BasicGov / BLOG

US cities are finding code enforcement solutions to help with foreclosures. See examples below.

Collier County Code Enforcement’s Blight Prevention Program is helping with foreclosure related problems. The program includes 3 areas:

1.   Address Health, Safety and Welfare Issues

• React immediately to reported code violations and coordinate with banking institutions to resolve the violations

2.   Stabilize Property Values and Property Tax Revenue

• Properly maintained properties stabilizes values and tax revenue

• Enhances the “sell” ability of the property for prospective buyers

3.   Prevents Blight within the Community

• The program embraces a proactive approach with banking institutions; provides regular follow-up with lenders about property conditions; advises lenders of code violations and issues affidavits of compliance when successfully addressed. See source.

In Indio they have hired 2 part-time code enforcement officers help the city stay on top of the home foreclosure program. Source: http://www.mydesert.com/article/20110225/NEWS01/102240343/1006/news01/Indio-hire-2-new-part-time-code-enforcement-officers

In Charles County commissioners have a new task force aimed at addressing residential property standards. This was a result of hearing presentation on the struggles that neighbors, real estate agents and banks have with foreclosed and derelict properties. See source.

Register for a free webinar and find out how other cities are using code enforcement software. Click here to register.

It is very interesting how cities are innovating and embracing social media.  Here are a few examples that I came across online.  If you have other examples, I invite you to post a comment below.

• The city of Somerville , Massachusetts with a population of 77k+ has started using social media with its 311 service to expand beyond phone requests.  So now citizens can call or use Twitter or Facebook to send in 311 requests  (source: Somerville leads the way with 311 taking Twitter and Facebook work orders).

• Twin Falls, Idaho with a population over 40k has a new incoming Chief of Police that wants to communicate better with citizens. They have started using Facebook and Twitter to keep citizens up-to-date on crimes as well as share crime prevention tips (source: As population grows, police seek improved communication).

• In Canada, the House of Commons has approved MPs and political staff to use Twitter and Facebook applications on government-issued BlackBerrys.  Before they had to access the sites through web-based versions (source: Toronto Star).

• The US Federal Emergency Management Agency is now using social media and smartphones to communicate with the public during disasters (see announcement).

• But, a survey shows that only 25% of businesses have added social media like Facebook or Twitter to their disaster recovery and business continuity plans (source: Janeco survey).