New Derelict Buildings dashboard shows program outcomes; staff says properties are being returned to productive use

Community Development staff on June 23 demonstrated a new Derelict Buildings public dashboard that aggregates derelict/condemned property cases, shows case histories and summarizes program outcomes and impacts.

Tom Martin and data analyst Sean Conway walked council through the tool, which pulls assessor, billing/collections, permit and GIS data. Staff reported that since the program ramped up there are 106 Derelict cases; of those, many remain active but a substantial share have either been demolished and redeveloped or sold to new owners. Tom Martin said the program has driven about $2.6 million in increased assessed value for properties in the program, about $1.5 million in building permits issued on formerly derelict parcels, and roughly 49–51 property transfers tied to the work.

Council members asked detailed questions about billing, demolition cost recovery and liens; staff explained demolition and enforcement costs are billed and that billing and collections pursues recoveries over time (liens follow the land). In some cases the city’s demolition costs exceed amounts recovered in the short term, but staff and the city attorney noted the program's goal is neighborhood stabilization and long-term value gains. Martin said the dashboard will be public and provide search and ward filters so residents and potential investors can explore specific cases.

Tom Martin characterized the program as returning properties to productive use: "I'm unapologetic. We're improving neighborhoods with this program," he said. Staff said the dashboard will be published publicly and will be updated regularly.