MuniReg

22/01/2025

Markham Illinois Mayor Roger A. Agpawas states that his community's "growing number of rental properties account for a disproportionate number of police and fire service calls, as well as code enforcement and public works problems".

In response, the city has instituted a nine month moratorium on new rental properties, at which time officials will decide whether "to keep it in place or pursue other actions to promote homeownership"

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association Center for Community Progress American Association of Code Enforcement Illinois Association of Code Enforcement - IACE

After the housing market crash, Markham, like many towns, was left with a glut of empty homes.

16/01/2025

Staying on the same topic as this morning's (concerning) post ..
With efforts in one state to implement a ban on rental registries while another seeks to overturn it's state ban.

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association Center for Community Progress American Association of Code Enforcement Georgia Association of Code Enforcement

Two states are seeing contrasting efforts pertaining to rental property registries. In Kentucky, House Bill 173, introduced by Rep. Ryan Dotson, R-Winchester, would prohibit any local government in Kentucky from adopting or enforcing “policy thatREAD MORE

16/01/2025

Rental registries are a widely utilized tool across the country.
On December 10th 2024, Tuscarawas County (OH) Common Pleas Court Judge Elizabeth Thomakos issued the attached ruling striking down Uhrichsville’s (OH) landlord registration fee, deeming the yearly, per-unit fee unconstitutional.

Though City representatives stated the proceeds were used to hire a code enforcement officer, the judge ruled in favor of the plaintiffs.

Facebook does not provide for posting of the PDF ruling. For a copy of the ruling please email [email protected] or visit our LinkedIn page.

IMLA - International Municipal Lawyers Association United States Conference of Mayors National League of Cities American Association of Code Enforcement

NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Jan. 8, 2024) - Following last month’s court ruling striking down Uhrichsville’s landlord registration fee, two rental property owners are trying to get their money back. Father and son Gerald and Kevin Barker are suing the city in Tuscarawas County Common Pleas Court fo...

07/01/2025

Recent reports from the Wall Street Journal and other major outlets have highlighted a concerning trend: in some housing markets, homeowners are now paying more for insurance and property taxes than they are for their mortgages.

These rising “hidden costs” can trigger mortgage delinquencies, resulting in foreclosure and property abandonment.

As foreclosures increase, municipalities face the challenge of dealing with vacant properties. This is where MuniReg comes in.

MuniReg works directly with municipalities to track vacant and foreclosed properties through our no-cost specialized registry programs. Additionally, we help local governments navigate the complex process of returning them to productive use.

Contact us today to learn how MuniReg can assist your municipality in managing vacant and foreclosed properties, ensuring they are returned to productive use and contribute to local growth.

Recent reports from the Wall Street Journal and other major outlets have highlighted a concerning trend: in some housing markets, homeowners are now paying more for insurance and property taxes than they are for theirREAD MORE

06/01/2025

In the last post, we delved into an instance of “when systems fail.” Unfortunately, another case has surfaced, bringing with it numerous red flags beyond the glaring and staggering fine of $1,097,400.
Once again warranting the question why hasn’t anyone, internally or externally, stopped to shout: “Enough!”?

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association Center for Community Progress Urban Institute American Association of Code Enforcement California Association of Code Enforcement Officers Code Enforcement Association of Texas Code Enforcement League of Arizona Mississippi Association of Code Enforcement Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials Georgia Association of Code Enforcement Iowa Association of Code Enforcement Oregon Code Enforcement Association Kansas Association of Code Enforcement Association of Code Enforcement - IACE MAHCO Association COAA - Code Officials Association of Alabama

In the last post, we delved into an instance of “When Systems Fail.” Unfortunately, another case has surfaced, bringing with it numerous red flags and critical questions to consider. Where to even begin? This time,READ MORE

03/01/2025

In a blog post, Halpern discusses one troubling detail that stands out in a recent article that seems to be largely overlooked.
Requiring the question, is this the exception or the rule? And why hasn’t anyone, internally or externally, stopped to shout: “Enough!”

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association Center for Community Progress Urban Institute American Association of Code Enforcement California Association of Code Enforcement Officers Code Enforcement Association of Texas Code Enforcement League of Arizona Mississippi Association of Code Enforcement Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials Georgia Association of Code Enforcement Iowa Association of Code Enforcement Oregon Code Enforcement Association Kansas Association of Code Enforcement Illinois Association of Code Enforcement - IACE MAHCO Association COAA - Code Officials Association of Alabama

The quote often misattributed to Albert Einstein, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,” feels particularly relevant to a recent article coming out of Pittsburgh. In this troublingREAD MORE

02/01/2025

"Bernadette and Sanford believe that courses like the one they’re in should be available all over the U.S."

