Strategies

The end result of property abandonment is so apparent, so visible—we can see the burned out, gutted buildings, the boarded windows, the empty lots, and the declining neighborhoods in which they are situated.  What is less apparent, however, is the string of events that leads a neighborhood to this point: the problems of substandard housing and neglect, predatory lending, job loss, crime, and social inequity that lead to long term vacancy, abandonment, and eventual decay—symptoms of the classic Broken Window Theory. 

In order to prevent the end result of property abandonment and its consequences, communities must coordinate a series of actions to address each of the many problems along the way. There are a variety of approaches and solutions to choose from:

• Neighborhoods with dilapidated or chronically vacant properties might deploy strategies and tools that prevent abandonment or that foster rehabilitation of substandard housing and abandoned buildings.
• Neighborhoods with large-scale abandonment might require policies that facilitate acquisition and management of abandoned or tax-delinquent properties.
• In addition to using these tools and strategies that prevent abandonment or that acquire abandoned properties, communities also need effective land use and redevelopment plans and flexible zoning codes that promote neighborhood transformation through the reuse and revitalization of vacant properties.

The challenge for many cities is learning to apply the tools that are appropriate for each neighborhood or property, and coordinating these strategies with each other.

In conducting its technical assistance work around the country, the Campaign has observed dozens of programs that have successfully turned vacant properties into assets in their communities. In addition, our Research and Policy program is continually tracking current state and local policy developments that address the many different components of the abandonment and revitalization cycles.

• Model Programs
• Strategies and Technical Tools
• Policy Development