1

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 

Office of Policy Development and Research

Revitalizing Foreclosed 

Properties with Land Banks
Visit PD&R’s website www.huduser.org to find this report and others sponsored by HUD’s Office of Policy 

Development and Research (PD&R). Other services of HUD USER, PD&R’s Research Information Service, 

include listservs; special interest reports, bimonthly publications (best practices, significant studies from other 

sources); access to public use databases; and hotline 1-800-245-2691 for help accessing the information you need.
Prepared for: 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development 

Office of Policy Development and Research

Prepared by: 

Sage Computing, Inc.

Reston, VA

August 2009

Revitalizing Foreclosed 

Properties with Land Banks
The contents of this report are the views of the contractor and do not necessarily reflect the views or 

policies of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development or the U.S. Government.
iii

Table of Contents

Introduction ...........................................................................................................................1

What Are Land Banks? .................................................................................................. 1

History.............................................................................................................................. 2

What Do Land Banks Do?...................................................................................................2

Benefits of Land Banks.........................................................................................................3

Emerging Trends ...................................................................................................................4 

Land Bank Challenges .......................................................................................................... 6

Getting Started ......................................................................................................................6

Appendix A — Genesee County Land Bank Authority .................................................. 9

Appendix B — Baltimore City, Maryland.......................................................................... 12

Appendix C — The Fulton County/City of Atlanta Land Bank Authority .................16

Endnotes................................................................................................................................19

List of Figures

Figure 1: Land Bank Functions............................................................................................4

Figure 2: Timeline for Mortgage Foreclosures ...................................................................6

Figure A1: Percentage of Total Vacant Housing Units 

in the city of Flint and Genesee County, Michigan............................................................9

Figure B1: Baltimore City, Maryland’s Project 5000 Results...........................................13

Figure C1: Fulton County/City of Atlanta Land Bank Authority 

Transfer of Property Process................................................................................................18

1

When properties remain vacant for prolonged periods, they can fall into disrepair, 

become neglected, and eventually be abandoned by their owners. Abandoned 

properties pose significant fire and safety hazards, attract 

vandalism, and generate criminal activity.3

 These properties create 

a ripple effect, lowering adjacent property values and contributing 

to the decline of entire neighborhoods. A 2005 report prepared 

for the Homeownership Preservation Foundation notes that a 

single foreclosed unit in a Chicago neighborhood reduced the 

property values of 13 homes located within 150 feet.4

 In addition, 

communities with a large number of tax-delinquent properties lose 

considerable revenue and further burden local governments with 

increased maintenance and service costs. For instance, according to 

a National Vacant Properties Campaign report, Detroit, Michigan 

spends $800,000 a year on vacant lot cleanup alone.5

While it’s in a community’s best interests to promote the 

redevelopment of abandoned and tax-delinquent properties, there 

are a number of barriers that inhibit progress, such as complicated 

state tax foreclosure processes and a lack of local government 

mechanisms to regain control of such properties. Some states allow 

tax liens to be sold at auctions, where buyers (usually speculators) 

have no immediate interest in returning the property to reuse. In 

other instances, properties that remain unsold at auctions become 

government-owned through a lengthy foreclosure process, during 

which time they decline in value and potential use.

To ameliorate the negative effects of foreclosures, some communities are creating public entities — known as land banks — to 

return these properties to productive reuse while simultaneously 

addressing the need for affordable housing. This report examines 

the concept of land banking and discusses barriers and solutions 

to the successful implementation of land banks. The report also 

contains case studies from three local jurisdictions — Genesee 

County, Michigan; Atlanta, Georgia; and, Baltimore, Maryland 

— that detail their experiences in land banking.

WHAT ARE LAND BANKS?

Land banks are governmental or nonprofit entities that acquire, hold, and manage 

foreclosed or abandoned properties. Enabled by state legislation and enacted by local 

ordinances, these legal entities are typically governed by a board of directors that 

Foreclosures are at the forefront of issues affecting today’s housing market. The volume of 

foreclosures has become a significant problem, not only to local economies, but also to the 

aesthetics of neighborhoods and property values therein. At the same time, middle- to lowincome families continue to be priced out of the housing market while suitable housing units remain 

vacant. In 2008, the mortgage foreclosure crisis gripping the nation added over 1.2 million foreclosed 

homes, increasing the inventory of vacant housing units.1

 According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there 

were over 14 million vacant units (year-round housing units intended for occupancy at any time of 

the year) in the nation during the first quarter of 2009, up from 12.6 million units in 2006.2

A dilapidated doorway in Baltimore, Maryland.

