HomeMy WebLinkAbout061725 - National Strategies for Combatting Blight_ MuniReg Advisory - June 17th_ 2025ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
<https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/op/sh/1t6AVse4sR7ZnHvJOPUvc637P7bOQW/SI2YxTXVzxZB>
Good Morning
We’re excited to bring you the latest updates and national best practices for addressing vacant and abandoned properties—carefully curated with the needs of municipal governments in
mind.
Feel free to forward this valuable information to colleagues or other relevant stakeholders within your municipality.
For those new to our newsletter, MuniReg typically shares updates monthly or bi-monthly. As many community challenges are interrelated, innovative solutions from across the country often
provide meaningful insights applicable to your local efforts.
At MuniReg, we understand that every municipality faces unique obstacles in the fight against blight. That’s why we’re committed to delivering tailored, effective solutions to support
your code enforcement and revitalization goals.
This alert is for informational purposes only.
If you'd like to learn how MuniReg can support your municipality further, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at admin@munireg.com.
Honesty and integrity do exist!
Recent American City & County article headline reads "Small cities, big scandals: Why smaller cities are at greater risk of fraud". However it's not just smaller municipalities, but
all sizes. Though the article focuses on internal staff, local governments should protect themselves from risks from outsourcing partners!
Don't take anything for granted! Do full diligence on who you partner with.
In addition to the listed "cost of inaction" there are other reputational risks.
Is your partner in it for the quick buck? That can lead to the creation of a " perverse incentive" (i.e. https://www.munireg.com/avoiding-a-perverse-incentiv <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f
/sh/1t6Af4OiGsDg0dsQOfkHzgLg7d1zFM/MGOQDZ8RDrR2>
Is your partner overly aggressive and puts their needs ahead of yours? This can lead to an unwanted headline (i.e. https://www.law.com/njlawjournal/2021/08/17/judge-renounces-towns-zombie-house-regul
ations-as-a-money-grab/?slreturn=20250616171530) <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsE8LM4qn1qD9wPVVS0ixQ/5R5d9c9nIst7> <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsEag
4HHBNw8KCTKtGzSfU/pe4azseW4GEj>
Honesty and integrity do exist. Try us out and find out for yourself!
That article can be viewed by clicking here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsF30mThZk23USXAH5yCNY/IVSg3wxfRf7Q> , or by copying and pasting the following into your
web browser
https://www.americancityandcounty.com/public-administration-governance/small-cities-big-scandals-why-smaller-cities-are-at-greater-risk-of-fraud <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiG
sFVLUg7y67yeiazeuww5c/BaEO51LW2fUT>
Code Enforcement in Focus
1. Code Enforcement as a Tool for Safe, Equitable & Affordable Housing
A new report by Housing Action Illinois and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Code Enforcement as a Tool for Safe, Equitable & Affordable Housing, explores the impact
of local housing code enforcement on health, safety, and stability.
The study analyzed housing code enforcement practices in five midsize Illinois cities and Chicago, exploring challenges in current enforcement models and identifying opportunities for
reform.
To view the findings, recommendations and the study in its entirety, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsFxgCsYMSDtoyep2jvfng/zHCDGiAaOh_y> , or
copy and paste the following into your web browser https://www.munireg.com/how-housing-code-enforcement-shapes-stability-and-access-to-safe-homes/ <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4
OiGsGQ0v4ykoJozEieQYuPVk/EVb6LClf6NOS>
2. What Cities Get Wrong About Code Enforcement—and How to Fix It
In a recent insightful LinkedIn post, Jose Ibarra Geniz, a Certified Building Official and Municipal Services Manager, highlighted six common missteps cities make when it comes to code
enforcement—and what needs to change.
* Treating Code Enforcement as Purely Compliance-Driven
* Underfunding the Department and Expecting Results
* Using Enforcement to Mask Policy Failures
* Isolating Code Enforcement from Other City Departments
* Failing to Recognize the Human Side of the Job
* Neglecting Staff Training and Collaboration
To view the full post, along with Jose's recommended fixes, please click here. <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsGsLdHP9APk9UmToNt9Do/HalTNScbsrae> ,or copy and
paste the following into your web browser https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-cities-get-wrong-code-enforcementand-how-fix-jose--qncac/ <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsHKgLTpX
WVfJkqJCCrsvs/D8t8lQuX59DJ>
A similar article was penned in 2013 by renowned community development expert Alan Mallach, titled, "5 Things Cities and CDCs Don’t Get About Code Enforcement"
That article can be viewed by clicking here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/1t6Af4OiGsHn13gFvsbaU0u8a1qcdw/x7Vp32BXIrPq> , or by copying and pasting the following into your
web browser
https://shelterforce.org/2013/03/26/5_things_cities_and_cdcs_dont_get_about_code_enforcement/ <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfsZpYlJAHvPtfpMRDAnrD2/yEAYiqsrNTpt>
Legal Challenges to Property Registries
Though property registries are widely utilized across the country and continue to be advocated for (i.e. NewYork Times May https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/13/us/crime-housing-laws-police.html
<https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfuSp5Gc8r9rw29AbZfab9Y/kOrRzpw2ExqV> ), they are occasionally challenged.
One challenge to a vacant property registry validates MuniReg's advocacy for, clearly defined, fair exemptions, whilst maintaining the efficacy of the program as a whole.
As the only entity that truly understands the purpose, value and limitations of these registries, we focus on doing the right thing. The only entity that "loses" when an exemption is
approved is MuniReg. We gladly "leave money on the table" if its the right thing to do.
A second challenge finds a case under review at the Ohio Supreme Court, which will decide whether a North Canton ordinance that requires landlords to get inspections of their rental
units is constitutional.
