While the US is gaining ground in its fight against COVID-19, many communities are facing growing threats to neighborhood stability from its economic fallout. Unprecedented help is on the horizon for these communities, which could provide a momentous opportunity to spur equitable revitalization. Where we are today While the national unemployment rate has been dropping, [1] it belies two deeply concerning trends for…
Almost exactly one year into the COVID-19 pandemic, a massive relief plan has passed both chambers of Congress and been signed into law by President Biden. The $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) is an historic achievement that will provide unprecedented resources to combat the health, economic, and racial equity challenges that have been…
Restoring Communities Left Behind Act Receives Support from Community Progress and Grounded Solutions Leaders WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 4, 2021 — Today, the Center for Community Progress (Community Progress) and Grounded Solutions Network (Grounded Solutions) expressed their support of new legislation that would invest $5 billion in flexible federal funding for distressed communities nationwide. The…
Center for Community Progress and the National League of Cities accepting Letters of Interest for Free Educational Programming and Customized Technical Assistance WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 27, 2021 – Today, the Center for Community Progress (Community Progress) and the National League of Cities (NLC) announced that a new Vacant Property Leadership Institute (Leadership Institute), is…
The combination of a new year, new leaders, and new challenges mean residents and local governments are positioned for rapid change in 2021. Register for this Spring’s Cornerstone Webinars to ensure you’re up to date on the latest trends and answers to this year’s historic challenges and opportunities. February 2021 External Partner Webinars Pivots…
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…
