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 […]
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.
Revitalizing Communities: Code Enforcement Grants
Municipal Code Enforcement Departments play a crucial role in maintaining safe, thriving communities.
In the Shadows of Broken Windows: The Code Enforcement Success Story
The 1982 Broken Windows Theory has been debunked by two large-scale criminology studies in the past two decades.
Safeguarding Prosperity: The Economic Impact of Code Enforcement
Code enforcement may not always seem financially attractive, but its role in shaping communities and driving economic growth cannot be understated.
Defining a Threshold for Blighted Properties: A Guide for Code Enforcement Departments
Blighted properties can be a significant challenge for local governments and residents.
Baselines to beautification: Creating a data-driven responsive proposal for FY25 NOFO Choice Neighborhood HUD Grant
The HUD Choice Neighborhood Grant program provides funding to communities to revitalize neighborhoods and requires a lot of data to apply. Learn how to use data in your grant application.
