Publications

Community Progress publishes reports, case studies, and toolkits to help communities across the country turn vacant spaces into vibrant places. Download hundreds of free resources today, and sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest publications directly in your inbox.

Creative Placemaking, Local Analysis, Vacant Land Stewardship

The Resident’s Workbook
for Dealing with Vacant Buildings and Lots

A workbook and guide and workbook for residents who want to help address problem properties in their neighborhoods.

Land Banks

2023 State of Land Banking Survey

The State of Land Banking Survey, first conducted in 2021, represents the only opportunity for the land banking field to tell its story with comprehensive data. Key…

Land Banks, Local Analysis

Establishing a Land Bank in South Bend & St. Joseph County
A Decision-Making Roadmap

The City of South Bend, Indiana engaged Community Progress to assess the feasibility of a land bank and provide a road map of critical decision points. This report identifies what keeps vacant lots and buildings stuck in a cycle of decline, and how a land bank might help.

State & Local Analysis

Unlocking the Potential in Heirs’ Properties
Examining Heirs' Property in Three Rural Georgia Counties

This project of the Carl Vinson Institute of Government examines the scale of heirs’ property across three Georgia counties.

Property Tax System

Policy Brief: Tyler v. Hennepin County
Analysis and Policy Reform Options for State and Local Governments

What state and local government leaders need to know to reform their property tax foreclosure systems after Tyler v. Hennepin County.

Land Banks, Local Analysis, Property Tax System

Transforming Raton’s Abandoned Properties into Community Assets
A Community Progress Report for Raton, New Mexico

This report outlines state and local policy and practice recommendations to tackle vacant and abandoned properties in Raton, NM.

Code Enforcement System

Code Enforcement Process Improvements for the City of St. Louis
Workshop Recommendations

Recommendations to make code enforcement more equitable, efficient, and effective in St. Louis, following a workshop.

Tri-COG Land Bank Strategic Plan report cover

Land Banks, Local Analysis

Tri-COG Land Bank Strategic Plan 2023-27
Transforming Vacant Properties in Pennsylvania

Strategic plan prepared for the Tri-COG Land Bank (TCLB) by the Community Progress to assist TCLB in preparing a for its future achieving greater impact creating more equitable communities.

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.

Land Banks, State & Local Analysis

A Decade of Progress
Celebrating 10 Years of Land Banks in New York

This report, prepared for the New York Land Bank Association (NYLBA), documents and celebrates the remarkable rise and achievements of New York land banks.

Vacant Land Stewardship

Progress Points: Vacant Land Stewardship
A Brief Primer

Download a one-page explainer on what vacant land stewardship is, and why it’s important.

Land Banks, Local Analysis

Chesapeake Land Bank Authority Strategic Plan
Building on a Strong Foundation for the Next Stage of Growth

Community Progress worked with the Chesapeake Land Bank Authority to develop an ambitious strategic plan for the next five years.

Land Banks

2025 State of Land Banking Survey Snapshot
Key Takeaways

This one-pager of our 2025 State of Land Banking summarizes survey results.

Code Enforcement System, State & Local Analysis

Assessment of Code Enforcement Activities and Priorities to Consider in Jackson, Mississippi
Community Progress Code Enforcement TA Scholarship Memo

How the City of Jackson, Mississippi is using code enforcement strategies to address vacant and abandoned properties and revitalize neighborhoods.

Code Enforcement System

Code Enforcement Training Guide
A Strategic Curriculum for Local Practitioners Nationwide

A guide to training your code enforcement officers to help achieve your department’s ultimate goal: Compliance.

Code Enforcement System, Property Tax System

Louisville Metro Government Code Liens Analysis
Analysis and Recommendations

Analysis and strategy recommendations for using code lien foreclosure in service of neighborhood revitalization while minimizing unintended harm.

Code Enforcement System, Local Analysis

Code Compliance in Providence, Rhode Island
Recommendations to Promote Equitable Code Compliance for Substandard Rental Properties

Community Progress assessed Providence’s code enforcement approach for deteriorating, occupied rental properties and recommended improvements.

Code Enforcement System

Cleveland Code Enforcement Training Guide
A Strategic Curriculum for Local Practitioners

A curriculum for training code enforcement officers, focused on compliance without unintended harm.

Land Banks, State & Local Analysis

Recommendations for the Wayne County Land Bank
Regarding Approach to Acquisition and Disposition of Nontraditional Properties

The memo outlines 12 recommendations for the WCLB to improve disposition of challenging properties, strengthen partnerships, and align operations with broader goals for housing, sustainability, and economic development.

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.

Publications

Topic

Geography