Here are two articles about how cities with high foreclosures are turning to artists & urban farmers to revitalize neighborhoods.  I like to see artists & farmers valued.  Who else can turn trashed properties into artistic treasures & useful food sources?

Pioneering artists in Cleveland

The Wall Street Journal reported that some “artistic urban pioneers” are buying foreclosed properties and developing artist residences & studio spaces.  Artists can buy properties for sometimes as little as $100 or even $1 in hard-hit places like Cleveland and Detroit.  Plus the cities are offering incentives for artists because they see the arts as opportunity to revitalize neighborhoods.

In Cleveland, an ordinance was passed to encourage urban farming.  They’re allowing residents to have farm animals & bee hives on their properties!  Plus other groups are identifying land for gardening and creating opportunities for urban gardeners to sell their produce and buy compost from local restaurant food waste.