The Anatomy of Blight Report, supported by the Center for Community Progress, looks at why so many houses and buildings in our neighborhoods end up vacant or falling apart, and what can be done about it. It explains that disinvestment, unfair housing policies like redlining, weak enforcement of housing codes, and absentee ownership all play a role in creating long-term vacancy. These conditions don’t just hurt property values — they also impact safety, health, and opportunities for families, especially in Black and marginalized communities. The report makes clear that not all vacant houses are bad, but when vacancy spreads, it can weaken whole neighborhoods. To fix this, it recommends using community-driven solutions such as better data, stronger collaboration between city agencies, land banks, rehab and greening programs, and most importantly, making sure residents’ voices and needs are at the center of any plan for revitalization.
