In 2014, ChangeLab Solutions released a “Model Ordinance on Proactive Rental Inspection”. On Sept 18th, 2023 a new version was released. For a copy of MuniReg’s model ordinance for a Vacant/Abandoned/Foreclosure Registry, please email [email protected]READ MORE
“How Rochester (NY) plans to fix problem housing”
In June 2022, the city’s Housing Quality Task Force released a report including its list of final recommendations. A recent article in the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle discusses the latest progress report from the City.READ MORE
Macro and Micro Strategies to Fight Blight
Recently two large cities announced new strategies to address blight, one creating a city-wide collaborative while the other focuses on specific requirements for the security of vacant properties. Vacancy Strategy Initiative St. Louis Community DevelopmentREAD MORE
Raising Property Values to Combat Vacancies
Several communities have implemented a “vacant property tax”. In what appears to be a similar objective, Bernalillo County (NM) Assessor is taking a new approach “revaluing properties, not based on how their characteristics at thatREAD MORE
H.B. 859 Denying Permits to LLCs
A well intentioned bill may have some loopholes. Hopefully they will be addressed properly prior to enactment. Definitely a step in the right direction. In a recent article discussing the subject Bill, there were someREAD MORE
Blight Penalties – What is the magic number?
The challenge regarding what is the appropriate amount of penalties is a difficult one. “Lower” penalties may not provide the necessary push for compliance. “Higher” penalties can result in unintended consequences such as lawsuits, accusationsREAD MORE
CDBG Coalition Report “Improving Lives and Strengthening Communities”
In April 2022, the CDBG Coalition released a report titled, “Improving Lives and Strengthening Communities” “This report serves to inform stakeholders on the importance of CDBG to community advancement and success.” The CDBG Coalition consistsREAD MORE
New Jersey Moves to Establish Database of Available Commercial Real Estate Properties
Update 11/20/2023 A-4750 has been conditionally vetoed by Governor Murphy and returned to the Assembly with suggested amendments. To view the Governor’s statement, please click here. A-4750/S-3286 would require the NJ Business Action Center (DepartmentREAD MORE
Local Matters Podcast “Have You Ever Called Code Enforcement?”
Local Matters Podcast hosted by Janice Allen Jackson recently featured Matthew Silver, Civica Law and 2nd Vice President California Association of Code Enforcement on the subject of “Have You Ever Called Code Enforcement?” In theREAD MORE
Citizens Research Council of Michigan Blight Resources
In February we posted on a Citizens Research Council of Michigan (not-for-profit public affairs research organization, founded in 1916) report titled, “Coordinating the Authority and Resources to Remediate Blight”. This organization has several additional blightREAD MORE
Can Drones Legally be Used for Zoning Ordinance Violations
The Michigan Supreme Court will hear a dispute over the legality of using a drone to take pictures of a property accused of violating a zoning ordinance and creating a nuisance with cars and otherREAD MORE
In-fill Housing – Getting Creative
A recent article discusses one community’s initiatives to “injecting new life into narrow, vacant lots brought about by blighted-structures removal”. Several approaches are referenced, including; the topic must remain a regular item on council meetingREAD MORE