Publications

Michigan

Vacant Land Stewardship

Boosting Productivity
Lessons from the Green Reuse and Vacant Land Maintenance Learning Exchange

This report shares the findings from a learning exchange with Detroit and New Orleans around strategies to meet community needs and reduce public land maintenance costs through vacant land reuse.

Local Analysis, Vacant Land Stewardship

Open Space in Detroit
Key Ownership and Funding Considerations to Inform a Comprehensive Open Space Planning Process

This study was commissioned by Detroit Future City Implementation Office to examine the viability of long-term open space options identified in the Detroit Future City Strategic Framework.

Land Banks, Local Analysis, Parcel Data & Neighborhood Markets

Beyond Blight
City of Flint Comprehensive Blight Elimination Framework

In 2015, in support of the City of Flint’s efforts, Community Progress provided critical input into the framing and development of the Comprehensive Blight Elimination Framework, which laid out clear, actionable priorities for effective waste removal, property boarding, demolition, mowing, vacant lot reuse, building rehabilitation, and code enforcement.

Land Banks

Land Banks and Land Banking, 2nd Edition
The Authoritative Resource on Modern Land Banking

Land Banks and Land Banking, 2nd Ed., provides clear historic context about the development of land banking and foundational information about when a land bank is the right tool, and the fundamentals of how land banks work.

Land Banks, State/National Analysis

Take it to the Bank
How Land Banks Are Strengthening America's Neighborhoods

In Take it to the Bank: How Land Banks Are Strengthening America’s Neighborhoods, the Center for Community Progress’ research of more than half the nation’s land banks reveals this and other trends in the growing land bank movement.

Parcel Data & Neighborhood Markets, State/National Analysis

Who’s Moving to the Cities, Who Isn’t
Comparing American Cities

The fact that something is happening in American cities is beyond dispute. Is it just about the march of the millennials to the cities, or, as many writers claim, is it about a shift in preferences cutting across generations; and is it affecting all American cities to roughly the same extent, or are certain cities benefiting, while others are falling behind?

State/National Analysis

State of Vacancy in Michigan (2014)
A Community Progress Research Brief

This report illustrates general trends in residential vacancy and distressed property between 2000 and 2013 across Michigan counties and select Michigan cities.

Local Analysis, Vacant Land Stewardship

Every Neighborhood Has A Future…And It Doesn’t Include Blight
Detroit Blight Removal Task Force Plan

The Blight Removal Task Force was created in 2013 to develop a straightforward and detailed set of recommendations to address vacancy and abandonment in Detroit. This publication is a summary of this work.

Creative Placemaking, State/National Analysis

Placemaking in Legacy Cities
Opportunities and Good Practices

Placemaking in Legacy Cities: Opportunities and Good Practices explores how residents and leaders in Legacy Cities have used placemaking principles to transform blighted public spaces into revitalized community assets.

Detroit Future City Strategic Framework 2012

Local Analysis

Detroit Future City
2012 Detroit Strategic Framework Plan

The 2012 Detroit Strategic Framework articulates a shared vision for Detroit’s future, and recommends specific actions or reaching that future.

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.