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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced recipients of $72.5 million in grants from the State Land Bank Authority (SLBA) to support projects that convert underutilized land into affordable housing opportunities and build safer, more prosperous communities through the final rounds of the Blight Elimination Program.
“Blight elimination is vital for the well-being and future success of our state,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “Removing and rehabilitating blighted properties creates a ripple effect of positive change that not only reclaims neglected spaces but fosters economic growth, enhances safety and bolsters community pride. Our commitment today is an investment in the long-term prosperity and vitality of our state, ensuring that future generations have access to thriving, vibrant neighborhoods where they can live, work and prosper.”
These funds are part of ongoing, statewide blight elimination efforts and were awarded in two rounds to be used for demolition or stabilization of public or privately-owned structures as well as environmental remediation or rehabilitation.
“These dollars are not just figures on a balance sheet, they signify a tangible investment in Michigan’s future,” said Susan Corbin, director of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and chair of the State Land Bank Board of Directors. “The distribution of funding in rounds three and four represent the culmination of a historic contribution to land banking and blight elimination that will make a real difference, revitalizing neighborhoods, stimulating economic growth and fostering a sense of pride and possibility across our state.”
A full list of grant recipients is available on the State Land Bank website.
View the full press release here.
Brian Woodin, Property Analyst at the State Land Bank Authority, collaborated with Central Michigan University Professor Spenser Robinson to publish, “Michigan State Land Bank Authority Holdings, Historical Redlining and Social Equity,” in the February volume of the Journal of Sustainable Real Estate. The article builds on the work Brian has done identifying correlations between historically redlined areas and the current property ownership by land banks.
The term "redlining" refers to the decades-long practice of identifying hazardous areas for lenders to invest in by making home loans. It was designed to mitigate effects of foreclosure on mortgage lenders and borrows. As time went on, the practice served to erode the value and buying power in areas graded “D,” the worst areas, impacting neighborhoods of color negatively in terms of minority wealth, health and longevity.
"Land bank programs aid in rejuvenating and revitalizing communities. Historical redlining has been shown to have negative long term economic health, and environmental justice outcomes for poorly graded neighborhoods. This article shows that the State Land Bank Authority of Michigan (SLBA) holds parcels disproportionately in historically redlined neighborhoods. Further, the data reveals that the SLBA holds parcels in neighborhoods across all historical redlined categories with higher social vulnerability and lower mortality rates, in many cases also with higher minority representation. The potential policy impact is that the SLBA, and possibly other land banks following suitable research, can serve as effective channels to reach the most at-risk populations."
Read the full article here.
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State Land Bank Authority (SLBA) properties hold immense promise for revitalizing communities and fostering creativity. These neglected parcels, once eye sores or untapped opportunities, can become the foundation for community initiatives and even dream homes.
This wooded, sloping property (pictured top right in 2016) in Canadian Lakes, came to the SLBA in 2016. Held until its sale in 2022, it now boasts a 1,600+ square foot new construction, lake front home. After purchasing the property, the new owners built their dream home in 2023 and are now enjoying the sunset views from their front deck (pictured bottom right in 2023).
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Imagine crafting your ideal home from scratch. State Land Bank properties offer a blank canvas for personalized design. Whether it's a cozy cottage or a modern urban loft, these properties empower homeowners to create something truly unique. Beyond dream homes, our parcels hold the promise of building diverse futures and fostering connections.
In Michigan, the SLBA leads these efforts, breathing new life into forgotten spaces. Whether you're dreaming of a home or envisioning community impact, SLBA properties await.
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