We’re passionate about helping to make an impact

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, in-kind contributions, and grant dollars. We continue to explore new opportunities to funding our efforts.

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MLBA Bylaws

Land Bank Projects

Michigan is a pioneer in the land bank movement and was the first to enact legislation establishing land banks. Michigan has been a model for more than a decade.
Today, we’re releasing a study that shows the reach of our 40 land banks and the economic impact they have in their communities. Read the full impact study by DynamoMetrics here.

Featured

Impact in Kent County

GRAND RAPIDS – Findings from an internal investigation by the Kent County Land Bank authority were released this week, and the study’s conclusions were welcome news to county officials.

“I’m just very pleased with the results of this, I have always felt good about the work that we do, and it’s really nice to have it validated,” Ken Parrish, the Kent County Treasurer and Kent County Land Bank Authority Board Chair said.

Rehabbed and Ready in Detroit

DETROIT—For the past year, Clement Wright has driven into the Marygrove neighborhood before and after his night shifts at Chrysler to reclaim a small piece of the city where he has spent his whole life. While his friends texted him sunny vacation pictures from the Florida Keys, Wright, 62, spent much of his non-working life tearing down walls, laying bricks, installing electrical outlets, sanding, tiling, nailing, molding and painting.

Small homes in Kalamazoo

KALAMAZOO - The Kalamazoo County Land Bank is planning to raise $2.5 million for eight 600-1,000-square-foot, 1-2 bedroom homes on Foresman Avenue off East Michigan Avenue. After hosting multiple public open houses, draft designs are being put together in anticipation of a fundraising campaign and construction to begin in fall 2018.

Kalamazoo’s Eastside neighborhood has been economically challenged for years. Several condemned or blighted homes at the site of the planned development were demolished in the last decade. One was associated with meth activity.

Calhoun Land Bank & Habitat for Humanity

BATTLE CREEK — The Calhoun County Land Bank Authority and Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity are partnering to rehabilitate a vacant house at 247 N. McKinley Ave. in Battle Creek.

“The Calhoun County Land Bank is excited to work with Habitat for Humanity to breathe life back into this house and build on the successful revitalization efforts in this neighborhood,” said Krista Trout-Edwards, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Land Bank. “Rehabilitation projects like this help stabilize property values, promote public safety, put houses back into productive use and get them back on the tax rolls.”