American City and County published an article written by Michael Halpern on the impact vacant properties have on a neighborhood’s stability. Taking data collected on HUD’s metrics, reported by the US Government Accountability Office (GAO),READ MORE
Pennsylvania HB 264 Passes House
This legislation would amend the Real Estate Tax Sale Law in regard to registration requirements in order to bid at a tax sale. Name, address and telephone number will be required of every applicant, includingREAD MORE
Connecticut H.B. No. 6593 – Short Sighted Legislation
A legal challenge in Washington State a few years ago caused banks to halt maintenance activity to the consternation of local governments. Eventually it was addressed by collaborative legislation. Now Connecticut has introduced legislation seekingREAD MORE
Federal Judge Vacates Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Eviction Moratorium
A federal judge has vacated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention moratorium to prevent tenants from losing their homes for not paying their rent due to the economic and health ramifications of the coronavirusREAD MORE
GAO Report Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Fraud Risks
In response to a historic string of natural disasters, Congress appropriated approximately $39.5 billion in CDBG-DR grant funds in 2017 through 2019. GAO was asked to review a range of disaster recovery issues following theREAD MORE
Department of Justice Guide “Addressing Foreclosed and Abandoned Properties”
This Department of Justice guide :offers ideas to help policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and community partners address the challenges presented by foreclosed and abandoned properties” Included in the guidance was the recommendation to “launch aREAD MORE
Illinois SB 1721 Blighted Property Legislation Advances
Updated 8/15/2021 Senate Bill 1721 has now been signed by the Governor. To view the final bill text, please click here To view a press release from the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus, please click here.READ MORE
Stick or Stick?
In a recent article, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel discusses varying approaches between non-profits In Milwaukee WI, and Youngstown OH but also their common denominator” both are willing to publicly shame property owners.” For moreREAD MORE
House Bill 267 Makes its Way Through the Illinois General Assembly
House Bill 267, which is making its way through the Illinois General Assembly, would create the “Local Government Residential Inspection Limitation Act” and would provide that, except for a fire, medical, or police emergency orREAD MORE
Investigation Finds That Rental Assistance Went to Landlords of Uninhabitable Properties
Dayton Daily News conducted an independent investigation where they discovered that a large sum of funds meant to provide rental assistance during the pandemic went to landlords of uninhabitable properties. To read more, click here
Illinois HB 267 Local Government Residential Inspection Limitation Act
House Bill 267 which is making its way through the Illinois General Assembly would create the “Local Government Residential Inspection Limitation Act” and would provide that, except for a fire, medical, or police emergency orREAD MORE
Kentucky Lawmakers Attempt to Salvage Bill Aimed at Mitigating Blight
Update 3/29/2021 Governor’s veto has been overturned KY SB 105 was vetoed. Now Mayor Greg Fischer and most likely many others are trying to overturn the veto. “Fischer’s administration said the conservatorship model works inREAD MORE