A Note from the State Land Bank's Executive Director

Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity sent this bulletin at 01/27/2022 02:19 PM EST

Dear Stakeholders,

In December, the State Land Bank Authority (SLBA) wrapped up another eventful and memorable year. Housed within the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO), we collaborate closely with the department in their efforts to build vibrant communities and create affordable housing.

Last month, LEO released their annual success report which included a snapshot of SLBA's accomplishments in 2021. This past year, we continued to be laser focused on our efforts to foster the development of property and to promote and support land bank operations at the county and local levels.

In 2021, the SLBA:

Administered $800,000 in blight elimination funds received by the State Treasury Department, benefiting six communities across the state.
Assisted local communities and county land banks statewide to qualify projects that utilized local Brownfield Tax Increment Financing to support housing development. Projects that came to fruition in 2021 were in Newaygo, Holland and Commerce Township and we anticipate more in 2022.
Assisted several counties in establishing new land banks in their communities.
Provided continued training to Tuscola, Ogemaw, Manistee, Leelanau, Barry and Allegan counties to better utilize land banking resources and/or increase the capacity of these land banks.
Helped nearly 20 local communities utilize land bank resources for economic and community development.

We're continuing this momentum as we kick off 2022, with many exciting projects in the works. We look forward to seeing and supporting more attainable housing across Michigan. An exciting, new, six-unit affordable housing development is coming to Carriage Town Neighborhood in Flint. The project will help address access to affordable housing, blight elimination and neighborhood redevelopment and stabilization.

SLBA staff is playing an active role in executing LEO's strategic plan which includes closing equity gaps, removing barriers to employment, creating better jobs, supporting our small businesses and building strong communities. Stay tuned for the updated SLBA specific strategic plan document which will be published this spring.

We're also excited to continue our work with local governments and communities around the state looking for assistance in putting their land use goals into practice through land banking.

This is only a snapshot of what's to come. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role and for your continued support and partnership. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or ideas for collaboration.

Sincerely,

Emily Doerr
Executive Director
Michigan State Land Bank Authority

National Brownfield Coalition: Interview with Rep. Dan Kildee

If you're interested in land use and redevelopment policy, consider viewing a recording of the recent National Brownfields Coalition webinar featuring Representative Dan Kildee of Michigan’s 5th Congressional District.

It’s an engaging discussion around the state of brownfield redevelopment, opportunities arising from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and other federal legislation including funding for brownfield and land bank work in the newly passed Infrastructure Bill and the proposed Build Back Better Bill.

The mission of the State Land Bank is to create positive economic impact to Michigan communities by recycling land to productive use.

Michigan.gov/LandBank

Click here to sign up for updates.

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or email address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page. You will need to use your email address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please visit subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com.

This service is provided to you at no charge by Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.