MuniReg

We’ve seen many new code enforcement officials transition into the field from other trades or internal departments, especially police and fire.

But this may be a first: a former magistrate judge taking on the role of code enforcement officer.

As Murray County’s new code enforcement officer, Eric Ho**er brings his experience from the bench and years of hearing ordinance cases to the job. It’s an interesting example of how different professional backgrounds can bring a different perspective to the challenges of code enforcement.

American Association of Code Enforcement Code Enforcement Association of Texas Code Officials of Lower Alabama Code Enforcement Education and News Oklahoma Code Enforcement Association Georgia Association of Code Enforcement Colorado Association of Code Enforcement Officials Kansas Association of Code Enforcement Code Enforcement Chapter of Orange County Iowa Association of Code Enforcement Illinois Association of Code Enforcement - IACE Mississippi Association of Code Enforcement MAHCO Association

Ho**er brings judge’s perspective to code enforcement Former magistrate Judge Eric Ho**er said his experience hearing county ordinance cases from the bench gives him a unique perspective in his new role as Murray County’s code enforcement officer.

Vacant lots are often viewed as eyesores, or worse, become dumping grounds that contribute to neighborhood blight. But they can also represent an opportunity.

A new Forbes article looks at infill development and how communities can turn vacant and underused lots into new housing within existing neighborhoods. With the U.S. facing an estimated 4.7 million-home housing shortage, the article highlights research suggesting that building on currently listed vacant lots could make a meaningful contribution to the housing supply while revitalizing existing areas.

For communities, it’s a reminder that vacant lots can be both a challenge and an opportunity, and thoughtful strategies for addressing them can have implications well beyond housing.

American Association of Code Enforcement National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association Urban Institute National Housing Conference

A Hidden Fix For Housing Shortages: Infill Could Cut Demand By 6% Developers and communities are looking for ways to bring vacant land to life and infill housing offers all the benefits, but has challenges.

Sometimes a quote captures the frustration of dealing with vacant properties better than any statistic can.

Philadelphia Councilmember Jamie Gauthier acknowledged the reality that city departments are working with limited resources, but put the consequences of prolonged inaction bluntly:

“No amount of red tape is bigger than a four-alarm fire at a property that we let sit neglected for years.”

It’s a frustration many local officials know well. Limited staffing and resources can make it difficult to address every problem property, but the longer a property sits, the greater the potential risks to neighborhoods, residents and first responders.

A candid perspective from an elected official on the challenge, and urgency, of dealing with long-neglected properties.

American Association of Code Enforcement National League of Cities - International City/County Management Association

Philadelphia councilmember says city needs to do more to address vacant homes Philadelphia Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, the chair of the housing committee, said in 2025 there were 400 properties in her district deemed unsafe.

Our latest Blight Alert featuring a variety of topics, including AI, drones, squatters, abandoned mines, title fraud, strong recognition of code enforcement and much more!

With more than two decades of experience helping local governments address vacant, abandoned, foreclosed, and distressed properties, MuniReg provides the expertise to assist communities in developing, implementing, and strengthening effective property registration programs and related code enforcement initiatives.

To learn how MuniReg can support your community, please contact us at [email protected]

American Association of Code Enforcement National League of Cities ICMA - International City/County Management Association

MuniReg Blight Alert - National Strategies for Combatting Blight | MuniReg Our latest jam-packed Blight Alert covering AI, drones, squatters, abandoned mines, title fraud, strong recognition of code enforcement and much more!

DSCR lending is growing rapidly across the country, alongside the continued growth of rental housing.

But as more investment properties are financed through DSCR loans, and ownership increasingly involves LLCs, trusts and other structures, there is a bigger question for communities: Do we know who owns these properties and who is responsible for them?

The Baltimore foreclosure crisis provides a glimpse of what can happen when complex financing and distant ownership intersect with local housing markets.

As rental housing continues to expand, strong rental property registries can provide communities with something increasingly important: visibility and accountability at the property level.

MuniReg takes a closer look at the growth of DSCR lending, the questions it raises, and why communities should be paying attention.


ICMA - International City/County Management Association National League of Cities

munireg.com

A recent Yolo County, CA Code Enforcement assessment could serve as a useful framework for other communities facing similar challenges, or looking for ways to become more proactive.

The report addresses staffing and resource constraints, risk-based prioritization, technology, training, standardized procedures and a shift toward a hybrid model combining complaint response with targeted proactive enforcement.

A thoughtful roadmap that could provide ideas for communities nationwide.


ICMA - International City/County Management Association National League of Cities American Association of Code Enforcement California Association of Code Enforcement Officers

Code Enforcement Program Assessment - MuniReg 2025 A recent Yolo County Code Enforcement assessment could serve as a useful framework for other communities facing similar challenges—or looking for ways to become more proactive.

A somewhat unique problem for Illinois officials.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville researchers are digitizing decades-old underground mine maps to better understand where abandoned mine workings are located beneath Illinois communities.

The project could help identify potential risks, including ground instability, to as many as 330,000 homes, while giving communities better data for planning, development and mitigation efforts.


ICMA - International City/County Management Association National League of Cities

Unique Challenge: Homes over Abandoned Mines - MuniReg 2025 llinois officials have identified 330,000 properties at risk for mine subsidence. Now researchers at the Geospatial Mapping Applications and Research Center (GeoMARC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville have commenced on a new project of digitizing decades-old underground mine maps to bette...

Following up on last week's post about Alabama’s new Property Protection Act, we see similar concerns in New Jersey. The New Jersey State Commission of Investigation (SCI) is urging lawmakers to overhaul the state’s system for recording property transactions.

The SCI has issued a 56-page report on the growing problem of deed fraud and seller impersonation.
The SCI found that existing safeguards are reactive and New Jersey lacks a uniform system for tracking these crimes.
The Commission is recommending numerous proactive and statewide approaches. All outlined in the below article.


ICMA - International City/County Management Association National League of Cities Housing & Community Development Network of NJ New Jersey State League of Municipalities

Deed Fraud Focus of New Statewide Report; Urges Legislative Action in Statehouse - MuniReg 2025 Deed fraud is becoming a growing concern in New Jersey. The State Commission of Investigation is urging stronger, statewide safeguards to protect property owners from fraudulent transfers and forged deeds.

The National League of Cities is highlighting the significance of the first comprehensive federal housing legislation in decades, with a "21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Resource Collection" including a full "FAQ" page.

For local governments, NLC points to provisions that expand flexibility in CDBG and HOME, support housing development and infrastructure, streamline federal requirements, and help unlock private investment, while preserving local zoning authority and avoiding unfunded mandates.


ICMA - International City/County Management Association Governing Urban Institute

21st Century ROAD to Housing Act Following a year of negotiation between the House, Senate, and White House, on July 11, 2026, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act—the first comprehensive housing package in decades became law.

Maryland lawmakers are pushing for a statewide registry for repeat squatters following reports of individuals repeatedly occupying vacant properties, sometimes using fake leases. Supporters say it could help property owners and law enforcement identify repeat offenders, but questions remain about how such a registry would be structured, enforced, and balanced with existing legal protections.


ICMA - International City/County Management Association National League of Cities American Association of Code Enforcement

'Serial squatters': Push grows for sex-offender-style Maryland registry A house on Armor Street in Middle River was supposed to be empty. It had been gutted, remodeled and listed for sale. On a rainy Thursday, Aug. 20, a real estate