This is an example of why we share the content we do, good and creative solutions should be replicated.

This quote is taken from the below article. We first reported on Fight the Blight initiatives in November 2023, where they were seeking funding etc.

This new article discusses their recent success into increasing awareness, advocacy and solutions to address the mental health challenges of hoarding and the negative impact to family, friends and communities.

Kudos to Matt Williams and the team at Fight the Blight for leading the charge!

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association Center for Community Progress Urban Institute American Association of Code Enforcement Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation California Association of Code Enforcement Officers Code Enforcement Association of Texas Code Enforcement League of Arizona Mississippi Association of Code Enforcement Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials Georgia Association of Code Enforcement Iowa Association of Code Enforcement Oregon Code Enforcement Association Kansas Association of Code Enforcement Illinois Association of Code Enforcement - IACE MAHCO Association COAA - Code Officials Association of Alabama International Code Council

Concern is growing about the prevalence of hoarding disorder among seniors, and the lack of access to effective treatments. Some have found coping strategies — and community — in a support group.

23/12/2024

Happy Holidays from all of us here at MuniReg!
Safe, healthy and blessed New Year!

16/12/2024

MuniReg President Michael Halpern was privileged to co-present on a recent webinar titled “REACTIVE TO PROACTIVE: A Path to Equitable & Efficient Neighborhood Revitalization”

Hosted by former Kansas City, MO Mayor Mark Funkhouser Michael was joined by;

1) Stockton, CA City Manager Harry Black
2) Anniston, AL Sr. Code Officer Tana Bryant
3) City Detect CEO Gavin Baum-Blake

In brief;

a) Harry spoke about Stockton’s use of predictive analytics to not only shape its code enforcement strategy but support its focus on performance and data-informed decision-making.
b) Tana offered real-world examples of how data-driven strategies boost her team’s capacity.
c) Gavin led the audience through a compelling demo, showcasing how their technology captures and identifies code violations, litter, and graffiti.
d) Michael highlighted the critical role of vacant property registries in mitigating "zombie” foreclosures and supporting early intervention efforts.

The free 60 minute presentation is available by clicking on the graphic below.

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association Center for Community Progress Urban Institute American Association of Code Enforcement Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation California Association of Code Enforcement Officers Code Enforcement Association of Texas Code Enforcement League of Arizona Mississippi Association of Code Enforcement Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials Georgia Association of Code Enforcement Iowa Association of Code Enforcement Oregon Code Enforcement Association Kansas Association of Code Enforcement Association of Code Enforcement - IACEMAHCO Association COAA - Code Officials Association of Alabama Code Officials of Lower Alabama International Code Council Women In Code Enforcement and Development EduCode International

MuniReg President Michael Halpern was privileged to co-present on a recent webinar titled “REACTIVE TO PROACTIVE: A Path to Equitable & Efficient Neighborhood Revitalization” Hosted by former Kansas City, MO Mayor Mark Funkhouser, Michael wasREAD MORE

13/12/2024

A recent article in Government Technology discusses efforts in Syracuse (NY) to outfit its code enforcement team with body-cameras and some of the challenges the administration is facing in moving forward.
While there are real concerns (i.e. privacy) that need to be addressed, MuniReg will always support initiatives that protect the health and safety of code enforcement personnel.

Wishing City of Syracuse - Office of the Mayor and all other communities contemplating this approach the best of luck!

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association Center for Community Progress Urban Institute American Association of Code Enforcement Code Enforcement Officer Safety Foundation California Association of Code Enforcement Officers Code Enforcement Association of Texas Code Enforcement League of Arizona Mississippi Association of Code Enforcement Code Enforcement Officers Oklahoma Code Enforcement Association Central Florida Code Enforcement Officers Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials Georgia Association of Code Enforcement Iowa Association of Code Enforcement Oregon Code Enforcement Association Kansas Association of Code Enforcement Illinois Association of Code Enforcement - IACE MAHCO Association Code Officials of Lower Alabama International Code Council Women In Code Enforcement and Development

Mayor Ben Walsh’s administration wants to expand the use of body-worn cameras to its code enforcement staff, but city lawmakers want questions answered before they’ll go along with buying the equipment.

13/12/2024

A recent Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) news release features comments by Dr. Ruth Jones Nichols, EVP for National and Local Programs discussing the growing momentum of build-to-rent (B2R) housing developments as featured in the Wall Street Journal.

The article references "a study to be published in early 2025 that found larger landlords file evictions at nearly three times the rate of smaller owners and have double the rate of maintenance violations."

