Blight is one of Baton Rouge’s biggest challenges. Metro Councilwoman Jenn Racca recently visited Detroit to see how that city tackled abandoned and neglected properties. Her goal: bring lessons home to make Baton Rouge safer and more vibrant.
Understanding the Problem
Detroit once had over 47,000 blighted properties. Today, fewer than 1,000 remain. The city achieved this with strong land bank programs, clear legal rules, and fast property turnover.
Baton Rouge has an estimated 6,000 to 8,000 blighted properties. The main issue isn’t funding, but time. Legal delays in clearing property titles leave homes abandoned for years. During that time, neighborhoods face safety risks and economic decline.
Learning from Detroit
Detroit’s solution combines three key strategies:
-
Streamlined property titles – Quick legal processes prevent delays.
-
Land bank management – Properties are renovated or demolished based on condition.
-
Community programs – Homes go to teachers, first responders, or small developers. Clear rules ensure buyers improve properties or return them to the land bank.
Baton Rouge’s Path Forward
Baton Rouge already has programs to return blighted properties to use. However, these programs need to work faster and coordinate better. Updating state laws and improving city department communication will help.
The focus is safety and neighborhood stability. Fixing abandoned properties reduces crime and rewards responsible homeowners. Revitalized blocks can attract investment, raise property values, and strengthen communities.
Collaboration is Key
Councilwoman Racca says success depends on teamwork. Collaboration between the mayor’s office, Metro Council, and state lawmakers can speed redevelopment. By applying Detroit’s lessons, Baton Rouge can transform neglected properties into community assets.