It must be the city's responsibility or no one else will do it. A plan should be created for the city to take over properties that are, currently, undesirable and not producing taxes. To be affordable and to have the most impact, it should first be concentrated in one or two areas with the highest potential and with very high visibility. Criteria for having the highest potential would be an area that is highly visible such as next to an interstate road system and one with more desirable schools, convenient and ample shopping, easy access and an enthusiastic councilman. As with most any product or program in today's world, much of its success is determined by marketing skills.
Good marketing creates a positive attitude about the venture.
Rebuilding some of the cities biggest eye sores next to an interstate system, where many people see the progress everyday to and from work, would go a long way in creating a positive atmosphere for further progress. People want to be proud of their cities. Starting such a project as rebuilding the inner city, first, next to heavily traveled areas would go a long way in creating a positive attitude among the citizens which would also have a positive impact on perpetuating the rebuilding. The city should aggressively accumulate land for redevelopment. It should do everything it needs for development up to and including being the developer, if the need is there.