Officials in Fort Worth, Texas, are searching for ways to deal with buildings left vacant by businesses struggling during the recession. Other cities and the state of Texas are also addressing the issue.
"'One of the worst things you can have in your neighborhood is a boarded-up building,'" said Brandon Bennett, director of Fort Worth's code enforcement department. "'It attracts crime.'"
Recognizing that vacant buildings pose a long-term problem, Fort Worth code compliance workers a year ago started a public review to consider an ordinance to better control vacant buildings, but the work was tabled. The issue has since resurfaced and city employees are wanting to talk with real estate agents, mortgage companies and lenders about the best way to address the problem, Bennett said.
Last summer, when the review began, city workers noticed that vacant houses were generally boarded up for 1? 1/2 to two months, he said. Now more lenders and banks are boarding up structures to deter thieves, Bennett said.
In Arlington, the city launched a program to bill owners of vacant properties for inspections but recently put the plan on hold after numerous complaints.
In Austin, legislation has been filed to fine property owners who don't register vacant buildings with their city annually and show proof of insurance."
FULL STORY: Cities struggle with vacant buildings

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service