Michigan Land Bank Association

11/04/2026

🏗️Site Redevelopment Funding Opportunity! ⚡

The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has released information on round 1 of the new MI Brightfields Pilot program. The program primarily seeks to support the development of solar and/or battery energy storage. However, all competitive projects that result in the deployment of renewable energy or energy storage technology on brownfield sites in Michigan are invited to apply. Eligible technologies may include, but are not limited to, ground-mounted solar, rooftop solar, carport solar, solar plus storage, standalone battery energy storage, wind, and geothermal.

Up to $5M is available in round 1 and can be used for a variety of purposes including:

🔋Renewable energy and/or energy storage costs
🪏Site preparation costs
📋Environmental assessment activities
✔️Due care activities
⏩Response activities beyond due care
📝Grant administration costs

If your land bank has property that meets the Part 201 standards, this could be a great opportunity to bring that land back to productive use (or core mission as land banks!). Proposals are due December 13, 2026. You can learn more below:

Program Page: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/remediation-and-redevelopment/brownfields/mi-brightfields-pilot

EGLE Release: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIDEQ/bulletins/430d78e

Webinar (Nov 9): https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_2CCNHmBBQL-OA7zoEDPGKQ #/registration

10/30/2026

What do you get when you have three vacant properties, add one state blight elimination grant, and combine it with local partners coordinated through the local land bank?

Answer: You get 17 new housing options for local residents that help them live, work, and play in the community.

This is exactly what happened in Benzie County with round 1 of the Blight Elimination Program. Three sites, each with its own unique challenges, were selected for demolition in round one. One site now hosts two single family homes, another hosts three, and a third site is now home to 12 apartments within walking distance of amenities and jobs. Through partnerships with the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, local governments, and more, the land bank's efforts to capture this state funding opportunity strengthened local communities, turning land that the market had deemed too challenging into opportunity for new housing.

Our Executive Director toured Benzie County earlier this week with the current and past land bank directors to see the impact first-hand. And this 3 to 17 return is just one of the stories. We're getting out almost every week to visit local land banks, so stay tuned for more stories and be sure to visit www.milandbank.org for more information.

10/28/2026

MLBA's Executive Director joined more than 140 other stakeholders these at this year's Northwest Michigan Housing Summit on Monday and Tuesday to talk policy, tools, connections, and more. From keynotes by Heather Presley-Cowen about building the "housing factory" (i.e. ecosystem approach) and updates from Housing North on the myriad of policy proposals at the state and federal levels to breakout sessions on community investment models, public engagement strategies, and housing TIF, it was an informative and engaging event.

It was great to see land banks come up in conversation as well as to see MLBA regular and associate members in attendance. MLBA is always seeking to build new connections and strengthen existing ones; events like this are ideal for meeting our partnership goals. 💪

10/22/2026

Did you know you can receive assistance tackling a project AND inspire the leaders of tomorrow to learn more about land banks?

The Michigan State University's Urban and Regional Planning Practicum is seeking proposals for their 2027 Spring Practicum course. Through semester-long partnership, students work with community partners to address real planning challenges and develop practical, implementation-oriented recommendations. From neighborhood and revitalization plans to placemaking projects and policy recommendations, we know local land banks have some great opportunities to participate.

Proposals are due December 1, 2026 and require a minimum $3,500 community partner contribution.

You can learn more by visiting their website: https://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/research-outreach/Urban-Regional-Planning-Practicum/index.

10/20/2026

MLBA's Executive Director was in the field yesterday visiting with the Bay County Land Bank Authority. Also joined by Bay City's Community Development Director, we were able to better understand properties in the land bank's inventory, discuss the impact of the Blight Elimination Program funding from the State Land Bank Authority, and get updates on major housing projects underway that the Land Bank played a role in making happen.

Land banks are working hard every day to put the most challenging properties back into productive use which helps revitalize neighborhoods, strengthen revenue for local services, and build a stronger quality of life. MLBA is proud to stand alongside its members and see their work first-hand.

10/17/2026

Excited to share that this week, Director Antonio Adan has been appointed to the statewide Michigan Land Bank Association Board of Trustees.

The MLBA strives to ensure all Michigan Land Banks have the statewide policies, support, and capacity to effectively operate and share information about local land bank programs. The Association’s priorities include building a strong policy and advocacy network with the creation of a policy subcommittee, tracking state land bank legislation, exploring legislative changes that would provide a dedicated funding source for land bank operations as well as clarifying current legislation regarding the foreclosure process on 5/50 properties, and acquainting Michigan lawmakers with the Michigan Land Bank Association and the work of land banks across the state. They also work closely with state agencies and partners to be more effective with any resources available.

