In the last decade, the number of land banks and land banking programs across the United States has increased to over 300 across nineteen states. Land banks are public entities with unique powers to return vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties to productive use. While land banks are not a silver bullet to property vacancy, they can be a powerful tool to advance community-driven goals in support of more equitable, inclusive, resilient neighborhoods.  

This session will cover the history and unique functions of land banks and how to evaluate if a land bank is right for your community. Participants will hear about land banks of various sizes and geographies that have built partnerships to support affordable housing, uplift racial equity, and address community priorities.