HomeMy WebLinkAbout011426 - National Strategies for Combatting Blight_ MuniReg Advisory - January 14th_ 2026ALERT: 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 Morning,
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>
New Year, New Look!
We’re excited to introduce MuniReg’s newly redesigned website, a sleek, modern platform built to make it easy for local governments to quickly understand who we are, how we assist municipalities,
and the practical solutions we provide. Designed with clarity and ease of use in mind, the site also serves as a central home for the insights, analysis, and resources shared in this
alert.
MuniReg is unique in combining real-world experience with institutional knowledge, and we believe in sharing that expertise to strengthen local government operations and support healthier
communities everywhere.
To visit our new website, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsDg0kVNGBeNYjNuZW3hIa/tUVwXdA5LG58> , or copy and paste the following into your web
browser:
https://munireg.com
New Resources for Stronger Code Enforcement Program
Two new books offer timely, practical guidance for strengthening code enforcement programs at every level. Effective Code Enforcement by Justin Edson focuses on building and improving
programs, from budgeting and resources to navigating political realities and achieving measurable success. Strategic Code Enforcement by Joe Schilling, Diane Silva-Martinez, and Doug
Leeper serves as a comprehensive guide to proactively administering and enforcing land use, housing, and nuisance codes, exploring the key actors, external forces, and core principles
that drive effective outcomes. Together, these publications provide valuable insights for practitioners, leaders, and elected officials alike.
For more information please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsE8LShneXkIizRjxL2R0e/1Vt3ZHXELb2z> , or copy and paste into your web browser:
https://munireg.com/new-publications-on-code-enforcement/
Ohio Supreme Court, Rental Inspections and "Probable Cause" Definition
The Ohio Supreme Court is considering a case that could significantly affect how local governments conduct rental inspections and enforce housing codes statewide. The dispute centers
on whether municipalities must meet a heightened “probable cause” standard before inspecting rental properties, a ruling that could limit long-standing proactive inspection programs
and reshape how communities balance constitutional protections with public health and safety responsibilities.
For more information please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsEagAuE2tqDtFVZLA1Aii/cnoH1ljoboIc> , or copy and paste into your web browser:
https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/01/13/ohio-supreme-court-hears-case-impacting-standard-used-to-inspect-rental-homes-and-properties/
From Fines to Fixes: Rethinking Code Enforcement
Matt Kreis, General Counsel for the Center for Community Progress, offers a thoughtful examination of Strategic Code Enforcement, one of the Center’s core initiatives, highlighting the
need for a fundamental shift in mindset and approach. Equally critical, though only briefly addressed, is the role of resources: not just adequate staffing, but meaningful training.
Community leaders must understand the value of code enforcement, and staff must be educated and empowered to balance individual circumstances with broader community goals. That’s why
at MuniReg we encourage communities to truly empower their teams and, when implementing a VPRO, to include strong exemptions. When done right, the only party that “loses out” is MuniReg,
but residents and the community as a whole are better served.
For more information please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsF30t6eRFw93VZOiyzuQm/fAkSCItryV9W> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://shelterforce.org/2025/12/19/from-fines-to-fixes-rethinking-code-enforcement/
“Simple Steps, Safer Outcomes: Demolition Best Practices”
Recent reporting out of Toledo highlights how resident concerns often point directly to manageable risks and process gaps. In demolition programs, simple steps, such as advance notification
to neighboring property owners and post-demolition follow-up inspections—can reduce conflict, identify potential liability early, and strengthen contractor oversight. These low-cost
practices improve risk management, reinforce transparency, and build trust, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both residents and municipalities.
For more information please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsFVLbJ4pc24DldE6nye8q/GwhTPbzw29WN> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://www.13abc.com/2025/12/18/more-toledo-homeowners-claim-city-demolition-crews-damaged-their-properties/
Louisville Metro Government Code Liens Analysis
The Center for Community Progress's Louisville Metro Government Code Liens Analysis examines how the city manages outstanding code liens and how they could be more strategically used
to support neighborhood stabilization and revitalization. Based on local data, applicable laws, and input from key departments, the report outlines Louisville’s code lien portfolio
and offers recommendations to better align code enforcement with broader community development goals.
