Community Progress is the leading national resource for high-impact, cutting edge technical assistance to address the negative impacts and challenges of vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated (VAD) properties in a manner that supports equitable development, inclusive neighborhoods, and resilient communities.

If you are ready to transform your community, we can help. Community Progress brings proven best practices, unmatched technical expertise, and a commitment to equity and justice to provide the support you need to address VAD properties and revitalize your communities that benefit all residents.

We deploy this expertise in support of equitable development, inclusive neighborhoods, and resilient communities, as tackling VAD properties can open up pathways to address some of the greatest challenges facing our communities, such as the housing affordability crisis, a racialized wealth gap, climate change and natural disasters, and housing injustice.

Since our launch in 2010, Community Progress has provided technical assistance and support to more than 300 communities in 35 states. Our skilled staff, advisors, fellows, and consultants have helped communities across the U.S. assess, reform, develop, and/or implement systems and policies to more effectively address the challenges and costs imposed by vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties with a focus on equity, inclusion, and resiliency.

To find out more, or to request technical assistance, please contact Tarik Abdelazim, Director of National Technical Assistance, at tabdelazim@communityprogress.org.



A team of experts from Community Progress will dive in to review the challenges your city or town faces related to the cycle of vacancy and building healthy communities. Tasks may include:

  • Diagnosing the underlying factors that keep problem properties “stuck” in decline, which negatively impact neighbors and neighborhoods
  • Helping communities understand their existing tools and legal powers, and design and implement new tools and solutions appropriate to local conditions and resident priorities
  • Supporting the development of data-driven strategies, including innovative partnerships and funding sources, to increase the effectiveness of local efforts in support of equitable outcomes
  • Guiding implementation of a community’s equitable, effective, and efficient approach to VAD properties and neighborhood disinvestment to help ensure success