Six years ago, Baltimore had 11,500 abandoned homes. By 2004, that number had grown to more than 14,000.

Thanks to Mayor Martin O?Malley?s commitment to acquiring property for redevelopment, the city has slowed the rate of vacancy by acquiring more than 6,000 homes and lots. Known as Project 5000, the mayor has demonstrated that the city can revitalize neighborhoods, increase the tax base and lower crime by cleaning up abandoned homes.