Evaluation of the Urban Homesteading Demonstration Program. Volume I: Summary Assessment

Urban homesteading is the twentieth century version of a strategy used to settle the American frontier. To attract settlers to wilderness areas, the government gave away land to anyone who would improve and live on it. Just as it was necessary to offer incentives for these pioneers, some cities are now using a similar approach to improve and resettle declining urban neighborhoods. The concept of urban homesteading is fairly simple. It involves transferring publicly-owned, abandoned property to individuals or families in exchange for commitments to .repair, occupy, and maintain the property.