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.

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.

Executive Director Michelle Thompson

Bio

Board of Trustees

Thomas Whitener

Vice-Chair

Kalamazoo County Land Bank Authority

Jeff Huntington

Secretary

State of Michigan Land Bank

Julie Sorenson

Treasurer

Shiawassee County Land Bank Authority

Michael Freeman

Trustee

Genesee County Land Bank Authority

Weston Prince

Trustee

Bay County Land Bank Authority

Krista Trout-Edwards

Trustee

Calhoun County Land Bank Authority

Committee Co-Chairs

Policy

Education

Fund Development

Finance