INTRODUCTION
2

adhere to bylaws and articles of incorporation specifically tailored to meet the needs 

of individual communities. Funded with local government allocations or revenue 

from operations, they can be staffed by independent, full-time employees or by local 

government employees on a part-time basis.

HISTORY

Contemporary urban land banks were created in response to a large number of taxdelinquent properties and widespread property abandonment in cities experiencing 

a loss of industrial jobs.6

 One such land bank was established in St. Louis, Missouri 

in 1971 to acquire tax-foreclosed properties that remained unsold at sheriff sales.7

Operations under the St. Louis Land Reutilization Authority include acceptance 

of donated property, assembly, and consequent maintenance of land to facilitate 

future development. Five years later, the state of Ohio adopted land bank-enabling 

legislation.8

 Following passage of the legislation, the city of Cleveland established a 

land bank to acquire and dispose of tax-delinquent properties. Ohio subsequently 

adopted legislation in 1988 that further strengthened the land bank statute by 

expediting the tax foreclosure process and allowing tax abatements on land bank 

property.

In 2003, the state of Michigan adopted one of the most progressive land banking 

legislations in the nation (further discussed in Appendix A). In addition to granting 

city and county land bank authorities the power to assemble, sell, or redevelop 

large numbers of abandoned properties, Michigan’s legislation allows land bank 

authorities to utilize tax-increment financing for the redevelopment of vacant and 

abandoned properties.10 Other states that have adopted land bank legislation include 

Georgia, Indiana, Texas, Kentucky, and Maryland.

What Do Land Banks Do?

Land banks acquire properties through tax foreclosure, 

intergovernmental transfers, nonprofit transfers, and openmarket purchases. Tax foreclosures are the most common 

method of acquisition. They allow state or local taxing 

authorities to recoup delinquent back taxes by imposing a 

lien on a property without the owner’s consent. Pursuant 

to state foreclosure laws, these properties are then sold at a 

public auction; those properties remaining unsold are deeded 

to land banks. While land banks have historically functioned 

to acquire tax foreclosures, the passage of the Housing and 

Economic Recovery Act (HERA) in 2008 allocates funds to 

provide communities with the means to acquire mortgageforeclosures.11 In comparison to tax foreclosures, a bank or 

mortgage foreclosure is pursued when a homeowner does 

not fulfill mortgage payment requirements to the lender. The 

lender is then entitled to foreclose and, subsequently, assume 

ownership of the property.

After the acquisition process, land banks promote the 

redevelopment of blighted properties by exercising powers 

authorized in state and local statutes, such as the ability to 

waive taxes and clear titles. The Fulton County/Atlanta Land 

Bank in Georgia (further discussed in Appendix C) has the 

power to abate delinquent taxes and can serve as a conduit for 

conveying property to community development corporations 

(CDCs) and other nonprofit developers. The Genesee 

“A home is abandoned when 

mortgage or tax foreclosure 

proceedings have been initiated for 

that property, no mortgage 

or tax payments have been made 

by the property owner for at least 

90 days, AND the property has 

been vacant for at least 90 days.”9

—The Neighborhood Stabilization 

Program definition of an

abandoned home.

An abandoned home in Baltimore, Maryland.
3

County Land Bank Authority (GCLBA) in Michigan cannot extinguish delinquent 

taxes, but it has complete discretion in setting prices, terms, and conditions (to any 

third party) when disposing of a property. In addition, with its sale, rental, and 

development programs, the GCLBA functions as a developer and property manager 

by renovating foreclosed homes and making them available to low-income families 

at affordable prices.

Land banks also provide maintenance services for vacant lots and 

abandoned properties. Land banks often acquire a large number of 

properties that are not disposed of immediately, thus creating a need for 

upkeep. Maintenance activities can include the demolition of dilapidated 

structures that pose safety hazards and routine maintenance of vacant 

lots, such as landscaping. The GCLBA demolishes between 100 and 200 

blighted structures per year and performs maintenance-related activities 

for properties in its inventory.12

Benefits of Land Banks

Land banks are an effective tool for stabilizing communities burdened 

by a large number of vacant, abandoned, or foreclosed properties. They 

allow local governments to overcome barriers that inhibit the 

redevelopment of these properties. For example, the disposition of 

tax-delinquent properties can be challenging when delinquent taxes 

exceed the property’s market value, or when there is no clear title to 

the property. A land bank, such as the Fulton County/Atlanta Land 

Bank — having the power to waive back taxes and clear titles — 

can facilitate transfer of ownership in a tax-delinquent property for 

redevelopment purposes. 

