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