HomeMy WebLinkAbout012725 National Strategies for Combatting Blight_ MuniReg Advisory - January 27th_ 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 excited to bring you the latest updates and national best practices for mitigating vacant and abandoned properties, specifically tailored to the needs of municipal governments
like yours.
Feel free to share this valuable information with your colleagues or other relevant parties within your municipality.
For newcomers to our newsletter, we typically release updates monthly, occasionally bi-monthly. As community challenges are often interconnected, solutions developed elsewhere can provide
invaluable insights for your municipality.
At MuniReg, we are dedicated to understanding the unique challenges municipal governments face in combating "blight" and offering customized solutions to address these issues effectively.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you'd like to explore how MuniReg can further assist your municipality, please contact us at admin@munireg.com <mailto:admin@munireg.com>
As the previous alert was sent out during the holidays we are resending this important webinar recording.
If anyone would like last month's full alert please email admin@munireg.com <mailto:admin@munireg.com>
Resend - Webinar Recording: “REACTIVE TO Efficient Neighborhood Revitalization”
MuniReg President Michael Halpern was privileged to co-present on a recent webinar titled “REACTIVE TO Efficient Neighborhood Revitalization”
Hosted by former Kansas City, MO Mayor Mark Funkhouser Michael was joined by;
1) Stockton, CA City Manager Harry Black
2) Anniston, AL Sr. Code Officer Tana Bryant
3) City Detect CEO Gavin Baum-Blake
The free 60 minute presentation is available by clicking here <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsDg0dsQOfkHzgLg7d1zFM/5G5kPmvWR9mR> , or copy and paste the following
link into your browser
https://www.munireg.com/webinar-reactive-to-proactive-a-path-to-equitable-efficient-neighborhood-revitalization/ <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsE8LM4qn1qD9wPVVS0ixQ/EzbMtUOyY
RZ2>
Rental Property and Registries - Updates and Areas of Concern?
* Clear Reason for Outsourcing
A clear example of why MuniReg is needed!
A community with excellent leadership, nationally recognized code enforcement personnel and policies. Yet......City Auditor estimates that just 25% of properties that should be on the
(rental registry) list actually are.
Whether its a vacant, foreclosure or rental registry, internal staff often manage numerous responsibilities, and low compliance tends to be a common challenge as these registries can
become “just another process.”
This is where the value of utilizing a third party comes into play—particularly one compensated solely by retaining a portion of the registration fee. This approach ensures no municipal
out-of-pocket costs and eliminates potentially problematic retention of late fees or penalties by the third party.
Our focus is singular: building the most robust registry possible. This leads to a higher compliance rate and a more comprehensive database while freeing up internal staff to focus
on more critical matters.
To view the article, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsEag4HHBNw8KCTKtGzSfU/OQUcV3W3xfMQ> or copy and paste the following link into your browser
https://www.syracuse.com/news/2025/01/syracuse-rental-registrys-weak-compliance-is-worse-than-believed-auditor-says.html <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsF30mThZk23USXAH5yCNY/
X5KjkSPLnu_e>
* Legal Challenge
Rental registries are a widely utilized tool across the country.
On December 10th 2024, Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court Judge Elizabeth Thomakos issued a ruling striking down Uhrichsville’s (Ohio) landlord registration fee, deeming the yearly,
per-unit fee unconstitutional.
Though City representatives stated the proceeds were used to hire a code enforcement officer, the judge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.
For more information, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsFVLUg7y67yeiazeuww5c/-P9ryWNirFBN> or copy and paste the following link into your browser
https://www.wjer.com/news/uhrichsville-facing-another-lawsuit-over-landlord-registration-fees/ <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsFxgCsYMSDtoyep2jvfng/oFh9X4r1scZU>
***For a copy of the ruling, please send a request to admin@munireg.com <mailto:admin@munireg.com>
* New Rental Property Moratorium
One Illinois mayor states that "its growing number of rental properties account for a disproportionate number of police and fire service calls, as well as code enforcement and public
works problems". In response, the city has instituted a nine month moratorium on new rental properties, at which time officials will decide whether "to keep it in place or pursue other
actions to promote homeownership"
For more information, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsGQ0v4ykoJozEieQYuPVk/xX968Dua-t0q> or copy and paste the following link into your browser
https://wgntv.com/news/wgn-investigates/markham-promotes-home-ownership-with-moratorium-on-new-rental-properties/ <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsGsLdHP9APk9UmToNt9Do/alb5SvA
dU5R8>
* Rental Registries at the Statehouse
* Two states are seeing contrasting efforts pertaining to rental property registries.
In Kentucky, House Bill 173 was introduced and would prohibit any local government in Kentucky from adopting or enforcing “policy that creates or maintains a registry of landlords
or residential rental properties for any purpose.”
