Local Government Academy is kicking off a regional Blight Mitigation Initiative to support the recovery from de-industrialization and overcome rural isolation that so often contributes to vacant and abandoned properties. This initiative will strengthen coordination across municipal and county lines, build relationships between county and local governments, and establish professional training to advance community renewal across Southwestern Pennsylvania. Ultimately, by building local champions at the county and local level, we build capacity and the will to address property decline and disinvestment.

Working with the Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington, Greene County Redevelopment Authority, and Allegheny County Economic Development, the Blight Mitigation Initiative begins with professional training for county representatives, municipal code enforcement practitioners, and local government officials. Stay-tuned for more updates throughout 2020, as we deliver blight training programs designed specifically for local governments and pilot a capacity building internship program to document the presence of blight. If you are a municipal official or employee and are interested in blight mitigation, please contact us here: [email protected]

Finally, thank you Amanda Settelmaier, TCVCOG, for sending along this article from the Center for Community Progress:

“We Will Need Code Enforcement Now More Than Ever: Three COVID-19 Responses to Protect Neighborhoods”

• Response #1: Adapt Responses to Deferred Property Maintenance
• Response #2: Increase Communication with Renters and Landlords
• Response #3: Track Residential and Commercial Vacancies

Local Government Academy is thankful for the support from the Benedum Foundation (Grant Reference #20190122) and the tremendous contribution of in-kind services from Redevelopment Authority of the County of Washington Cunty, Greene County Redevelopment Authority, Allegheny County Economic Development, Steel Rivers Council of Governments, Turtle Creek Valley Council of Governments (TCVCOG), elected and municipal staff in Washington and Greene counties, and our volunteer instructors.