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The State Land Bank Authority (SLBA) and our community partners have been working hard to remove blight across the state. From SLBA’s initial appropriation for the Blight Elimination Program in 2022 which included over $21 million and was earmarked for land banks, over 66% of the projects have been successfully completed.
A second appropriation of $75 million was allocated in January 2023, 100% of the funds have been obligated through 66 grants issued to 42 different organizations. SLBA staff has been working diligently to distribute these unprecedented grant dollars statewide. Executive Director Joseph Rivet says, “The State Land Bank team is committed to serving the people of the State of Michigan. I am proud of the work they have done to ensure communities in every corner of our State benefited from this valuable program.”
Payout and Completion Numbers
- Round 1: 50 grants awarded – 48 closed = $6,719,664,96 distributed
- Round 2: 44 grants awarded - 34 closed = $7,273,016.16 distributed
- Round 3: 47 grants awarded equaling ~$35M
- Round 4: 19 grants awarded equaling ~$38M
In 2003, the Land Bank Act was signed and became law in January of 2004. In recognition of the growth and accomplishments of the land bank system in Michigan in 20 years, six communities participated with the SLBA in hosting local events showcasing the results that land banks bring to their communities. Throughout 2024, Ingham, Manistee, Gogebic, Marquette, Wayne and Calhoun County land banks brought together local community members and state land bank leaders to see the tangible results they have brought to their communities.
Genesee County Land Bank, the first Michigan county land bank to form, also celebrated their 20th anniversary and produced a short documentary highlighting their history.
“Through 20 years of concentrated efforts by land banks statewide, houses have been built and rehabilitated, making new homes for families, blighted structures have been demolished, and economic growth has been spurred,” said Joseph Rivet, Executive Director. “Land Bank tools have had an extraordinary impact on communities throughout our State.”
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We are pleased to announce the cities of Grand Rapids and Warren have completed the process of forming a land bank and are the second and third city land banks in Michigan. SLBA looks forward to encouraging and supporting our newest land bank partners’ growth and development.
Welcome Grand Rapids and Warren!
The State Land Bank Authority has the capacity and expertise to take unused, blighted properties and prepare them for new development.
This year, we celebrated the completed sale of the second portion of the former Detroit House of Correction which was originally opened in 1861 by the City of Detroit and was relocated in the 1930s to the property in Plymouth Township. It is considered the first State operated prison for female felons after Detroit started housing women at the facility for the State. It later was transferred to the State of Michigan and renamed Western Wayne Correctional Facility, continuing to house women until 2004. In 2015, the Michigan legislature transferred ownership to the State Land Bank. Redevelopment of the site will include addressing environmental remediation, the construction of a new Meijer store and work to make the remainder of the property site ready.
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SLBA has completed demolition and cleared the sites on two additional former prisons in Caro and Ionia. SLBA has formed an innovative partnership with the City of Ionia, a housing developer and community economic development organizations to redevelop the property. Planning is underway to create 80 acres of diverse housing opportunities as well as light industrial/high-tech commercial development.
The former Caro prison site, which comprises of three properties in close proximity, will be ready for redevelopment planning in 2025.
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Consistent with the MI Healthy Climate Plan, the SLBA is working to redevelop certain contaminated and otherwise limited-use properties into alternative energy storage facilities and solar fields. The healthy climate plan calls for generating 60% of the state’s electricity from renewable sources, including solar generation.
In reviewing the properties held by the SLBA, approximately 16 sites were identified as potential locations for alternative energy redevelopment. Currently, two of those sites are under contract with alternative energy firms.
SLBA continues to work closely with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to meet the goals of the State in achieving a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and move towards a carbon neutral economy.
Learn more about the MI Healthy Climate Plan.
 Last week, the Michigan State Land Bank Authority (SLBA) acquired approximately nine acres of property in the Village of Elberta located in Benzie County, marking a significant milestone in a collaborative effort to enhance the community and preserve public spaces. The acquisition stems from a unique partnership with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and the Village of Elberta that will extend the Betsie Valley Trail through the site, offering the trail’s first connection to Lake Michigan. Additionally, a portion of the property’s sale proceeds will be dedicated to an endowment for maintaining public spaces in the Village of Elberta.
“This project is a testament to the power of collaboration,” said Joseph Rivet, Director of the Michigan State Land Bank Authority. “We are proud to work alongside the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy and the Village of Elberta to create a transformative development that will benefit the Benzie community for generations to come. By revitalizing this property, we’re unlocking opportunities for growth, recreation and connection for the entire community.”
Read the full press release to learn more about this partnership.
To learn more about available properties, Michigan State Land Bank Authority projects and opportunities with developers, local government, residents and more, visit Michigan.gov/LandBank.
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