This study provides an overview of vacancy and blight within communities across the United States and the significance that these factors play in the overall health and prosperity of the neighborhoods and cities in which they exist. The recent housing boom and eventual bust destabilized neighborhoods and led the federal government to provide funds for communities to combat vacancy and blight through the American Recover Act and the Dodd Frank Act. The City of Muncie utilized these funds to demolish vacant, blighted properties and to aid developers in the rehabilitation of several historic properties for rental and sale to low-income residents. Although these efforts are an excellent starting point for redevelopment of Muncie's neighborhoods, there is room for improvement in utilizing private-public relationships and funding sources to amplify current successes.

Ms. Williams graduated from Ball State University with degrees in History, Business Administration and Urban Planning. She worked as both a Planner and Zoning Inspector for the City of Muncie before taking her current position at Ball State University as the Building Better Neighborhoods Program Manager.