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Land Bank, Detroit City Council reach renewed agreement

November 25, 2025

The Detroit Land Bank Authority and City Council have finalized a one-year agreement to collaborate on neighborhood stabilization efforts after operating without a formal contract since December 2023. The new memorandum of understanding largely mirrors the previous agreement from 2020, though it includes enhanced provisions for assisting residents in land bank-owned properties and introduces substantial discounts for community land trusts acquiring property. These trusts can now receive 50% discounts for beautification and affordable housing projects, with steeper 80% reductions available for developments dedicating at least 25% of units to low-income residents.

Who is affected

  • Detroit Land Bank Authority
  • Detroit City Council
  • Council Member Mary Waters
  • City's Housing Department
  • Residents living in land bank-owned houses
  • Community Land Trusts
  • People earning 50% of area median income seeking affordable housing
  • Detroit residents generally

What action is being taken

  • The Detroit Land Bank Authority and City Council are working together under the new agreement
  • The land bank is disposing of property using its expedited powers under state law
  • Outreach and relocation efforts are being expanded for people living in land bank-owned houses
  • Community Land Trusts are receiving discounts (50% and 80%) for land bank property purchases

Why it matters

  • This agreement matters because it restores formal operational structure to the land bank after nearly two years without an agreement, enabling coordinated efforts to address Detroit's "blight emergency." The inclusion of substantial discounts for community land trusts promotes affordable housing development for low-income residents, while enhanced relocation assistance protects vulnerable residents currently living in land bank properties. The agreement provides legitimacy and clear authority for the land bank to use its unique state powers to expedite property title clearing and sales, which is essential for neighborhood stabilization efforts.

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com