Our Purpose

Our mission is to strategically restore investment in blighted properties to enhance community safety, value, and vibrancy.

Our vision is to achieve sustainable communities free of blight and attractive to residents and businesses.

Anti-Racism Statement

Historically and presently, communities of color face discrimination and legal barriers that make it harder to own property. Tri-COG Land Bank recognizes the systemic racism present in our region and seeks to addresses inequity by creating new pathways to property ownership and stabilizing communities that historically and presently experience disinvestment. TCLB commits to continually evaluate our institutional practices and identify areas we can improve to contribute to a just and equitable society.

The Cost of Blight

Blight is pervasive, expensive, and has damaging effects on the economic and social fabric of communities. Vacancy results in blighted blocks, high maintenance costs, nuisance issues such as crime and fire, and uncollected taxes. This creates a cycle of disinvestment with the ultimate cost paid by existing community residents.

Direct Costs

• Code enforcement
• Police and fire
• Public works
• Demolition
• Loss of tax revenues

Indirect Costs

• Decreased property values
• Lack of investment
• Neighborhood perception

Effects on Real Estate by the Numbers

23.7% properties in Allegheny County fall within 150 feet of a blighted structure.

Blighted properties can decrease non blighted property values that are within 150 feet by 15-17%.

Cycle of Blight

Eliminating Blight…

Can raise surrounding property values up to 30% simply by greening a vacant lot