HomeMy WebLinkAbout081925 - National Strategies for Combatting Blight_ MuniReg Advisory - August 19th_ 2025ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
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Good Afternoon,
We’re pleased to share the latest national best practices for addressing vacant and abandoned properties—curated specifically for municipal needs.
Please feel free to forward this to colleagues or others in your municipality. For those new to our updates, MuniReg typically shares insights monthly or bi-monthly, highlighting innovative,
practical solutions from across the country.
Every community faces unique challenges, and MuniReg is here to help with tailored support for your code enforcement and revitalization goals.
This alert is informational only. To learn more, contact us at admin@munireg.com <mailto:admin@munireg.com> .
Inaccurate Data, But a Clear Sign of Inefficiency
The Syracuse City Auditor released a report, “Following the Fire” offering a sobering, data-rich snapshot of the city’s vacant property problem.
In our latest blog post, we explore why the vacant property registry compliance statistics, as presented, don’t tell the full story.
While technically accurate, the stats don’t reflect the reality of long-neglected, high-risk properties that are unlikely to register. Still, when paired with January’s rental registry
audit, one thing is clear: the current system isn’t optimal. That is why a smarter, more strategic approach is needed, and why communities are moving in that direction.
For more information, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsDg0kVNGBeNYjNuZW3hIa/cWCzBfycewMq> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://www.munireg.com/following-the-fire-analysis-of-2024-vacant-structure-fires/ <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsE8LShneXkIizRjxL2R0e/h4TZsuunTnkg>
"A" for Creativity
Watertown, NY is taking a creative swing at blight by raffling off city-owned homes. The plan targets moderately distressed properties, renovating them and offering $20 tickets for a
chance to win
For more information, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsEagAuE2tqDtFVZLA1Aii/Kw7UNlJ9VmYr> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://www.wwnytv.com/2025/07/21/raffling-off-homes-watertown-its-pitch-battle-blight/ <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsF30t6eRFw93VZOiyzuQm/X2O7VdvavCKm>
Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments Act
The Revitalizing Empty Structures Into Desirable Environments Act was introduced in July 2025.This proposed legislation would set aside funding within the Home Investment Partnerships
Program (HOME) starting in 2026 for a new pilot program to help communities turn abandoned or run-down buildings like warehouses, factories, hotels, strip malls, and other unused spaces
into new housing.
For more information, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsFVLbJ4pc24DldE6nye8q/Ff9yhxo1q7tK> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://www.munireg.com/revitalizing-empty-structures-into-desirable-environments-reside-act/ <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsFxgJVVDy7zO1h3UcxNqu/ME5-LJeG4wg5>
Not What It Was Designed For.
Occasionally we see Vacant Property Registration Ordinances (VPROs) being used in ways they were never intended.
In one recent case, it appears the reported fine wasn’t about property condition, it was about failing to register.
Owning a vacant property isn’t a crime. If there are issues, that’s what the maintenance code is for. In this case, the owner is known and cooperating, so how does filling out a form
help?
The real question: should active rehab qualify for exemption?
At MuniReg, we won’t oversell. VPR isn’t a magic fix—but used right, it’s a powerful tool to support code teams and protect neighborhoods.
Code enforcement: This was built for you.
Municipal leaders: If it’s at no cost and adds capacity - why not?
Let’s tackle blight the right way. We’re ready when you are.
For more information, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsGQ11hvcKDuYHkssRw7Yy/gCMS0tfUGfAt> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://www.timescitizen.com/news/appeal-denied-on-eldora-vacant-building-registration-violation/article_f25ac271-865f-414a-ae3e-41d92075a55b.html <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4O
iGsGsLjuM0gJpiXoiGGurH2/zBp2iQR0uRcm>
Reimbursing City for Tenant Relocation
In April, we reported on Lansing (MI) efforts to require landlord reimbursement to the City for costs of housing a person in the event the property is red-tagged.
For more information, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsHKgS6mP2PksnsXe5taz6/j-zdkTATq5lY> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://www.lansingcitypulse.com/stories/new-lansing-ordinance-requires-landlords-cover-tenant-relocation-costs,148099 <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsHn1AJCnOVg33wN1usKhA/Yf86
NdIccrnM>
State and Local Housing Action Plan
In June we reported on "the State and Local Housing Action Plan <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfsZpYrw79RJzEsOff3pZGG/kSLpC37iVj6c> ” released by the the National
Housing Crisis Task Force, created by the Nowak Metro Finance Lab at Drexel University and Accelerator for America.
These organizations will host a webinar on Aug 26, 2025 05:00 PM EST spotlighting innovative strategies from the Plan.
The webinar will explore policy levers, public-private partnerships, regulatory reforms, and other strategies that cities and states across the country can implement to accelerate housing
affordability and supply across the country.
To register for the free webinar please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfuSp5NF5ifm1bCCq1YcJCm/NFHGNYc3WhoK> or copy and paste the following into your
web browser:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i452rE2pR_uk7PxiP4mQPQ#/registration <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfwLobsY4HuE3xW10O3P39I/P-44rhau_SqV>
Dealing With Rentals Across the Pond
A new initiative under consideration in the English Parliament is titled "The Renters’ Rights Bill". Among its key reforms are the introduction of a national Private Rented Sector Database
(national rental registry) and a new Landlord Ombudsman service.
For more information, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfyEo8Nr2r8g6JppAkYBn5o/JS4bfcToVwWc> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://www.landlordtoday.co.uk/features/2025/08/landlord-ombudsman-prs-portal-what-landlords-need-to-know/ <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng07netA1QN88g9dL72yX2K/v74l-nV78cMB>
New Orleans 20 years after Hurricane Katrina
A new report from the Brookings Institute examines efforts after Hurricane Katrina to repurpose vacant and abandoned properties, drawing on public documents, agency records, secondary
sources, and key informant interviews. The report discusses
* The impacts and opportunities associated with vacant and abandoned properties
* Conditions that accelerated disinvestment in the aftermath
* City’s initiatives to combat systemic vacancies through improved code enforcement and targeted disposition and redevelopment
* Efforts to address the challenges surrounding heirs’ properties to prevent future vacancies
* Lessons learned and opportunities for future policy action,
For more information, please click here, <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng20nBOSzzbaB2TRVTXlGyq/6AWddbtPxwPi> or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://www.brookings.edu/articles/focusing-on-vacant-properties-in-new-orleans-to-enhance-resilience-after-hurricane-katrina/ <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng3tmhtlyYq2DOnFfq2
Y0vM/Me4g3-25tjFq>
Michael Halpern
President
866-MUNIREG | 866-686-4734
mhalpern@munireg.com <mailto:mhalpern@munireg.com>
www.MuniReg.com <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng5mmEP4x84UFl73qCXKkrs/NECaOVTjokEr>
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