The redevelopment of existing urban, suburban, and rural properties already served by infrastructure — including brownfields sites that are or may be contaminated — stimulates growth and improves a community's economic vitality. Development in existing neighborhoods is an approach to growth that can be cost-effective while providing residents with a closer proximity to jobs, public services and amenities.

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NAR Resources

New Report on Blight and Eminent Domain Reform NAR and Robinson and Cole, LLP developed two reports that provide a review of blight statutes, trace the origins of state blight legislation, analyze the blight statutes in all 50 states, and identify seven issues that need to be addressed for meaningful reform of blight statutes as they relate to eminent domain.

Beyond the Fence: A REALTORS® Guide to Military Base Closure, Realignment, and Encroachment A detailed account of the Department of Defense's Base Realignment and Closure process. The publication is designed to help REALTORS® know how to get involved to help communities cope with the substantial economic challenges that arise when bases are proposed for closure or expansion.

Economic Development Case Studies (PDF: 618 KB). This series of NAR case studies examines seven redevelopment projects that have served as catalytic projects for urban revitalization in their communities across the United States.

A Guide to Tax Increment Financing This NAR report offers insight into how tax increment financing programs work, describes some of the ways communities have used TIF programs to reach their development goals, and offers examples of TIF statutes and case law.

Best Practices to Encourage In-fill Development (PDF: 209 KB) This report, prepared by Robinson & Cole for NAR, discusses actions governments can take to address the unique challenges posed by in-fill development. These challenges include acquisition of property, assembly, and financing; tax liens and titles; and environmental contamination.

NAR Field Guides

Effects of Hazardous Waste on Property Values

Other Resources

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Web site A resource for information concerning federal brownfield redevelopment programs and assistance.

The National Vacant Properties Campaign A nonprofit information and technical assistance source for people interested in putting abandoned properties back into productive use.

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