Some land banks, such as the GCLBA, operate “side-lot” programs 

wherein ownership of vacant lots is transferred to adjacent property 

owners for a nominal fee. Programs like these ensure that abandoned 

properties are back on the tax rolls, resulting in increased revenue and 

reduced maintenance cost burdens for local governments. The GCLBA 

also allows neighborhood residents to use vacant lots in its inventory to 

create community gardens. Such projects beautify neighborhoods and 

help stabilize property values in declining areas.

The affordable housing stock also benefits from land banks. In the event 

that vacant lots cannot be developed due to a lot’s irregular shape or small 

A home rehabbed by the GCLBA in Flint, Michigan.

Before and after renovation pictures of a property in Flint, Michigan.

Before

After
4

size, land banks can assemble adjoining parcels to create a larger, more marketable 

property. In so doing, these larger parcels can be sold to CDCs and other nonprofit 

developers, at below market rates, to support the creation of affordable housing. 

In addition, land banks can hold property for future affordable housing development, 

thus enabling local governments to curb the negative effects of gentrification. 

Additionally, developers are able to save on holding costs by acquiring property 

directly from a land bank. Local governments can further expand affordable housing 

opportunities by using land banks to purchase mortgage-foreclosed homes and make 

them available to low-income households at affordable rates.

Emerging Trends

Within the next two years, at least 47 states will be facing significant budget 

shortfalls.13 Public resources are stretched thin and the gloomy economic forecast 

is compounding government challenges to recover from the mortgage foreclosure 

State legislation 

enabling creation of 

land bank authorities

Local government adopts ordinance 

creating a land bank authority

Acquisition of property occurs through nonprofit/

intergovernmental transfers, market transfers, 

and tax foreclosures

A land bank may clear titles, waive 

back taxes, and/or make improvements 

on acquired properties

Development of 

new units

Rehabilitation of 

existing development

Disposition of Property

Maintenance 

for future use

Figure 1: Land Bank Functions
5

crisis. To provide financial relief during these unsettled times, Congress enacted 

the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP).14 The program — authorized 

under HERA — provides emergency assistance to state and local governments 

hardest hit by the foreclosure crisis. NSP funds are distributed to states 

and communities presenting the greatest need based on the number and percentage 

of foreclosures, subprime mortgages, delinquencies, and defaults. Its purpose 

is to stabilize neighborhoods and encourage the reuse or redevelopment of 

residential property. 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated 

$3.92 billion of grant funds to all 50 states, 5 territories, and 254 local 

jurisdictions. Grantees are required to use at least 25 percent of the funds to provide 

housing for individuals or families earning less than 50 percent of the area median 

income. In addition, all activities funded by NSP must benefit low- and moderateincome households earning less than 120 percent of the area median income.

Under the NSP, grantees may establish a land bank to purchase foreclosed or 

abandoned properties. The land bank cannot hold property for more than 10 years, 

but may maintain property that it does not own, provided that it charges the property 

owner the full cost of maintenance, or places a lien on the property. In order to 

receive NSP funds, grantees must first establish an area that would be serviced by 

the land bank, and while a number of land bank activities may be pursued, HERA 

only allows NSP funds to be used for acquisition.

In 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (the Recovery Act) was 

passed into law, in part to further assist state and local governments and nonprofit 

organizations in pursuing NSP activities. The Recovery Act allocates $1.93 billion in 

grants to be distributed on a competitive basis. The objective of the program remains 

unchanged, but some regulations have been modified. For example, NSP2 — a term 

used to reference funds authorized under the Recovery Act — allows land banks to 

receive funds for operational costs and expands the land bank target from strictly 

foreclosed homes to residential property in general. A number of communities have 

included land banks as part of their NSP plans. According to HUD’s analysis, 4.2 

percent of NSP funds are being proposed for land banking activities.15

Columbus, Ohio

The city of Columbus, Ohio plans to utilize approximately $22.8 million in NSP 

funds that it received to acquire, demolish, rehabilitate, and redevelop foreclosed 

and abandoned properties.16 The city will carry out these activities through its land 

redevelopment office, which functions as the city’s land bank. The city’s NSP plan 

proposes to acquire 150 units — 130 of these will be demolished — and develop 

111 new units that will be made available to low- and moderate-income households. 

The city’s land redevelopment office will coordinate the acquisition of these properties 

using NSP funds.

