Census data has revealed that the deep recession, plunging property values, and rising foreclosures have combined to intensify the rising vacancy rate in west Michigan. Although plagued by property vacancies, west Michigan cities utilize many approaches to encourage homeownership in the area: The cities of Grand Rapids and of Wyoming and Kent county received $11 million
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In eastern New Orleans, individuals from 24 cities in six states bid for and bought 90 houses through the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority program. NORA requires each bidder to significantly restore properties within a year and agree to live there for three years. Jon Johnson,the City Councilman who represents an expanse of neighborhoods east of
-> Continue reading New Orleans Redevelopment Authority Auctions off Abandoned Houses
In Fairbanks, Alaska, artist and urbanist Candy Chang invited community members to voice their vision for an abandoned building. For the project, ‘Looking for Love Again,’ chalkboards at the building’s base provide space where individuals can write their ideas for how the building could be reused. Chang hopes that ‘Looking For Love’ leads residents to
-> Continue reading Community Members Help Develop a New Vision for an Abandoned Building
The City of Baltimore and participating employers have partnered to encourage homeownership near areas of employment. Employees of the participating employers are eligible for the benefits of this program, which are as follows: $2,000 minimum grant or conditional grant ($1,000 from the employer, and $1,000 from the City of Blacksburg) for the down payment and
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Baltimore’s Office of Homeownership established the First Time Homebuyer Program. The program aims to aid first time homeowners by providing qualified individuals with $5,000 toward down payment and settlement expenses structured as a 5-year loan forgivable 20 percent per year. Those who are eligible are identified as “first-time homebuyers with a counseling certificate from a
-> Continue reading Baltimore – Community Development Block Grant Program’s First Time Homebuyer Program