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Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced $21.55 million in funding for a
competitive grant program to address vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties across Michigan that will be administered by the State Land Bank Authority (SLBA).
“As governor, I am focused on investing in communities across Michigan to make them a better place to raise a family, start a business, and pursue your potential,” said Governor Whitmer. “Michigan’s bipartisan, $75 million investment in blight elimination will help communities across the state increase surrounding property values, improve the health of local housing markets, remove safety hazards, and boost local tax revenue. Getting this done will help us build safer, more prosperous communities and create areas for new small businesses, housing, and green space, converting underutilized land into productive spaces for the community.”
The governor’s 2023 bipartisan fiscal year budget included $75 million in blight elimination funds to aid in the economic redevelopment of targeted locations by removing vacant, unused structures and houses. Of that investment, $21.55 million is now available through a grant process to be used by local land banks and/or municipalities.
The SLBA has opened the Request for Proposals to local land banks, and to county, city, village, or township officials who do not have a local land bank.
“Removing blighted properties is an important step in stabilizing and revitalizing local communities,” said Emily Doerr, executive director of the SLBA. “This funding allows us to further our efforts toward transforming blighted structures into functional spaces that will once again contribute to our economy. We encourage land banks and communities across Michigan to explore partnerships and identify projects that are eligible for this transformational grant opportunity.”
Cities, townships, counties and land banks can apply for the grant funding. Grant funds may be used to:
- Stabilize vacant residential, commercial and industrial buildings to secure them and protect against further deterioration, with the goal of preserving them for future rehab to purposeful use;
- Demolish vacant and blighted residential, commercial and industrial structures that cannot be rehabilitated; and
- Provide matching or gap funding for environmental remediation on vacant land – often a critical barrier to redevelopment.
View the full press release here.
View the full RFP here.
 To learn more about the SLBA's efforts to improve communities across Michigan, and apply for the grant, visit Michigan.gov/landbank.
 September’s featured property is located at 11399 Dyar, in Hamtramck. Just 10 miles north of Detroit, this culturally diverse and rebounding city offers a unique opportunity to join a vibrant community. You will find world-class cultural attractions, Detroit-famous Coney dogs, walkable shopping districts and innovative boutique hotels.
The 30’ by 100’ property is primed and ready for development.
Hamtramck is increasing in population and is an area ready for additional housing units. Zoning requirements continue to maintain the traditional closeness of neighbors, while also promoting a warm sense of community.
Available Properties
The State Land Bank Authority has more than 2,600 properties available for purchase statewide. Our property search feature provides a streamlined approach to searching, mapping and even applying for State Land Bank owned property online. Visit Michigan.gov/landbank to learn more.
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