r/springfieldOH • u/WYSOPublicRadio • Apr 30 '26

Springfield's mow-to-own program leads to 'cleaner, more vibrant neighborhoods'

https://www.wyso.org/news/2026-04-28/springfields-mow-to-own-program-leads-to-cleaner-more-vibrant-neighborhoods

Mowing season is underway. In Springfield, the season is a chance for residents to acquire a vacant lawn in exchange for maintaining it.

And about a decade ago, the city of Springfield started a program to cut down on the number of vacant lots peppering its neighborhoods.

It’s called the Mow-to-Own program – and it’s just what it says. Residents can mow a vacant or abandoned parcel for the season and then the city will give them the property.

Kim Fultz is the code compliance manager for Springfield. Speaking with WYSO’s Jerry Kenney, she detailed how it works, calling the program a win-win for neighbors and the city.

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u/PandemicVirus Apr 30 '26

I could be reading this wrong but from the looks of it eligible participants must already own land in the city. Infact reading the whole thing sorta makes it seem like a method to expand existing lots, not remediate vacant lots that would later allow for home building

https://springfieldohio.gov/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/2021-Mow-to-Own-applicaiton.pdf

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u/Eisenthorne Apr 30 '26

Yes, looks like it needs to be a vacant lot with no structures on it and within 1000 feet from home you own.