If you are interested in learning more about our mission or becoming an Associate member please reach out. Our next Land Bank regional event will be held in Marquette, on Nov 9th, 2026.

We’re passionate about helping local land banks impact their communities View fullsize About MLBA The Michigan Land Bank Association strives to ensure that Michigan Land Banks have the statewide policies, support, and capacity to effectively operate and share information about local land bank prog...

10/15/2026

Land banking's success is built on the ability to establish long-lasting relationships and partnerships that expand capacity, tackle difficult projects, and move community priorities forward.

But you don't get to a 11:1 return on investment over 20 years without key allies like State Senator Sarah Anthony. From sponsoring budget legislation that made the Blight Elimination Program funding possible to previously serving on the Ingham County Land Bank Authority's board, Senator Anthony has been a steadfast champion of our work. We were honored to recognize her as the inaugural Land Bank Advocate of the Year at last week's Leadership Summit.

Learn more: https://mlba.squarespace.com/mlba-news/michigan-land-bank-association-presents-state-senator-sarah-anthony-with-its-first-advocate-of-the-year-award

The Michigan Land Bank Association (MLBA) has named State Senator Sarah Anthony its first-ever Advocate of the Year, recognizing her commitment to land banking and community revitalization. She was recognized at the Land Bank Leadership Summit on October 8, 2026.

10/15/2026

Capacity building through Partnership 💪

Moving a community’s housing and redevelopment goals forward takes properties, local knowledge, and people with time to follow through. In Marquette County, an established partnership between the Marquette County Land Bank Authority and the Marquette County Planning Department is bringing those resources together—and adding a new one: a CEDAM: The Community Economic Development Association of Michigan AmeriCorps CED Corps member who will help advance their shared work in 2026–2027.

Learn more by visiting MLBA's blog below 👇

https://milandbank.org/mlba-news/capacity-through-partnership-marquette-county-land-bank-and-planning-co-host-ced-corp-member

Moving a community’s housing and redevelopment goals forward takes properties, local knowledge, and people with time to follow through. In Marquette County, an established partnership between the Land Bank Authority and County Planning Division is bringing those resources together—and adding a n...

10/14/2026

Resource Spotlight: Rural Development Fund Grants

Rural land banks looking to build capacity or support local projects are eligible to apply for the Michigan Rural Development Fund Grant program from the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity's Office of Rural Prosperity. Projects can receive up to $100,000 for projects covering infrastructure, economies, workforce, and community development in rural Michigan. Additionally, and new this year, those exploring regional collaboration can receive up to $200,000.

The first step is a letter of intent, briefly describing your proposal. Those are due November 2.

Find the template and learn more at http://michigan.gov/leo/boards-comms-councils/rural-development-fund-board/rural-development-fund-grants.

If you're a land bank planning to submit or looking for potential partners, reach out to us at MLBA and we'd be happy to make connections. 🤝

10/14/2026

Now that we've all had a chance to recharge from last week's Land Bank Leadership Summit, we simply want to say THANK YOU to everyone who took the time to join us. And a special thank you to our host land bank, Calhoun County Land Bank Authority, for all their hard work coordinating locally. We couldn't have done it without them.

More than 125 passionate, dedicated individuals from across Michigan joined us in Battle Creek. From blight elimination and lank banking 101 to community investment models, updates from key state partners, awards, and line dancing (you read that right), it was a 48 hours to remember. In true Michigan fashion, there was even very competitive euchre to be found.

Land banks are doing incredible things across the state that support locally-driven and impactful development efforts, from simply holding land until a use can be found to proactively developing housing or addressing other community needs. Everyone left the summit with new ideas, relationships, and inspiration to continue this important work in urban and rural communities alike.

We're working to get the presentations up on www.milandbank.org shortly and will post again when they are available.

Finally, a huge shoutout to our presenting sponsors W.K. Kellogg Foundation, our Diamond sponsors State Land Bank Authority and Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Platinum sponsors Warner, 66 Builders, Erie Environmental | Mold | Asbestos | Radon, Center for Community Progress, Title Check, eProperty Innovations, TriMedia Environmental & Engineering Services, Coldwell Banker, Sturgis Bank, eTITLE Agency, Inc., AKT Peerless, IFF (CDFI), Capital Access, Inc., Bratcher Morehart & Associates, BippusUSA.com Auction & Real Estate, and Independent Bank. This successful event wouldn't have been possible without your support and participation.

We've shared a few pictures but feel free to add your own in the comments. We'd love to have more.