Resources
 In the News

Albany and Washington shine light on Buffalo housing blight
buffalonews.com, 10/29/09

 

AP IMPACT: Empty neighborhoods fill Rust Belt

ap.org, 5/4/09

 

An effort to save Flint, Mich., by shrinking it

nytimes.org, 4/21/09

THE COMMUNITY REGENERATION, SUSTAINABILITY, and INNOVATION ACT of 2009

An exciting opportunity for cities and metropolitan areas experiencing large-scale property vacancy due to long-term employment and population losses is before us. HR 932, originally sponsored by Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) and Brian Higgins (D-NY), and its Senate companion S453, introduced by Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) and Sherrod Brown, would create a new pilot grant program within HUD to assist these areas in creating vibrant communities through an array of strategies and projects.

Cities such as Buffalo, NY, Youngstown, OH, St. Louis, MO, and Charleston, WV have long suffered from sustained population losses and vacant property rates far in excess of those now being experienced by boom and bust communities. While increasing mortgage foreclosures, job losses, and business bankruptcies have led to significant vacancy challenges in cities throughout the country, in these cities and region, the dual foreclosure and economic crisis are compounding a long-term, deep-rooted problem.

The Regeneration Act would build the capacity of these local governments to prevent, demolish, manage, and reclaim vacant and abandoned properties through an array of effective strategies and tools.

WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT NOW:

  1. Add your organization's name to our letter of support.
  2. Meet with your Member of Congress while they are home in the district. Borrow our advocacy materials below to make your work easier!
  • Fact Sheet: A “leave-behind” on how this legislation will help provide a path to prosperity for struggling cities. (1.7mb PDF)
  • Regeneration Act Bill Summary (144kb PDF)
  • H.R. 932: The Community Regeneration, Sustainability, and Innovation Act of 2009 (196kb PDF)
  • Talking Points: Talking points for your meeting (140KB PDF)
  • Co-sponsor Letter: In case you can’t get a meeting in person, ask for co-sponsorship (96kb DOC)
  • NEMW House Coalition letter: Co-chairs of the NEMW Congressional Coalition, Rep. James Oberstar (D-MN) and Steven LaTourette (R-OH) spearheaded a letter to Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee Barney Frank (D-MA) requesting a hearing on the bill. Fourteen Members of Congress signed on to the letter. (964kb, PDF)

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