* While in Georgia, the Georgia Municipal Association is advocating for lawmakers to overturn their state’s ban on rental registries
For more information, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsHKgLTpXWVfJkqJCCrsvs/-vMZ8UMsqm3j> or copy and paste the following link into your browser
https://www.munireg.com/rental-registries-opposite-agendas-at-the-statehouse/ <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsHn13gFvsbaU0u8a1qcdw/Sx9qid-L_viX>
When Systems Fail: Troubling Approach to Abandoned Properties
Two troubling examples that hopefully are the exception rather than the rule. However they are glaring examples of inefficiency and lack of forethought and the need to focus on solutions
— not just procedures.
* Repetitive and useless inspections: Please click here <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfsZpYlJAHvPtfpMRDAnrD2/hR3yXqXhpxdy> or copy and paste the following link
into your browser
https://www.munireg.com/when-systems-fail-troubling-approach-to-abandoned-properties/ <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfuSp5Gc8r9rw29AbZfab9Y/bjeRWdtxKNyA>
* Million dollar fine for "minor infractions": Please click here <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfwLoblv7QOJyOSylwANL64/HcKtbMNr52JZ> or copy and paste the following
link into your browser
https://www.munireg.com/when-systems-fail-another-troubling-example/ <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfyEo8HE5zcm0kmmwIfA52a/8KHSHQc4WXvC>
Addressing hoarding disorders through an initiative from "Fight the Blight"
We first reported on Fight the Blight initiatives in November 2023 <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng07nemX4YrE376b6f9woz6/gmm2TlloxkwN> , where they were seeking
funding etc.
A recent article discusses their recent success into increasing awareness, advocacy and solutions to address the mental health challenges of hoarding and the negative impact to family,
friends and communities.
More information is available by clicking here <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng20nBHq385g5TQPH1ejYvc/V8nHjMT_4JAl> , or copy and paste the following link into
your browser
https://www.opb.org/article/2024/12/30/for-seniors-with-hoarding-disorder-a-support-group-helps-with-stigma-and-isolation/ <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng3tmhn91hK87pkDRO9WIs
8/GGlVH7a-0U3u>
PA HB 255
In June 2024 we provided an initial update of PA HB 255.
Among other things, HB 255 "would establish a grant program administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development to fund new code enforcement programs, including the
hiring of enforcement officers, and strengthen existing efforts."
The Pennsylvania House passed the bill and it now heads to the Senate.
For more information please click here <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng5mmEIS0GYaAC41bkeJ2oe/3j1qBSy-Fdkc> . or copy and paste the following link into your browser
https://www.erienewsnow.com/story/49075633/pa-house-passes-state-rep-merskis-bill-to-help-pennsylvania-fight-blight <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng7flknkypn2CYNpm795mlA/siIcn
XhWtjzC>
Hidden Costs = Rising Foreclosures?
Recent reports from the Wall Street Journal and other major outlets have highlighted a concerning trend: in some housing markets, homeowners are now paying more for insurance and property
taxes than they are for their mortgages.
These rising “hidden costs” can trigger mortgage delinquencies, resulting in foreclosure and property abandonment.
As foreclosures increase, municipalities face the challenge of dealing with vacant properties. This is where MuniReg comes in.
MuniReg works directly with municipalities to track vacant and foreclosed properties through our no-cost specialized registry programs. Additionally, we help local governments navigate
the complex process of returning them to productive use.
Contact us today to learn how MuniReg can assist your municipality in managing vacant and foreclosed properties, ensuring they are returned to productive use and contribute to local
growth.
For more information please click here <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng9YlHJ3xP1UEuhdwTdsWhg/XmQc2y-v8wbh> or copy and paste the following link into your browser
https://www.munireg.com/when-mortgages-arent-the-issue-how-rising-taxes-and-insurance-costs-are-impacting-homeowners/ <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfsaHtTVagHVoq5QGazmav6/fPb
MnbTDEeKk>
Private Nuisance Lawsuits
Are private nuisance lawsuits the answer? With municipal resources at a premium and the wealth of information available (hint: check our website) on the damaging effects of abandoned/blighted
have on neighboring properties, should private nuisance lawsuits be utilized more frequently?
One Georgia municipality seems to think so, for more information, including legal reference guides please click here <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfuTHPyoZFVxrCPEQxUZKrc/REzL
nj72nD0h> or copy and paste the following link into your browser
https://www.munireg.com/civil-nuisance-law-private-nuisance-lawsuits/ <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfwMGwU7XokPtYj2bJzM4o8/q7xthzCs5Cz5>
The Zombies that wont die
In its latest blog post the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) discusses its efforts to address "zombie second mortgages".
To view the blog post and earlier reporting on this topic, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfyFGSzQWNyrvv2qlgU8oke/c_Q7ipZC2eY6> or copy and
paste the following link into your browser
https://www.munireg.com/zombie-debt-foreclosing-on-presumed-dead-second-mortgages/
Michael Halpern
President
866-MUNIREG | 866-686-4734
mhalpern@munireg.com <mailto:mhalpern@munireg.com>
www.MuniReg.com <https://7pkkw.r.ag.d.sendibm3.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng08FzUjUxDJyHMew2yvYhA/g5I8lMTfcjN1>
27900 Chagrin Blvd Suite 225, Woodmere, Ohio 44122
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