Blight doesn’t just impact the look of a neighborhood—it affects property values, public safety, health outcomes, and overall community pride. At the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority, we focus on removing blight as a key part of building stronger, healthier, and more resilient communities.
What Is Blight?
Blight refers to properties that are unsafe, uninhabitable, or have been left vacant for long periods. These buildings often suffer from structural damage, vandalism, or environmental hazards, and can drag down entire neighborhoods.
The Cost of Doing Nothing
Leaving blighted properties untouched has real consequences:
- Lower surrounding property values
- Higher crime rates
- Increased strain on local services
- Negative health impacts from unsafe conditions
How Land Banks Help
DRLBA works with local governments and community partners to acquire blighted properties, clear title issues, and prepare them for redevelopment. Through targeted demolition, environmental cleanup, and resale strategies, we return properties to productive use in ways that benefit the public.
Real Impact in DeKalb
Our demolition efforts have helped reduce community safety risks and opened doors for affordable housing, green space, and locally inspired development. Every blighted structure removed is an opportunity to restore pride and purpose to a block.
What You Can Do
- Report problem properties to your local officials
- Attend DRLBA webinars to learn how to get involved
- Share success stories to raise awareness
Blight removal is not just about demolition—it’s about transformation. By addressing longstanding challenges, we create new opportunities for investment, stability, and growth in DeKalb County.
Stay informed at www.drlb.org.