A new ordinance in Anchorage AK is described as “more carrot than stick”.

The ordinance grants a 10‑year property tax abatement for vacant or abandoned residential buildings (built in 1995 or earlier and listed on the city’s official registry) if owners invest at least 15% of the building’s assessed value or a minimum of $3,000 per unit in health and safety upgrades. The tax relief applies only to the building’s value, not the land, and aims to spur renovations and bring neglected properties back into use.

For more information, please click here.

Illinois House Bill 1842 was recently signed into law.

According to the sponsor’s press release:

“This legislation ensures local governments have the tools they need to uphold local code while also protecting the rights of residents. By setting consistent rules and requiring formal training for hearing officers, we’re promoting accountability and fairness across the board.”

“HB1842 establishes clear standards for administrative hearing officers and reinforces due process for individuals facing municipal code violations. Hearings must be led by attorneys licensed in Illinois for at least three years, who complete formal training in procedural rules and adjudication. Decisions must be based on authenticated evidence, with written findings outlining penalties or required actions. The bill also authorizes local governments to remediate violations when compliance deadlines are missed, ensuring timely enforcement to protect public safety.”

To view the press release, please click here.
To view the text of the bill, please click here.