Center for Community Progress

Our board member Christa Stoneham, AIA A. NOMA had the honor of testifying before the House Energy & Commerce Committee earlier this month about how brownfields funding has helped the Houston Land Bank transform contaminated vacant and underutilized properties into opportunities for housing, economic growth, and stronger communities. Check out key moments from the hearing to hear how land banks play a crucial role in revitalizing neighborhoods and creating opportunities, and learn more about revitalizing brownfields on our website: https://lnkd.in/gEDPYWNb 

Illegal dumping is a persistent challenge in communities with vacant properties, creating safety risks, draining public resources, and impacting neighborhood morale. Dealing with illegal dumping starts with knowing the scale of the problem: What’s being dumped and where? Read about how the The Genesee County Land Bank Bank worked with the University of Michigan College of Literature, Science, and the Arts Violence Prevention Center to pilot an illegal dumping inventory that will give the city better information to address problem areas, and help pilot interventions aimed at stopping illegal dumping in the first place. Learn more about how this effort is making a difference and what other communities can take away from it. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/gCM-JarA

Land banks are playing an increasingly active role in rehab and new construction to address housing challenges. How are they doing it? What strategies work best? Join Kim Graziani, Senior Advisor at Center for Community Progress, and Joe van Dyk, Executive Director of the South Suburban Land Bank and Development Authority, for a deep dive into how land banks are evolving to meet community needs through:  -Direct rehab and new construction programs  -Contractor partnerships  -Nonprofit collaborations  This session will also highlight how one land bank transitioned from a pilot program to a full-scale initiative, with insights from NLBN members on what’s working in the field. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn and connect. Register now! https://lnkd.in/gBKKnna9

Our 2024 Impact Report is here!    At the Center for Community Progress, we help transform vacant spaces into vibrant places. Our team of national experts continues to equip communities with the policies, tools, and resources they need to revitalize properties and build stronger neighborhoods.   From shaping local, state, and federal policies to fostering lasting networks and sharing nation-leading expertise, our work is all about creating sustainable change.    Read the full report to see how we’re making an impact here: https://lnkd.in/eCha93eq

In Detroit, nearly 50% of households rent their homes—making safe, well-maintained rental housing a critical priority. When the city enacted a stronger rental ordinance in 2017, enforcement challenges soon followed. The Center for Community Progress partnered with Detroit to understand why compliance was low and developed key recommendations to improve enforcement. A year later, the city has taken major steps forward—and we’re sharing what worked. Join us to explore:  -What led to Detroit’s rental inspection reforms -Strategies to strengthen rental compliance -Lessons other cities can apply to improve housing quality   Register now and be part of the conversation! https://lnkd.in/gpJa2JfC

Our VP of ELE, Justin Godard, and our Board member, Christa Stoneham, AIA A. NOMA, are both featured in this issue of The People’s Practice by ThirdSpace Action Lab! Justin shares insights on fostering strong leadership in community development, while Christa dives into the power of visibility, mentorship, and bold action in driving lasting change.  Don’t miss their insight on equity, representation, and leadership. Read the full interview here:  https://lnkd.in/dvdCaHtX 

How are land banks tackling problem properties in new and creative ways? Through the Innovative Approach Award, five land banks received funding to pilot groundbreaking solutions, from transforming vacant lots to pioneering new community partnerships. These initiatives go beyond traditional land bank operations, driving real change in neighborhoods across the country. Read more in our new blog post: https://lnkd.in/gf9axKZc

Happy Women's History Month!

We’re excited to celebrate two incredible team members who are marking their one-year anniversaries with Community Progress! Thank you both for your dedication and the impact you’ve made in just one year. 

Have a powerful success story to share? Present a poster at the 2025 National Land Bank Network Summit!   A poster session is a great way to showcase a specific project or program and its community impact without the commitment of a full breakout session. Whether it's an innovative rehab program, a creative community partnership, or a bold policy initiative, your insights can inspire others in the field. Submit your proposal by Friday, March 7: https://lnkd.in/gcdFMkcR