For more information please click on the following links:
Vacant Property Registry: City facing court injunction <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfwLoblv7QOJyOSylwANL64/tq8MSN58fnQh>
or copy and paste the following into your web browser https://www.pencitycurrent.com/stories/city-facing-court-injunction,121495 <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfyEo8HE5zcm0kmmw
IfA52a/1EVleXEQjdfm>
Rental Property Registry: Ohio's top court to decide if North Canton's rental inspection law is legal <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng07nemX4YrE376b6f9woz6/h2C_do7oR_9o>
or copy and paste the following into your web browser https://www.cantonrep.com/story/news/local/north-canton/2025/06/10/ohio-supreme-court-to-review-north-cantons-rental-inspection-law/84135728007/
<https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng20nBHq385g5TQPH1ejYvc/l4fSjZ5uMTQb>
Positive Steps
Early intervention is a proven approach to mitigate property damage. Communities are starting to realize that there are better approaches to existing notification methods.
One community has undertaken a review of how code violation notices are sent.
Certified mail is not only expensive—it’s often ineffective, especially when notices are sent to vacant or abandoned properties. This recent example highlights similar issues even with
rental properties, where communication gaps can stall compliance.
We’re here to help you modernize and improve your code enforcement process. Reach out to learn how we can support your community.
For more information on New Haven CT's efforts please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng3tmhn91hK87pkDRO9WIs8/q7SGIqpeCMUi> , or copy and paste the following
into your web browser https://www.newhavenindependent.org/article/lci_seeks_certified_anti_blight_upgrade <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng5mmEIS0GYaAC41bkeJ2oe/vwpYnYiF9i8C>
Rental Property "Caps"
Two Indiana communities have implemented "caps" on the number of permitted rental properties.
In Carmel, the new legislation "limits the number of authorized residential dwelling permits to 10% of all homes within a subdivision or the City of Carmel as a whole.”
In Fishers, the new legislation mandates "no more than 10% of the single-family homes in any given subdivision may be put up for rent." Reports indicate the legislation has several built
in exemptions.
For more information please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng7flknkypn2CYNpm795mlA/V2lh_zwkuBi8> for a recent article discussing Carmel's program with
a link to an April 21 article discussing Fishers program, or copy and paste the following into your web browser https://fox59.com/news/carmel-to-cap-number-of-single-family-rental-homes-available-wi
thin-city-limits/ <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2ng9YlHJ3xP1UEuhdwTdsWhg/WmpFFtpeCY8Y>
MSN "The Housing Market Just Sent a Clear Warning"
From MSN.... "The U.S. housing market is showing serious signs of strain, and the warnings are growing louder." "This isn’t just market noise. It’s a wake-up call. From the sheer volume
of unsold homes to crashing mortgage applications, all the indicators are flashing yellow – and maybe even red."
Additional many communities have voiced concerns and occasionally taken action against "large institutional investors". The linked video segment discusses the apparent pull back of these
entities in the market.
To view the article, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfsaHtTVagHVoq5QGazmav6/Md7MhO4Mjnx1> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser
https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/the-housing-market-just-sent-a-clear-warning/ss-AA1GkaR8?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfuTHPyoZFVxrCPEQxU
ZKrc/XuOqM04SNwdZ>
National Housing Crisis Task Force
In July 2024, the Nowak Metro Finance Lab at Drexel University and Accelerator for America launched the National Housing Crisis Task Force.
The Task Force was created to tackle “the breadth and depth of the housing crisis and the urgent need for all layers of government and the private and civic sectors to rise to the occasion
and fully treat the housing crisis like the crisis it is.”
In March 2025 they released “The introduction to the State and Local Housing Action Plan”summarizing all of the expected tools planned and includes a “how to” guide for the action plan.
In May 2025 they released a second set of tools being added to its State and Local Housing Action Plan
For more information, please click here <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfwMGwU7XokPtYj2bJzM4o8/izkXdfr_UISb> , or copy and paste the following into your web browser
https://www.munireg.com/national-housing-crisis-task-force/ <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/cl/f/sh/7nVU1aA2nfyFGSzQWNyrvv2qlgU8oke/tIZGiN89cJus>
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/7nVU1aA2ng08FzUjUxDJyHMew2yvYhA/95Xs4u_mdSBk>
23215 Commerce Parkway Suite 115, Beachwood, Ohio 44122
Click here to unsubscribe <https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/mk/un/v2/sh/1t6AVsdYhqSR1kigrwMLBBlFpAlIzU/qAY9NB0zeHJK>
<https://7pkkw.r.a.d.sendibm1.com/tracking/?utm_campaign=97dc33a74f9b20671e5783f2445a5cea&utm_medium=email&utm_source=logo_mailin>
1=0;282=0;283=0;284=0;285=0;286=0;287=0;288=0;289=0;290=0;291=0;292=0;293=0;294=3208;295=3.51;296=346;297=2.54;298=0.01;299=0.02;300=0.06;301=0.01;302=0.99;303=0.28;304=0;305=0;306=0.02;307=0.1;308=0
;309=0;310=0.01;311=0;312=0;313=0;314=0;315=0;316=0;317=0;318=0.07;319=0.99;320=0.02;321=0.1;322=0.01;323=0;324=0;325=0;326=0.08;327=0;328=2.26;329=1.61;330=3.5;331=2.96;332=0.9;333=0;334=1.75;335=2.
52;336=0;337=0;338=1.3;339=0;340=0;341=0;342=0;343=0;344=0;345=0;346=2.33;347=3.5;348=1.79;349=2.52;350=1.3;351=0;352=0;353=0;354=2.39;355=0;356=0;357=1;358=0;359=0