problem properties to advance community revitalization.

Local Analysis, Vacant Land Stewardship

A Review of City Policies and Processes to Enable Five Land-Based Venture Types in Detroit
Report prepared for the City of Detroit's Planning and Development Department

This report shares the findings resulting from the City of Detroit’s Planning and Development Department’s engagement of Community Progress to examine existing local codes and ordinances and identify barriers that would prevent the creation or expansion of land-based ventures.

Creative Placemaking, Local Analysis

Creative Placemaking on Vacant Properties
Lessons Learned from Four Cities

This report offers a definition of creative placemaking and describes how arts and culture can be used to revive vacant properties.

Parcel Data & Neighborhood Markets, State/National Analysis

The Empty House Next Door
Understanding and Reducing Vacancy and Hypervacancy in the United States

In this Lincoln Institute of Land Policy publication, renowned city planner and housing advocate Alan Mallach presents effective strategies for community leaders, local officials, and nonprofits contending with vacant properties in the United States.

Local Analysis, Parcel Data & Neighborhood Markets

Catalyzing Residential Property Repair and Rehabilitation in Flint, Michigan
A Community Progress Memo to the Flint Community Development Working Group

This 2018 memo outlines recommendations for Flint, MI leaders to develop a strategic approach to residential property rehab.

Local Analysis, Property Tax System

Catch or Release
An Analysis of Residential Tax-Foreclosure Conveyance in Flint, Michigan, between 2008 and 2015

This report examines and compares indicators related to tax-foreclosed residential properties in Flint, Michigan via the two existing systems: the Treasurer’s public auction and the land bank authority.

Local Analysis, Property Tax System

Detroit’s Property Tax Policies and Practices
An Opportunity for Reform

This brief calls attention to the importance of Detroit’s property tax policies and practices in the city’s overall revitalization efforts, and offers some recommended actions, and longer term considerations for improving this system.

Land Banks

Detroit Land Bank Authority Strategic Plan
Next Five: 2025–2030 Strategic Plan

“Next Five” is a strategic plan for the Detroit Land Bank Authority for 2025-2030, developed by Community Progress in partnership with DLBA.

Brownfields, Land Banks

Land Banks and Brownfields: Case Studies
Examples of Brownfield Redevelopment from Three Land Banks

Examples of how land banks have converted vacant, abandoned, and contaminated properties into community assets.

Code Enforcement System, Local Analysis

Investing in the Vitality of Detroit’s Neighborhoods Through Improved Rental Regulation
A Report for the City of Detroit

Recommendations for changes to Detroit’s Rental Ordinance to help more renter households access safe, healthy housing.

Local Analysis, Vacant Land Stewardship

Understanding and Addressing Non-Structural Blight and Vacant Land in Flint, MI
A Memo to the Flint Non-Structural Blight Work Group

Outcomes of the Flint Non-Structural Blight Work Group and next steps Flint can take in stewarding its inventory of vacant land.

Vacant Land Stewardship

Greening and Community Health
Vacant Land Stewardship Research Series

Stabilizing vacant lots through cleanups and regular maintenance can help to reduce the harms of unmaintained vacant land on mental and physical health.

Local Analysis, Property Tax System, State/National Analysis

From Harm to Home
Replicating Detroit's Make it Home Program

Analyzing cities that have the potential to implement a program similar to Detroit’s Make it Home, transitioning tenants to homeowners.

Local Analysis, Vacant Land Stewardship

Progress Points: Vacant Land Stewardship in Michigan
Improving Neighborhoods by Repurposing Vacant Lots

This one-page brief explains what you need to know about why taking care of vacant lots can improve Michigan neighborhoods.

Land Banks, Vacant Land Stewardship

Greening and Community Safety
Vacant Land Stewardship Research Series

This fact sheet summarizes key takeaways from recent studies exploring the community safety benefits associated with five common greening strategies.

Land Banks, Property Tax System, State/National Analysis

The Scale and Cost of Blight in Michigan
A One-Page Brief

This one-page explainer provides an overview of what it would cost to tackle all of Michigan’s vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties.

Land Banks, Local Analysis

Progress Points: Michigan Land Banks
A Brief Primer

This one-page explainer provides an overview of land banks and their impact in Michigan.