We’re passionate about helping local land banks impact their communities
About MLBA
The Michigan Land Bank Association strives to ensure that Michigan Land Banks have the statewide policies, support, and capacity to effectively operate and share information about local land bank programs.
The Michigan Land Bank Association’s priorities include building a strong policy and advocacy network with the creation of a policy subcommittee, tracking state land bank legislation, exploring legislative changes that would provide a dedicated funding source for land bank operations as well as clarifying current legislation regarding the foreclosure process on 5/50 properties, and acquainting Michigan lawmakers with the Michigan Land Bank Association and the work of land banks across the state.
In addition, the Michigan Land Bank Association is focused on creating a Resource Center with policy and program best practices to build the capacity of land banks in Michigan, hosting in-person meetings to discuss land bank challenges, opportunities, and successes, and hosting a statewide capacity building event for land bank leadership focused on developing new skills and deepening peer relations, connecting members of the association, and advocating for a voice in the process of developing statewide programs to fund land bank related activities.
This work can only be accomplished with generous support from our members, associate members, sponsors, in-kind contributions, and grant dollars. We continue to explore new opportunities for funding our efforts.
MLBA Studies and Land Bank Project Highlights
Michigan is a pioneer in the land bank movement and was on of the first to enact legislation establishing land banks. Michigan has been a model for more than two decades.
In 2017 we released a study that shows the reach of our (then) 40 land banks and the economic impact they had in their communities. Read the full impact study by DynamoMetrics here.
In 2026, we released our 20 Year Impact Report of Michigan Land Banks. These numbers will tell you what land banks have been up to. Read the full impact study by Natalie Pruett here.
Executive Director Christopher Germain
Christopher joined the Michigan Land Bank Association in 2026 as its first fulltime Executive Director. Prior to joining the MLBA, Christopher served as CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership (Marquette County’s local economic development organization) as well as a Senior Community Planner with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, specializing in the Redevelopment Ready Communities program. He’s also served on campaigns, worked as a legislative staffer, been an environmental regulator, and owned a small business. He holds American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) and Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) credentials.
Born and raised in Michigan, Christopher has spent most of his life here with a brief stint in Ohio. Having lived in various communities large and small, he has an appreciation for the state’s high quality of life and access to outdoor recreation. He currently lives in mid-Michigan with his husband and their energetic rescue dog, Woody.
Board of Trustees
