Publications

Code Enforcement System

Progress Points: Strategic Code Compliance
A Brief Primer

This brief explains how equitable, efficient, and effective code enforcement can be successful in preventing vacancy.

Code Enforcement System

Reevaluating Code Enforcement
A New Approach to Addressing Problem Properties

Traditional code enforcement—focused on issuing citations and fines—isn’t working in the places that need it most. A more strategic approach could change that.

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.

Code Enforcement System

A Racial Equity Audit of Louisville, Kentucky’s Code Enforcement Program
Final Memo of the VPLI Local Implementation Scholarship Program

This memo details Community Progress’ work with the Louisville Municipal Government to review its code enforcement processes through a racial equity lens.

Code Enforcement System

Equitable, Efficient, and Effective Code Enforcement
A Roadmap for Decatur, Illinois

Community Progress assessed and recommended changes to Decatur’s existing approach to housing and building code enforcement, a key component of the City’s effort to stabilize and reinvest in Decatur’s neighborhoods.

ARPA, COVID-19, Code Enforcement System, Land Banks, Local Analysis, Parcel Data & Neighborhood Markets, Property Tax System, State & Local Analysis, Vacant Land Stewardship

Tackling Vacancy and Abandonment
Strategies and Impacts after the Great Recession

Ten years on from the Great Recession, we take stock of lessons learned from that crisis and how they might be applied to future challenges. This edited volume, jointly produced by Community Progress and the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Cleveland, contains twelve articles by national experts in the field of neighborhood revitalization.

Code Enforcement System, Local Analysis, Parcel Data & Neighborhood Markets

A More Strategic Equitable Approach to Housing and Building Code Enforcement in Toledo, Ohio
A Community Progress Technical Assistance Report

Community Progress produced this report following a technical assistance engagement with Toledo, Ohio to assess the City’s approach to code enforcement.

Code Enforcement System, Local Analysis

Turning the Tide
Opportunities for the City of Bay City, Michigan to Improve Residential Property Conditions and Quality of Life

Community Progress worked with Bay City, Michigan to assess its practices and policies for addressing VAD residential properties and identify economic stability risks due to the pandemic.

Code Enforcement System, Local Analysis

Building on Success
Opportunities to Enhance Home Preservation Efforts and Commercial Vacancy Strategies in Lansing, Michigan

Community Progress worked with the City of Lansing, Michigan to assess its practices for addressing vacant property and identify economic stability risks as a result of the global pandemic.

Code Enforcement System, State & Local 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.

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.

Code Enforcement System, Land Banks

Recommendations for the Hopkinsville and Christian County Landbank Authority
Addressing Vacant and Abandoned Properties through Code Lien Foreclosure

Guidance for dealing with the community’s vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties.

Code Enforcement System, Local Analysis

An Assessment of Code Enforcement Strategies in Lima, Ohio
Observations and Recommendations

How Lima can address its vacant and abandoned buildings and lots to improve community wellbeing.

Code Enforcement System, Land Banks, Local Analysis, Property Tax System

Enhancing Capacity to Repurpose New Jersey’s Vacant Properties
How to Advance Community Goals Through Land Banking and Other Tools

Strategies for acquiring and repurposing vacant properties in New Jersey.

Code Enforcement System, Property Tax System

Progress Points: Heirs’ Property
How Tangled Title Can Lead to Property Vacancy, Abandonment, and Deterioration

This factsheet explains why it’s important to deal with heirs’ property in order to prevent future vacancy and abandonment.

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.