Michigan Land Bank Association

10/17/2026

Excited to share that this week, Director Antonio Adan has been appointed to the statewide Michigan Land Bank Association Board of Trustees.

The MLBA strives to ensure all Michigan Land Banks have the statewide policies, support, and capacity to effectively operate and share information about local land bank programs. The 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. They also work closely with state agencies and partners to be more effective with any resources available.

If you are interested in learning more about our mission or becoming an Associate member please reach out. Our next Land Bank regional event will be held in Marquette, on Nov 9th, 2026.

We’re passionate about helping local land banks impact their communities View fullsize 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 prog...

10/15/2026

Land banking's success is built on the ability to establish long-lasting relationships and partnerships that expand capacity, tackle difficult projects, and move community priorities forward.

But you don't get to a 11:1 return on investment over 20 years without key allies like State Senator Sarah Anthony. From sponsoring budget legislation that made the Blight Elimination Program funding possible to previously serving on the Ingham County Land Bank Authority's board, Senator Anthony has been a steadfast champion of our work. We were honored to recognize her as the inaugural Land Bank Advocate of the Year at last week's Leadership Summit.

Learn more: https://mlba.squarespace.com/mlba-news/michigan-land-bank-association-presents-state-senator-sarah-anthony-with-its-first-advocate-of-the-year-award

The Michigan Land Bank Association (MLBA) has named State Senator Sarah Anthony its first-ever Advocate of the Year, recognizing her commitment to land banking and community revitalization. She was recognized at the Land Bank Leadership Summit on October 8, 2026.

10/15/2026

Capacity building through Partnership 💪

Moving a community’s housing and redevelopment goals forward takes properties, local knowledge, and people with time to follow through. In Marquette County, an established partnership between the Marquette County Land Bank Authority and the Marquette County Planning Department is bringing those resources together—and adding a new one: a CEDAM: The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan AmeriCorps CED Corps member who will help advance their shared work in 2026–2027.

Learn more by visiting MLBA's blog below 👇

https://milandbank.org/mlba-news/capacity-through-partnership-marquette-county-land-bank-and-planning-co-host-ced-corp-member

Moving a community’s housing and redevelopment goals forward takes properties, local knowledge, and people with time to follow through. In Marquette County, an established partnership between the Land Bank Authority and County Planning Division is bringing those resources together—and adding a n...

10/14/2026

Resource Spotlight: Rural Development Fund Grants

Rural land banks looking to build capacity or support local projects are eligible to apply for the Michigan Rural Development Fund Grant program from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Rural Prosperity. Projects can receive up to $100,000 for projects covering infrastructure, economies, workforce, and community development in rural Michigan. Additionally, and new this year, those exploring regional collaboration can receive up to $200,000.

The first step is a letter of intent, briefly describing your proposal. Those are due November 2.

Find the template and learn more at http://michigan.gov/leo/boards-comms-councils/rural-development-fund-board/rural-development-fund-grants.

If you're a land bank planning to submit or looking for potential partners, reach out to us at MLBA and we'd be happy to make connections. 🤝

10/14/2026

Now that we've all had a chance to recharge from last week's Land Bank Leadership Summit, we simply want to say THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to join us. And a special thank you to our host land bank, Calhoun County Land Bank Authority, for all their hard work coordinating locally. We couldn't have done it without them.

More than 125 passionate, dedicated individuals from across Michigan joined us in Battle Creek. From blight elimination and lank banking 101 to community investment models, updates from key state partners, awards, and line dancing (you read that right), it was a 48 hours to remember. In true Michigan fashion, there was even very competitive euchre to be found.

Land banks are doing incredible things across the state that support locally-driven and impactful development efforts, from simply holding land until a use can be found to proactively developing housing or addressing other community needs. Everyone left the summit with new ideas, relationships, and inspiration to continue this important work in urban and rural communities alike.

We're working to get the presentations up on www.milandbank.org shortly and will post again when they are available.

Finally, a huge shoutout to our presenting sponsors W.K. Kellogg Foundation, our Diamond sponsors State Land Bank Authority and Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Platinum sponsors Warner, 66 Builders, Erie Environmental | Mold | Asbestos | Radon, Center for Community Progress, Title Check, eProperty Innovations, TriMedia Environmental & Engineering Services, Coldwell Banker, Sturgis Bank, eTITLE Agency, Inc., AKT Peerless, IFF (CDFI), Capital Access, Inc., Bratcher Morehart & Associates, BippusUSA.com Auction & Real Estate, and Independent Bank. This successful event wouldn't have been possible without your support and participation.

We've shared a few pictures but feel free to add your own in the comments. We'd love to have more.

10/09/2026

2026 MLBA Leadership Summit

10/07/2026

Land banks are LOCAL agencies crated to address LOCAL problems. Over 20 years, 52 local land banks formed across Michigan.

- 51 of 83 counties
- Every region
- 2.7 million households served

Read more about why and where land banks formed in the Game Changers report: https://milandbank.org/

10/07/2026

Question: Why does Michigan have land banks? This is the first question addressed by the new Game Changers report.

Answer: Land banks formed to counteract unprecedented property vacancy in Michigan. 1 of every 10 houses were vacant in Michigan as land banks started forming.

Think this is a problem that's found only in cities or certain parts of the state? Think again. Vacant properties are found statewide. They're in Michigan's cities, rural communities, and everywhere in between.

So what's the big deal? When left alone, vacant properties can trigger a vacancy domino effect creating exponentially more vacant properties and exponentially more challenges for the surrounding neighbors and communities.

Read more in Part I of the full report https://milandbank.org/

09/23/2026

The Michigan Land Bank Association Team is Growing! 🎉

We’re excited to share that the MLBA Board has named Christopher Germain as the association’s first full-time Executive Director. Christopher brings nearly 15 years of experience in planning and economic development to the team, having most recently served as CEO of the Lake Superior Community Partnership (Marquette County’s local economic development organization). Prior to that he served in roles with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. He is also a certified urban planner (AICP) and certified economic development finance professional (EDFP).

As Executive Director, Christopher will focus on implementing the organization’s new 3-year strategic plan including expanding advocacy, building new resources, developing new partnerships to advance land banking, connecting members across the state, and more.

We hope you will join us at the land bank leadership summit on October 7 - 9 where you’ll get plenty of opportunity to meet Christopher as well as many others interested in advancing land banks throughout Michigan.

You can see the full release on our website: https://lnkd.in/g42j7w8i