The Michigan State Land Bank Authority (SLBA) announced the hiring of Joseph Rivet as the new Executive Director of the organization. Rivet will provide overall leadership and strategic direction to the SLBA as it continues to create a positive economic impact on Michigan communities by facilitating productive reuse of land.
“Joseph brings a wealth of diverse experience to the important work of the State Land Bank Authority, having served over 30 years in municipal, county and state government service,” said Susan Corbin, Director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. “With a proven track record of effective leadership and community engagement, coupled with demonstrated experience in efficient management, policy innovation and dedication to community development, he is well positioned to guide and advance land banking initiatives throughout our state.”
“I am honored and excited to apply my decades of public sector expertise toward my role as the State Land Bank Director,” said Rivet. “I look forward to spearheading community revitalization initiatives and working closely with the quality team at the Land Bank and our partners to build a more vibrant and sustainable future for Michiganders through innovative land banking strategies.”
Rivet previously served as the Deputy Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bay County Drain Commissioner and was twice elected as Bangor Township Supervisor. He served as State Representative for the Bay County Community from 1999-2004.
View the full press release here.
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Last month, Governor Gretchen Whitmer awarded $21.5 million for blight elimination grants to communities across Michigan under next round of the program. The funds are part of $75 million in blight elimination resources allocated in the bipartisan Fiscal Year 2023 budget to make communities across Michigan more attractive to live and work.
“Eliminating blight frees up space for homes and small businesses and makes our communities safer, better places to live, work, and invest,” said Governor Whitmer. “I am grateful to cities and towns across our state who are utilizing these resources to clear blight, supporting economic development and job growth in downtowns and main streets. Let’s keep working together to help more families and businesses ‘make it’ in Michigan and make long overdue investments to foster stronger, healthier, and more vibrant communities.”
The bipartisan FY 2023 Budget appropriated $75 million to the State Land Bank Authority (SLBA) to help the state build safer, more prosperous communities and convert underutilized land into productive space.
Earlier this year, round one of the program provided nearly $8 million in grant funding to address 198 properties across Michigan. Of those properties, 159 will be demolished, 37 will be stabilized and two grants provide gap funding for an environmental remediation project.
Most recently, round two provided a competitive grant process with $13.5 million awarded to 43 counties for demolition, renovation, and stabilization of blighted properties. Details of the awards made in Rounds 1 and 2 are available on the State Land Bank website.
View the full press release here.
JOIN US: Blight Elimination Program Updates
The State Land Bank staff is hosting a weekly conference call for all land bank grantees.
Every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. staff will be available to answer questions, discuss projects, provide input on proposed projects and generally meet with whomever attends. We hope you will join us.
Blight Program Resources Available Online
We’ve launched a webpage dedicated to the Blight Elimination Program! This page is your one stop shop for updated information, guidelines, forms and reports related to blight elimination.
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This 50’ wide lot in Pontiac offers a development opportunity for the right person or entity. Located at 179 Auburn Avenue, this location provides quick access to M-59 and Woodward Avenue. Close to an elementary school, this property is zoned multifamily.
This property is located in an Opportunity Zone opening the door for developers and builders to obtain resources. Learn more about opportunity zones.
If property isn’t quite the right fit, check out our other available properties.
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Six staff members of the State Land Bank Authority attended the Annual Leadership Summit for the Michigan Association of Land Banks. The conference was held in Flint this year with Genesee County Land Bank hosting.
Attendees were able to network and gain insight into best practices from other land banks statewide. Our team provided information on the latest rounds of the blight elimination program.
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The State Land Bank Authority and Habitat for Humanity of Ionia County have partnered to sell bricks salvaged from the former Riverside Correctional Facility to raise money for local housing projects.
The former correctional facility was transferred to the State Land Bank Authority by the Department of Corrections as part of an initiative to return state-owned surplus properties to productive use. The State Land Bank Authority has overseen the demolition process and is currently engaging the redevelopment community in the reuse in cooperation with the City of Ionia.
“The State Land Bank Authority is thrilled to partner with Habitat for Humanity of Ionia County to help them honor their rich, historical past all while contributing to a brighter future and providing additional funding for restoration and revitalization in their community,” said Joseph Rivet, State Land Bank Authority Executive Director.
Pitsch Companies, responsible for the demolition of the facility, generously contributed a limited number of bricks that are now available at the Habitat for Humanity Ionia County Restore, with a suggested minimum donation of $20.00 per brick. Funds raised through this initiative will directly support Habitat for Humanity’s programming in Ionia County, including home construction, wheelchair ramp building, exterior home repairs and more.
View the full press release.
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