The Olympics: A Complex Catalyst for Urban Redevelopment
The allure of the Olympics is palpable and undeniable. Later this month, my home country of France will host an estimated 15 million visitors and millions more viewers of the Olympics (July 26 – August 11) and Paralympics (August 28 – September 8). People generally perceive winning the bid to host the Olympics as an honor. However, there is growing concern about the negative financial, environmental, and social impacts. The Olympics is a complex catalyst for urban redevelopment.
High-Profile Political Meetings and City Clean-Up Initiatives
All eyes are on Milwaukee this week as they host the Republican National Convention (RNC). Later this summer focus will shift to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago. High-profile political meetings and city clean-up initiatives often coincide. Cities direct significant resources to reduce blight, beautify urban decay, and remove illegal dumping. While security infrastructure […]
A Comprehensive Guide to Building a Successful Career in Code Enforcement
Congratulations to the Class of 2024 & welcome to the workforce! Find out if a career in code enforcement is right for you and how to get started.
Blight Survey: What Is It & How To Do One
A blight survey is the process of inventorying municipal housing stock to understand what percentage or number of residential and commercial structures are in a state of disrepair or decay. Because there is no single, universal definition of ‘blight’ and no single, universal method of surveying, the results of blight surveys vary across city lines. […]
2024 Guide to Code Enforcement Conferences
Happy code enforcement conference season! February kicks off a number of code enforcement conferences and industry expos around the country. Trade shows and industry or professional conferences are great opportunities to connect, learn, and adapt to the ever-changing environment of code enforcement. Every year, there are new technological advancements, new regulations, new research on human […]
Revitalizing Cities Through Grassroots Initiatives
In previous posts, we’ve talked about external drivers for urban redevelopment. (Check out how high-profile political meetings and mega-sporting events can accelerate change.) External forces may accelerate and highlight urban redevelopment initiatives. Still, the remarkable impact of initiatives like Refuse Refuse and other community-driven efforts are making a significant difference in city clean-up events and […]
Trash Talk: From Litter to Illegal Dumping
From litter to illegal dumping, solid waste management is a big and complex issue impacting community health, environmental sustainability, and city budgets. Dilapidated buildings, littered streets, and neglected public spaces affect a city’s aesthetics and profoundly impact its residents’ quality of life. Researchers at the University of Toronto found that “perceived beauty or aesthetic character […]
Mega Events and Urban Transformation
As we approach major sporting events like the 2024 NCAA college football championship in Houston and Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, urban transformation initiatives and preparation for these events have come into focus. “There is perhaps no larger sports policy decision than the decision to host or bid to host a mega-event like the […]
Using ARPA Funds to Fight Urban Blight
To some, the pandemic may feel like a distant memory, but to many states and municipalities, there are still funding sources available related to pandemic relief.
Prep Together: 10 Community Engagement Activities
September is a busy time… back to school, Labor Day celebrations, and National Preparedness Month. National Preparedness Month is a month-long national campaign organized and sponsored by FEMA.