The problem

• Baltimore, Bridgeport, Conn., Buffalo, Indianapolis, Richmond, Va., Spartanburg, S.C., and Tucson all had abandoned property problems that the municipalities alone could not correct. They went looking for someone who could help.

The strategy

• All of those cities were among 50 that responded to a request for proposals from the National Vacant Properties Campaign for expertise in dealing with their problems. Each city will receive from the campaign technical assistance valued at between $15,000 and $70,000. That assistance could include roundtable discussions with national experts, consultations by public officials from cities leading effective local programs, and implementation of specific strategies. LISC is leading this technical assistance effort for the campaign.

The result

• All of the cities are getting help when and where they need it.