Policy Development

Community Progress provides a broad range of assistance at the local government level in the formation of new ordinances and programs, and at the state level in the enactment of new statutes and statutory amendments. Policy proposals address a range of issues that help communities achieve the goals of vacant property prevention, acquisition, and reuse. Initial priority areas match those defined in the research agenda, including: state and local property tax enforcement systems, land banks and land banking, vacant property registration ordinances, code enforcement, and state mortgage foreclosure system modifications.

More than ever before, there are also many opportunities at the federal level to support redevelopment and reuse. Community Progress will advocate for effective new legislation, including the Community Regeneration, Sustainability, and Innovation Act (S. 453/H.R. 932) and the Livable Communities Act (S. 1619/H.R. 4690), and strategic implementation of important programs like the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.