• The City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development
• The University of Memphis
• The Memphis Problem Properties Collaborative
• The Center for Community Building and Neighborhood Action (CBANA), University of Memphis School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy
• And . . .YOU!

Beginning in February 2008, interested volunteers (in teams of three) will begin a “windshield survey” of their neighborhoods, driving down each street and documenting each blighted property using portable data entry units with built-in digital cameras. If you see us in your neighborhood, please do not be alarmed. Training on common housing code violations and use of the handheld units will be provided by CBANA the day of your neighborhood’s survey.

Once the data has been entered, each participating organization will receive a copy of the information database including problem property information on a comprehensive map of the opportunities for rehabilitating your neighborhood. A technical support will provide guidance for your group to bring about code compliance in creative ways including:

• Grant Applications
• Redevelopment Planning
• Beautification Project Planning
• Environmental Court

Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development will use the data collected in reports for special grants, initiatives and reports to Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The audit provides the City of Memphis with the first neighborhood by neighborhood information which can also be used by grassroots groups and community development organizations to set their own agendas to apply for anti-blight funding.

The Neighborhood-by-Neighbor project provides an excellent opportunity for your neighborhood audit team to use the technical resources and report findings to develop a plan of action to strengthen your community. If you are interested in volunteering for one five hour shift or more, we will post a link to the registration site as soon as it is availiable.