The urban problem of blight is seemingly large and nebulous, with complex causes and solutions. The word ‘blight’ actually comes from the botanical field to describe plant disease, typically one caused by fungi. It's been adopted into urban environments...

There’s a sense of despair with vacant properties. We stare at them when they first wind up empty. Hoping someone comes along. Daydreaming of what it might be. As time goes on we find ourselves ignoring more and daydreaming...

I can sometimes get bogged down in the policies of vacancy. I get pretty excited about design standards, code enforcement and vacant property registries. I love reading about new methods people use internationally to combat empty property. While policy...

There are two sides to economic revitalization and they must work in tandem to create change in a community. The first is the economic side. This is about training people to fill the roles we so desperately lack in...

Cupid likes it small The Place de la Concorde in Paris is around 19 acres in size. It has a stone obelisk in its center that is over 3000 years old. It was a gift from the Egyptians to...

Real estate deals can be a lot like relationships. Being that it’s love month here at Proud Places, it is my privilege to give you advice as your matchmaker. Like any relationship, knowing where you stand and what you...

I know it is a touchy subject, but something must be said. We can’t keep tik-toking around the subject. Pretending it isn’t affecting you, won’t make it go away. I am truly sorry for anyone suffering from the effects...

By Chris Elisara and John Paget. Elisara and Paget are co-founders of First+Main Films and the producers of the Better Cities Film Festival The last time we drank a cocktail at 30,000 feet, we certainly made it count.  We...