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association Center for Community Progress Urban Institute American Association of Code Enforcement National Housing Conference

LISC’s Dr. Ruth Jones Nichols, EVP for National and Local Programs, is quoted in Wall Street Journal about the growth of build-to-rent housing and its implications for renters and the state of the housing market.

12/12/2024

In a new blog post Michael Halpern addresses the VPR exemption request outlined in this article for a vacant property registration.
This situation appears to be a case of much ado about nothing.

When a VPR program is approached with the right perspective, issues like this shouldn’t need to escalate to the city council’s agenda. A well-designed VPR program serves as a means to an end—with the end being a property that is either occupied and maintained or, at the very least, maintained.

According to the article, the property in question has engaged local owners who are actively rehabbing and maintaining it. In such cases, a well-crafted VPR program should empower code enforcement officials or the building department to approve exemptions without requiring council involvement.

Empowering staff to handle these decisions offers several advantages. It fosters direct and open communication between property owners and code enforcement, reducing the perception of an adversarial relationship that can arise when issues are escalated to higher levels. This approach aligns with the practical goal of achieving voluntary compliance with maintenance standards.

However, the broader and more holistic objective of a VPR program and all tools in a blight toolbox, is to build and sustain a thriving community. Maintaining goodwill between property owners and city officials is essential to achieving that objective. A collaborative and proactive approach ensures that everyone works together toward the common goal of preserving and enhancing the community’s character.

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association for Community Progress American Association of Code Enforcement

The Minden City Council addressed a few pieces of business during the December 2 regular meeting be- fore adjourning sine die and reorganizing. The consent agenda was approved including the

10/12/2024

Michael Halpern's latest blog post takes a look at one community's creative approach to encourage the rehabilitation of condemned properties, with a reminder to keep an eye on the bigger picture.

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association Center for Community Progress American Association of Code Enforcement Institute

A recent article in the Roswell (NM) Daily Record highlights the city’s initiative to reduce building fees as a way to encourage the rehabilitation of condemned properties. While this approach is commendable, it’s crucial toREAD MORE

04/12/2024

Common sense solution.
Ensure its a arms length transaction, use for a critical need and implement safeguards to prevent abuse.

But also demonstrates the need to have preventative tools like a VPR to minimize the funds a municipality has to expend................that has ultimately to be written off.

National League of Cities - International City/County Management Association Center for Community ProgressAmerican Association of Code Enforcement IMLA - International Municipal Lawyers Association United States Conference of Mayors Urban Institute Louisville Metro Government CAAK



https://louisvilleky.gov/government/community-development/affordable-housing-lien-forgiveness-pilot-program

04/12/2024

Approximately a month ago we reported on a lawsuit challenging historical vacant property registration fees. A $1.9mm settlement appears to have been reached in this case.

Instances like these highlight the importance of municipal governments partnering with the right entities—ones that prioritize community well-being over profits. At Munireg, we bring unmatched expertise and proven strategies to help municipalities tackle the challenges of vacant and abandoned properties while protecting their reputation, reducing legal risks, and enhancing neighborhood quality of life.

Partner with a team that puts your community first.

18/11/2024

Our latest Blight Alert.
Hope you can join Michael Halpern and co-panelists Harry Black, City Manager, City of Stockton, CA, Tana Bryant, Sr. Code Enforcement Officer, City of Anniston, AL and Gavin Baum-Blake, CEO & Co-Founder, City Detect for the free webinar later this week hosted by former Kansas City MO Mayor, and former publisher of Governing Magazine, Mark Funkhouser.
Details in the Alert.

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association American Association of Code Enforcement United States Conference of Mayors Urban Institute

News and Updates Pertaining to Blight - Innovative Solutions, Emerging Issues etc. We're pleased to provide you with the latest updates and national best practices regarding the mitigation of vacant and abandoned properties, specifically tailored to meet the needs of municipal governments like yours

13/11/2024

Could it be?
Focus on blight, advocacy from the top, breaking down silos (involvement of over 12 departments), creative marketing and approaches to community engagement, and clear and direct communication.
All of these seem to be in play in Cherelle Parker for Philly Mayor and City of Philadelphia Government "One Philly, United City Cleaning Initiative".
This quote from Carlton Williams, Director of Clean and Green Initiatives demonstrates common sense logic but unfortunately isn't often found or seen in other communities.
“History has demonstrated that efforts from a one-time cleaning of the entire city cannot be maintained alone. Preventive measures, enforcement and support from residents and businesses to keep their areas clean is necessary to sustain cleaning efforts”.

Congrats and best wishes for continued success!!

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association American Association of Code Enforcement United States Conference of Mayors Urban Institute Center for Community Progress

One Philly, A United City Citywide Cleaning Program Continues