Traditional code enforcement systems often rely on fines and penalties that disproportionately burden low-income homeowners while failing to hold absentee corporate owners accountable—contributing to vacancy, abandonment, and neighborhood decline. From Fines to Fixes: Rethinking Code Enforcement argues for a more strategic, equity-centered approach that prioritizes compliance over punishment.
Highlighting innovative work in Peoria, Rochester, and Louisville, the article shows how education, community engagement, data-driven decision-making, and cross-sector partnerships can reduce health hazards, stabilize neighborhoods, and create more effective and humane code enforcement systems…