Charting a new way forward through attorney-practitioner partnerships: Part II —Milwaukee

This is the second in a two-part series exploring how strong working partnerships between practitioners and attorneys can give rise to innovation in the work to reclaim and revitalize blighted properties. Missed Part I—Syracuse? Click here >> Let’s give ourselves a little breathing room In Milwaukee, a productive partnership between Gregg Hagopian, assistant city attorney,…

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Charting a new way forward through attorney-practitioner partnerships: Part I—Syracuse

This is the first in a two-part series exploring how strong working partnerships between practitioners and attorneys can give rise to innovation in the work to reclaim and revitalize blighted properties. After reading below, check out Part II —Milwaukee right here >> “Lawyers can paralyze you for sure. They’ll scare you to death,” says John Sidd, an…

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At the heart of it all

We can point to the negative impact of vacant properties on health, crime, property values, and other areas. We can study vacancy numbers and property tax revenues, strained public budgets, and the impacts of demolition and preservation. But when we’re caught up in the day-to-day, it can be easy to lose sight of what’s at…

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Just released! Our new report shares stories of placemaking in Legacy Cities

Today marks the release of our latest publication: Placemaking in Legacy Cities: Opportunities and Good Practices! The impetus for the report began with a question: how does placemaking apply to Legacy Cities — those former industrial hubs that are rich in historic, institutional, and other assets, but are grappling with sharp population declines? Are there good…

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Adding “oomph” to enforcement: a statewide coalition reshapes Louisiana’s blight fight

What started out as a lunchtime conversation at a national conference back in 2010 culminated this past spring with state legislative reforms that dramatically strengthen blight prevention policies in Louisiana. Specifically, a power that was previously available only in New Orleans is now open to all municipalities and parishes: the ability to enforce code liens…

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Online RVP: Join in on the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference from anywhere

The Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference is happening in Philadelphia from September 9-11, 2013, and we’re working hard to ensure that you can reap the benefits online as well as in person. We’ll be live-tweeting sessions, hosting Twitter chats, and sharing photos. We’re also live-blogging throughout the conference along with our friends at the Philadelphia- based…

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