Tag: vacancy
West Virginia Tackles Vacancy With Tax Reform
In 2018, Shelterforce wrote about the Center for Community Progress's recommendations for tax reform in West Virginia to address vacancy. Guided by CCP's suggestions, the state auditor’s office has recently passed two laws to change its tax sales process and keep properties in use.
Why Housing Policy Should Include More Funding for Home Repairs
Researchers found that older homeowners in St. Louis averaged $13,000 in unmet home repairs. Here's how advocates can measure home repair need in their own cities, and why repairs make a difference.
Land Owned by LLCs More Likely to Be Vacant
NYC's land speculators use LLCs to evade legal responsibility while sitting on vacant property.
Vacant Homes Wither Under Flawed Tax Sale System
Outdated tax sale rules and predatory investment practices keep Baltimore homes in a revolving door of vacancy. But that could soon change.
Can We Curb Crime by Cleaning the Corner?
As communities discuss reeling in their police departments, Flint, Michigan and Binghamton, New York have turned to another tool to reduce crime.
6 Ways to Prevent Post-COVID Vacancy
Local governments must explore ways to minimize commercial and residential property deterioration and subsequent vacancy.
Cleaning Up After The Foreclosure Tsunami: Tackling Bank Walk-Aways ...
The story of the American foreclosure crisis begins with reckless and abusive lending that leads to a wholesale emptying out of homes. But the story is far from over.
Neighbors Plow Field of Nightmares
Using an ancient common law right of self-help nuisance abatement, one neighborhood was able to board up vacant houses and evict the drug dealers.
What...