Federalism and Municipal Innovation: Lessons from the Fight Against Vacant Properties

46 The Urban Lawyer 361

16 Pages Posted: 15 Sep 2014 Last revised: 3 Oct 2014

Date Written: Spring 2014

Abstract

Cities possess a far greater ability to be trailblazers on a national scale than local officials may imagine. Realizing this, city advocates continue to call for renewed recognition by state and federal officials of the benefits of creative local problem-solving. The goal is admirable but warrants caution. The key to successful local initiatives lies not in woolgathering about cooperation with other levels of government but in identifying potential conflicts and using hard work and political savvy to build constituencies and head off objections. To demonstrate that point, this Article examines the legal status of local governments and recent efforts to regulate vacant property through land banking and registration ordinances.

Keywords: municipal law, property, vacant property, land banking, local government, federalism, housing, urban studies

Suggested Citation

Martin, Benton C., Federalism and Municipal Innovation: Lessons from the Fight Against Vacant Properties (Spring 2014). 46 The Urban Lawyer 361, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2488672

Benton C. Martin (Contact Author)

Emory University School of Law ( email )

1301 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30322
United States

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