The Thomasville City Council unanimously approved a new lien and foreclosure policy aimed at addressing vacant and problematic properties in neighborhoods with high concentrations of liens and blight.

City Manager Bryant told council the policy is the city’s “first of its kind” and is intended to pair community development and economic development goals. Staff said the policy targets vacant properties, prioritizes parcels with more than $2,500 in liens, exempts properties with liens less than two years old, and initially limits nonprofit partners eligible to receive foreclosed properties under the program. City officials said private investors may still purchase foreclosed properties through the standard process.

Council members expressed support for the targeted approach and noted the policy also gives families an opportunity to preserve inherited property by purchasing at sale if they choose. The council voted 7‑0 to approve the policy. Staff said the policy is intended to return properties to productive use, reduce maintenance costs the city has incurred, and partner with local nonprofits or the city to rehabilitate properties.