For more information please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsFxgJVVDy7zO1h3UcxNqu/mQ_8U43h6Ghh> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://communityprogress.org/publications/louisville-code-liens-analysis/
Beyond "Gimmicks": Supporting Staff to Drive Real Results
Quincy’s IL “Fix or Flatten” program illustrates a hard truth many communities face: no single program can solve the affordable housing crunch. Kudos to Human Rights Commission Chair
Mark C. Philpot and Director of Inspection and Enforcement Michael Seaver for addressing these challenges openly. Real progress requires frank conversations rather than relying on (as
Mr. Seaver notes) “gimmicky” program names. Lack of uniformity leads to micromanagement, consuming significant staff time and resources.
This reinforces the value of supporting municipal teams by streamlining administrative burdens, allowing staff to focus on enforcement, outcomes, and the work that truly moves the needle.
EXACTLY, what MuniReg does! To learn more, please email admin@munireg.com
For more information please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsGQ11hvcKDuYHkssRw7Yy/1egz5xBr1gvD> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://muddyrivernews.com/top-stories/quincys-fix-or-flatten-program-cant-fix-affordable-housing-crunch/20251215065851/
Conservatorship/Receivership
From Philadelphia, PA to Fresno CA, and back to Scranton PA (links below), more and more communities across the country are realizing the value of conservatorships/receiverships
These programs have proven highly effective, though there is a common pitfall worth noting.
When evaluating a potential action, whether prior to rehabilitation or after completion, it is important to consider the broader impact rather than focusing solely on rehabilitation
costs relative to resale value. Some communities have hesitated to pursue conservatorship when projected rehab costs appear to exceed market value, or when a prior case produced similar
results. In practice, that approach can be shortsighted.
A comprehensive evaluation should also account for new tax revenue, stabilization and appreciation of neighboring property values, reductions in crime often associated with long-term
vacancy, and the broader community benefits contributed by new occupants.
* Philadelphia, PA please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsGsLjuM0gJpiXoiGGurH2/QBYJJ2YyjWYu> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/guest-commentary-how-to-turn-off-philadelphias-blight-machine/amp/
* Fresno CA, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsHKgS6mP2PksnsXe5taz6/OFZihqiS7EgP> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article313552567.html (paywall)
* Scranton PA please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsHn1AJCnOVg33wN1usKhA/Fbtp_OPr2ne3> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://www.thetimes-tribune.com/2026/01/07/scranton-seeks-conservatorship-as-new-tool-to-fight-blight/
Unlocking Revenue: Using Data to Level the Playing Field
New York taxes investor-owned single-family rentals the same as owner-occupied homes, in part because state law doesn’t recognize a separate classification for rental properties. This
benefits investors while masking their true impact on communities. Rental registries provide essential data to identify these properties, support enforcement, and quantify how policy
or classification changes could help municipalities recover significant lost revenue. Leveraging this data ensures fair taxation, informed decision-making, and stronger community outcomes.
For more information please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfsZpYrw79RJzEsOff3pZGG/QCN7Rhq6cJdk> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser:
https://rcbizjournal.com/2025/12/08/investor-owned-single-family-investment-properties-enjoy-the-same-tax-assessments-as-owner-occupied-homes/
Vacant Homes: Not New, Still Newsworthy
For municipal professionals, vacant properties are a known and ongoing responsibility. Still, they routinely reappear in the media, such as a recent realtor.com piece, with declarations
like, “Vacant homes are running rampant across the country.”
Munireg works with communities every day that are already addressing this reality, and helps them do so with clarity, consistency, and confidence. We are here to help.
For more information please click on the following link or copy and paste the below into your web browser
Realtor.com "Why Living Next to a Vacant House Should Be a Deal Breaker for Anyone Who Values Their Health and Safety" <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfuSp5NF5ifm1bCCq1YcJCm/11i
MyYiSmteX>
https://www.realtor.com/advice/buy/vacant-house-dealbreaker-health-safety/
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/7nVU1aA2nfwLobsY4HuE3xW10O3P39I/NhOvaUbylMA9>
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