1. The Forgotten First Responders

2.  There is a direct correlation between crime and vacant and/or abandoned properties which results in the deterioration of housing stock and neighborhoods by spurring disinvestment.

3.  Calls for service to local law enforcement and code officials have nearly doubled in some cities  While city revenue sources dwindle in light of the general economic downturn and as demand for city services increase.  Poor code enforcement can lead to blight and lower property values and has been linked to higher crime rates

4.  A study conducted in Austin, Texas blocks with vacant buildings had 3.2 times as many drug calls to police  1.8 times as many theft calls, and twice the number of calls for violent behavior as those neighborhoods without vacant properties.  Annually, there is over $73 million in property damage as a result of more than 12,000 fires in abandoned houses

5. Cutting Code Enforcement will lead to increased response of higher cost Safety employees. Studies have found that properties within close proximity to vacant structures can lose up to $7,627 in value. The state average is 1 Code Enforcement officer per 20,000 residents. The city of Antioch has zero

6.  As of January 2011Antioch has roughly 31,519 homes which have depreciated 12.2%  The ratio shows, for example, that one out of every 332 households in Antioch received a foreclosure notice during this period.(SOURCE:RealtyTrac)  6,328 homes have been foreclosed  454 Received default notices in January 2011  692 are in Trustee sale

7.  According to the National Association of Realtors, property located within a community where there is graffiti will lose 15 percent of its value.  If the graffiti is profane or hateful, the property owner can expect to lose up to 25 percent of the home's value.  Rapid removal is the most effective prevention tool.

8.  Enhance the City’s graffiti enforcement efforts  Reinstate code enforcement to help maintain neighborhoods and increase visual standards!  Bring our city back to the standards we expect and elected you to preserve.  Thank You!