MuniReg

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

12/11/2024

Hope you can join Michael Halpern and co-panelists for this upcoming free webinar, hosted by Funkhouser & Associates in partnership with City Detect and MuniReg.

Hear how we are collaborating with, and assisting communities across the country.

Tune in to gather insights on the following topics:

* The benefits of shifting from reactive to proactive code enforcement to revitalize neighborhoods and drive equity.

* Real-world examples of municipalities that have implemented these strategies.

* How property registration programs can address challenges like “zombie foreclosures” and vacant properties.

* Ways to integrate data and technology to streamline operations and maximize impact across departments.

* How municipalities can ensure transparency, responsible use of data, and build resident trust while deploying new technologies.

https://mayorfunk.com/event/reactive-to-proactive-a-path-to-equitable-efficient-neighborhood-revitalization/

Municipalities across the country are grappling with challenges related to urban blight, neighborhood decay, and vacant properties. Most cities rely on a reactive, complaint-driven model of code enforcement and vacant...

08/11/2024

A recent report announced “co-owned homes” are banned in Indian Wells (CA).

This follows a “controversial” process in Palm Springs where it was allowed, albeit with significant restrictions.

While initially it appeared to primarily involve high-end luxury homes , an article from Strong Towns from earlier this year asks “Is Co-Buying the Future of Homeownership?”

Perhaps too early to know, but what will the impact be to local governments when any of these home are vacated, abandoned or otherwise become a nuisance.

Links to the various articles, available at below link.

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

A recent report in the Desert Sun (behind paywall) just reported on “co-owned homes” being banned in Indian Wells (CA). This follows a “controversial” process in Palm Springs where it was allowed, albeit with significantREAD MORE

03/11/2024

A tax that would levy taxes on owners of buildings that were vacant 182 or more days in a tax year that was approved by San Francisco voters in November 2022, has been struck down by a judge.

Opponents argued that the measure violated their right to keep their property vacant and was an unconstitutional confiscation of their property.

(article behind paywall)

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

The tax on thousands of vacant apartment units in San Francisco was approved by the city’s voters two years ago.

01/11/2024

Though we are aware of funds utilized for a revolving loan fund for land banks, and of course home repair programs, the below instance is the first we have seen for a Blight and Vacant Property Revolving Loan Fund.

Best of luck City of Springfield, MA - Office of Communications and the entire team!!

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

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan today announced the City’s creation of a $1.8 million Blight and Vacant Property Revolving Loan Fund.  The establishment of the loan fund recognizes that neighborhood blight and the presence of vacant and abandoned properties have p...

31/10/2024

Proud to share our latest LinkedIn Blight Alert.
If you enjoy them, please subscribe directly (no cost)
If you would like to discuss anything included or to learn more about how we directly assist code enforcement please do not hesitate to reach out!

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management AssociationAmerican Association of Code Enforcement Code Officials of Lower Alabama Code Enforcement Association of Texas Illinois Association of Code Enforcement - IACE Code Enforcement League of Arizona California Association of Code Enforcement Officers Oklahoma Code Enforcement Association Code Enforcement Chapter of Orange County Mississippi Association of Code Enforcement The Assembly of Code Enforcers Code Enforcement Chapter of Orange County Kansas Association of Code Enforcement Iowa Association of Code Enforcement Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials Georgia Association of Code Enforcement Oregon Code Enforcement Association Henry Code Compliance MAHCO Association CAAK

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

16/10/2024

Once again, MuniReg is proud to lend our support to October being National Code Compliance Month.

We are encouraged to see more communities acknowledging this important initiative.

Lets keep the momentum going!

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association Center for Community Progress American Association of Code Enforcement Code Officials of Lower Alabama Code Enforcement Association of Texas Association of Code Enforcement - IACE Code Officials of Lower Alabama Code Enforcement League of Arizona California Association of Code Enforcement Officers Oklahoma Code Enforcement Association Code Enforcement Chapter of Orange County Mississippi Association of Code Enforcement The Assembly of Code Enforcers
Code Enforcement Chapter of Orange County Kansas Association of Code Enforcement Iowa Association of Code Enforcement Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials Georgia Association of Code Enforcement Oregon Code Enforcement Association Henry Code Compliance MAHCO Association CAAK

08/10/2024

We will be at the Reclaiming Vacant Properties Conference starting tomorrow (Wednesday 10/9)

Want to learn more about MuniReg or just to network, let us know!

Join us in St. Louis on October 9-11 for the only national conference about tackling blighted properties.

07/10/2024

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced an agreement that requires mortgage servicing company to permanently cease collections on all "zombie second mortgage" loans in Massachusetts, effectively relieving over $10M in debt for consumers

Please click below to view the press release along with previous reporting on this issue.

National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association Center for Community ProgressIMLA - International Municipal Lawyers Association United States Conference of Mayors Urban Institute

A recent article discusses, "a wave of homeowners who say they were blindsided by the start of foreclosure actions on their homes over second loans that were taken out more than a decade ago".