On November 13, 2019, municipal and parish leaders and staff representing 11 communities along with REALTORS® from across Louisiana gathered to discuss issues related to vacant, abandoned, and underutilized properties. These leaders explored how to strengthen policies, regulations, and practices to address vacant and abandoned properties.

The workshop started with an introduction by CPEX Board Chair, Preston Castille, Jr. and a discussion by Jessica Kemp, CPEX Vice President, of the components and importance of healthy communities, followed by short presentations by the mayors on their biggest challenges related to vacant, adjudicated, and blighted properties. Mayors also discussed policies and programs they would like to change.

Kim Graziani and Frank Alexander of the Center for Community Progress then presented a survey of successful approaches to address vacancy and abandonment and identify and combat the root causes of blight. These presentations are provided in the appendix. Workshop attendees then participated in a facilitated discussion which was guided by input from Brenda Breaux, New Orleans Redevelopment Authority; Chris Tyson, Build Baton Rouge; and James Gilleylen, JQUAD Planning Group. Participants discussed tools, best practices, legislative changes, property tax enforcement, and the complexity of adjudicated properties. The session ended with a discussion of next steps.

The workshop focused on two broad topics: 1. Successful strategies to address vacancy and abandonment 2. Addressing local barriers including adjudicated properties, housing and building code enforcement, and land banking.

This report summarizes the input provided during the workshop and lays out next steps to begin addressing problem properties, strengthen actions, and improve regulations and tools for addressing vacancy and abandonment in Louisiana communities.