Indianapolis has a growing problem with abandoned houses. To fight the blight, they're now selling the homes online.
"The Department of Metropolitan Development's Indy Land Bank, established two years ago, acquires abandoned, tax-delinquent and other problem properties within Marion County and makes them available to nonprofit and for-profit developers.
Abandoned property purchased through a Marion County tax sale is typically sold "as is," often leaving the buyer to pay off tax and other liens. But a home purchased from the Indy Land Bank comes with a clean ownership title, free of such liens.
Fueled by job losses, bankruptcies and foreclosures, the abandoned-housing problem in Indianapolis is believed to be growing.
The most recent survey of vacant Indianapolis houses, by Ball State University students in 2003, showed the city had 7,913 vacant homes. Fifty-eight percent of them were in Center Township, just outside Downtown."
FULL STORY: City: Click here to buy abandoned houses
Subprime Loans Are Back—Now They're Called Nonprime Loans
Some say that "nonprime" loans will create the same financial ruins as their "subprime" predecessors. Others say the housing market needs ways for more people to buy homes and drive the industry.
The Last Days of the Home Affordable Modification Program
The Washington Post takes stock of the Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP) in its final days, finding a program hampered by bad faith from large banks and bad oversight by the Treasury Department.
The Case for Making Federal Housing Programs Like HAMP and HARP Permanent
There have been a number of federal and state programs to address the housing and foreclosure crisis. While these programs have helped a lot of people and continue to do so, many people that are qualified still have trouble completing these programs.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie