Closing the appraisal gap (the difference between the cost to acquire and rehab or build a property and its updated market value) could help change the landscape of historically disinvested neighborhoods and provide opportunities for affordable homeownership and wealth-building. But, how would that work? Join Community Progress and the Neighborhood Homes Investment Act coalition founder…
Code enforcement that is used equitably, efficiently, and effectively is one of the most promising approaches to vacant, abandoned, and deteriorating properties at work in the United States today. Michigan communities have a number of valuable tools available. Whether you are a local elected official, a member of building department staff, or a community leader striving to…
We know this fall is won’t be “normal.” What we do know is that from back-to-school planning to preparing 2021 budgets, we’ll need real-time data and updates to help communities, residents, and municipalities navigate. To help local and resident leaders, Community Progress will offer a series professional development webinars and resources to help face both…
Property revitalization has never been more critical need as cities across the country continue to battle vacancy, abandonment, and housing instability resulting from natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic. But what does “revitalization” look like for your community? What strategic partnerships can be leveraged to achieve those revitalization goals? And most importantly, how can it be…
In the last twenty years, predominantly African-American ‘middle neighborhoods’ have endured the same challenges as other communities, but with different results. The historic injustices that were thought to be issues of the past show up in modern terms in both challenges and opportunities in the wake of today’s growing social justice movement. To help leaders,…
“We don’t know what will happen – there are far too many unknowns at this point – but we can already anticipate many of the risks, and what to expect after the pandemic is behind us.“ – Alan Mallach As the United States is gripped by the most severe pandemic in over 100 years, much…
Over the last 30-days we’ve watched the COVID-19 health crisis forever change the fabric of this country. The lives of millions of Americans have been impacted and the need for equity will grow exponentially. As communities are grappling with the immediate health, social, and economic impacts of this unprecedented pandemic, municipal leaders are trying to…
As America actively battles one of history’s most impactful public health crises, the necessity of community development work and urgent help for communities in need is growing exponentially. As with every widespread American emergency, COVID-19 presents us with both real dangers, and real opportunities to advance equity, stability, and more just communities. As we all…
From increased fire outbreaks to elevated safety concerns, there’s no secret property vacancy can weigh down a community. But, how can communities lift themselves up? What are the keys to turning a vacant lot or building into an asset? The answers may vary for each community (and we’re here if you need help with your…
2020 Cornerstone Webinars Feature Updated Data and Trend Training from Community Progress This Spring, Community Progress will make staying up to date on the latest community development trends easy. Our 2020 Cornerstone Webinar series will focus on sharing new updates on important topics related to vacancy, abandonment, and middle neighborhoods,…