Chattanooga, Tennessee

The city of Chattanooga, Tennessee has set aside $250,000 in NSP funds to establish 

a land bank that will help convert abandoned properties into productive use.17

The land bank will acquire foreclosed properties and assemble city-owned parcels 

scattered throughout the city for future development. Properties will be sold to 

households earning no more than 120 percent of the area median income. The city 

will place lien restrictions on such properties to ensure long-term affordability.

Genesee County, Michigan

Foreclosed homes purchased with NSP funds in Genesee County, Michigan will 

be held by the Genesee County Land Bank Authority (GCLBA) until they are 

Neighborhood Stabilization 

Program

The Housing and Economic 

Recovery Act of 2008 (HERA) 

allocates $3.92 billion for the 

Neighborhood Stabilization Program 

(NSP) to provide assistance 

to state and local governments 

for community redevelopment. 

The purpose of the NSP is to 

stabilize communities through the 

progressive reuse of abandoned and 

foreclosed properties. According to 

HERA, funds may be used to:

A. Establish financing mechanisms 

for purchase and redevelopment 

of foreclosed upon homes and 

residential properties, including 

such mechanisms as softseconds, loan loss reserves, and 

shared-equity loans for low- and 

moderate-income homebuyers;

B. Purchase and rehabilitate homes 

and residential properties that have 

been abandoned or foreclosed upon, 

in order to sell, rent, or redevelop 

such homes and properties;

C. Establish land banks for homes 

that have been foreclosed upon;

D. Demolish blighted structures; and

E. Redevelop demolished or 

vacant properties.

Under the NSP, land banks are 

funded for activities related to 

the acquisition and disposition of 

foreclosed properties. However, 

land banks may pursue other 

activities (i.e., financing mechanisms, 

rehabilitation, demolishing 

blighted structures, or redeveloping 

demolished or vacant properties) 

provided they serve rehabilitative 

uses and are pertinent to achieving 

the goals set forth by the NSP.19
6

disposed. The GCLBA will help clear titles and assist in the demolition of blighted 

properties.18 In addition, the land bank is seeking to partner with a real estate 

development firm in anticipation of being awarded NSP2 funds to financially assist 

prospective homebuyers and to continue rehabilitation projects. 

Land Bank Challenges

Communities can face a number of obstacles when executing land bank policies. 

First, the process of acquiring foreclosures can be lengthy and cumbersome. Tax 

foreclosure proceedings vary from state to state and often require involvement on the 

part of several jurisdictions to obtain clear title. A clear title is necessary to effectively 

redevelop foreclosures — it guarantees that a property is clear of all liens and certifies 

that a previous title holder cannot claim the property at a later date.

Depending on the state, there are two common types of foreclosure proceedings: the 

judicial foreclosure and power of sale. In a judicial foreclosure, a delinquent property 

is sold at auction to the highest bidder. The auction is carried out by a local court 

or sheriff ’s office. A property foreclosed by a power of sale is auctioned off by the 

mortgage company and may be subject to a judicial review.20 The advantage of a 

judicial foreclosure is that it includes obtaining a clear title prior to auction, thereby 

shortening the foreclosure process in the long run. Reforming state legislation may 

assist in expediting the foreclosure process, while introducing enough flexibility to 

help homeowners save their homes.21

Second, municipalities often lack experience in coordinating key stakeholders 

to achieve successful outcomes. In many cases, municipalities have the capacity 

to administer a land bank, but intergovernmental dichotomies inhibit regional 

goals.22 To ensure that foreclosed, vacant, and abandoned properties are acquired 

and disposed of efficiently, “state legislation should provide clear parameters and 

statutory authority for interlocal agreements.”23

Another critical challenge is financing. Acquiring, renovating, and disposing of these 

properties can be costly. Diligent planning and proper funding mechanisms are 

needed to ensure that foreclosures are not acquired by speculators, but are instead 

put to productive use. Subsequently, operational land banks require a means of 

generating revenue. Adopting state legislation to grant municipalities the authority 

to develop funding mechanisms that suit their individual needs can assist in 

successfully implementing and executing a land bank.24

Getting Started

Communities looking to create a land bank authority will find a guidebook by 

Emory University professor Frank Alexander, Land Bank Authorities: A Guide for 

the Creation and Operation of Local Land Banks, helpful in identifying key factors 

and outlining action steps for the implementation of a land bank.25 Alexander’s work 

details important aspects of getting started, such as:

Laying the groundwork. To clearly identify and prioritize community goals, one must 

first understand the problem. Gathering an inventory of existing abandoned, vacant, 

and foreclosed properties that identifies their location, condition, and ownership 

information will help determine the factual basis for establishing a land bank, and 

lay the groundwork for more supportive state and local policy-making. 

