Last week's speaker was Mary Chappel, from the Quad Cities Land Bank Authority.

She first started with the question: What is a Land Bank? A Land Bank is an intergovernmental agency focused on the conversion of vacant, abandoned, and tax delinquent properties into productive use consistent with local government plans and priorities.

History of land banks:

• The first official land bank was created in St. Louis in 1971. There are over 300 Land Banks or Land Banking programs in 26 states across the country.

• Land Banks have been active in the State of Illinois since 2012. There are 9 land bank programs located across the state.

• The Quad Cities Land Bank Authority (QCLBA) was formed by the cities of Moline, Rock Island and East Moline in April 2022 pursuant to state enabling legislation via an intergovernmental agreement.    The City of Silvis just joined the program.

Land Bank Basics: Land Banks have the authority or power to –

• Acquire tax-foreclosed or abandoned property cost-effectively

• Extinguish past due liens – clear titles

• Hold land tax free

• Flexibly sell property to a responsible buyer, driven not by the highest price - but by the outcome that most closely aligns with community goals.

Impact of Land Banks

Land Banks collaborate with member communities to acquire vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties to pave the way for their eventual transfer to responsible owners. By acquiring these properties, stewarding them on behalf of the public, engaging residents, and attracting new investment, Land Banks are generating positive impacts for the communities they serve.

• Economic and Community Development
• Stabilize Property Values

Meeting ID: 848 6924 2309
Passcode: 941739