A new bi-partisan bill geared toward creating and expanding a support network for new and existing land banks across the country was introduced by two representatives – Dan Kildee (D-MI) and Drew Ferguson (R-GA) – in the House on June 4. Known as the “National Land Bank Network Act of 2020” (H.R. 7103), it has since been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services where it awaits further action.
With a primary goal of reducing neighborhood blight by targeting vacant and abandoned properties, the legislation would provide $10 million to create a non-profit organization to fund a network for providing resources, technical assistance and grants for land banks to adopt best practices. It also would aid jurisdictions considering the option to create new land banks. To facilitate long-term overall development and sustainability, the bill aims to pledge a total of $60 million in funding over the next 11 years.
According to a recent press release from the Center for Community Progress, a number of national organizations in support of the bill include the following:
In addition, statewide land bank associations (currently existing four states) support the bill:
Georgia Association of Land Bank Authorities
Michigan Association of Land Banks
New York Land Bank Association
Ohio Land Bank Association
While the concept of land banking can be traced back to the 1920s, the first municipal land bank was created in St. Louis, Mo., in 1971.
Currently, there are more than 200 active land banks across the country (municipal, county, state).
To learn more about land banks and land banking, please refer to the following resources:
Center for Community Progress
Safeguard Properties
Industry Alert Archive (keyword search: land bank)
H.R. 7103
United States Congress (full bill info)
Congressman Dan Kildee (press release)