The BlightSTAT system has helped New Orleans track and improve blighted conditions around the city.
Katherine Hillenbrand reports on the details of the city of New Orleans' BlightSTAT performance management approach to blight reduction. Between 2010 and 2015, the city eliminated over 15,000 blighted units "through a mix of demolition, sale, and owner repairs," according to Hillenbrand. The city's Office of Performance and Accountability (OPA) oversees BlightSTAT, in partnership with the Department of Code Enforcement.
Hillenbrand's article explains the data-driven tools employed by the OPA team, including a "nudging" program that relies on behavioral science and a decision support card (also known as the Blight Scorecard). OPA's Blight Scorecard is designed to reduce workload and the backlog of properties awaiting a decision by code enforcement. "Working with Enigma, a data science startup, OPA tested machine learning algorithms to see if a model could be trained on that data. Based on the tests, OPA chose a logistic regression model and built an in-house tool, the Blight Scorecard, to work within the existing Code Enforcement workflow," according to Hillenbrand.
FULL STORY: New Orleans Brings Data-Driven Tools to Blight Remediation
Controversial Blight Ordinance in Gilbert, Arizona, Zeroes in on Backyards
Local officials in Gilbert, Arizona, say a new town ordinance that will fine homeowners for unsightly debris in their backyards is about fighting blight; critics say it’s a violation of their Fourth Amendment right against unreasonable search and seizure.
Measuring the Effect of Blight Remediation Programs
Tulane researchers received major funding support from the National Institutes of Health to study the effects of blight remediation on youth and family violence.
Court Restores 'Doors and Windows' Code Enforcement Ordinance in Philadelphia
One of Philadelphia's most potent code enforcement tools is back in effect after the state Supreme Court overturned a previous ruling by a lower court.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service