Housing Assessment using Geographic Information Systems (GIS): A Case Study of Community Engagement from Grand Rapids, Michigan

Abstract

After the 2008 housing loan crisis, many houses were foreclosed/abandoned in Michigan, and specifically Grand Rapids(GR). Our study provides a collaborative and scalable model for collecting parcel-level housing data, in a southeast GR neighborhood within 15 U.S. Census blocks.  Grand Valley State University Geography faculty and students, partnered with the Seeds of Promise organization/residents by using GIS/sidewalk visual observation to assess housing vacancy and evaluation of physical conditions to better understand the current housing conditions.