Land bank-enabling legislation. In order for municipalities to take advantage of 

this tool, states must first adopt land bank enabling legislation. State statutes play 

a significant role in the creation of land bank authorities. They authorize local 

governments to establish land banks with powers designed to accomplish regional 

Figure 2: Timeline for 

Mortgage Foreclosures*

Source: U.S. Department of 

Housing and Urban 

Development *

 Timelines vary by state.

Delinquent homeowner 

receives a letter from the 

lender documenting the 

first missed payment.

MONTH 1

Delinquent homeowner 

receives phone calls from 

the lender documenting the 

second missed payment.

MONTH 2

Delinquent homeowner has 

exceeded the 30 days allowed 

under the previous notice 

to pay outstanding balance. 

MONTH 4

This is the actual date 

of foreclosure (when the 

home is sold at auction). 

The sale occurs approximately 

2-3 months after the date 

of notice. 

SALE

Following the sale, 

the homeowner is granted 

a redemption period where 

a home can be reclaimed 

if all outstanding payments 

are made.

Redemption

Delinquent homeowner 

receives a “Demand Letter” 

or “Notice to Accelerate.” 

Foreclosure proceedings begin.

MONTH 3
7

and local community goals, such as blight removal, neighborhood redevelopment, and 

the creation of affordable housing. Along with defining acquisition and disposition 

policies, identifying revenue sources, and outlining the governing structure of a 

land bank, state enabling legislation can also facilitate the sale or redevelopment of 

abandoned properties by authorizing land banks to eliminate back taxes, clear titles, 

and set below-market sale prices. Ensuring that land banks have the authority to 

streamline the acquisition and disposition of foreclosed and abandoned properties 

allows local governments to further the cause of affordable reuse.

In addition to laying the groundwork and establishing enabling legislation, a 

municipality must understand how to organize and implement a land bank. The 

following section contains case studies from three public land bank authorities in 

Genesee County, Fulton County, and Baltimore City. Each land bank is unique, 

with diverse policies and programs that vary depending on the long-term goals of 

the community they serve. Using these case studies as a template, communities can 

tailor land bank policies to address their individual needs.

A vacant and abandoned home in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Regulatory Barriers 

Clearinghouse

To find more information about 

Land Banks and other strategies 

that help support affordable 

housing, please visit HUD’s 

Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse 

at www.regbarriers.org.

9

For over four decades, the city of Flint, Michigan and other communities located in 

Genesee County have struggled with high population loss and increasing property 

abandonment (see Figure A1). At its peak in the 1960s, Flint — birthplace of 

General Motors — had a population of almost 200,000.26 With the auto industry’s 

declining fortunes and concomitant loss of manufacturing jobs, the city’s population 

began steadily decreasing as people left in search of jobs and better prospects, leaving 

behind vacant and abandoned houses. This abandonment has led to mounting 

tax-delinquencies, and in tandem with a weak real estate market, contributed to 

widespread neighborhood decline in Flint and the surrounding areas. 

Michigan’s former tax foreclosure laws compounded the problem of neighborhood 

decline. There was no mechanism in place to allow local governments to take control 

of tax-delinquent properties. Instead, the state allowed private speculators to purchase 

tax liens on these properties. The properties that remained unsold became state-owned 

through a lengthy foreclosure process, lasting anywhere from four to seven years.27

State Tax-Foreclosure Reform

To mitigate this problem, Michigan adopted legislation reforming the tax-foreclosure 

process and enabling the creation of local land bank authorities. The state passed 

the Delinquent Property Tax Foreclosure Act of 1999 (Public Act 123), which 

authorized counties to foreclose on tax-delinquent properties.28 Counties were given 

the choice of functioning as local governmental foreclosing units or letting the state 

handle foreclosures.29 Counties that chose to participate could use revenue generated 

from the sale of foreclosed properties to create a “land reutilization fund” with 

which to manage their inventory. The legislation also streamlined the foreclosure 

process, reducing the time property owners had to pay back taxes and allowing local 

authorities to reclaim declining tax-delinquent properties in less than three years. 

Appendix A 

Genesee County Land Bank Authority

Percentage of Vacant Housing Units

25

20

15

10

5

0

1980 1990 2000 2007*

Figure A1: Percentage of Total Vacant Housing Units in the city 

of Flint and Genesee County, Michigan

Source: U.S. Census

*Census estimate based on data collected between January 2005 and December 2007

 City of Flint

 Genesee County
10

In 2003, Michigan adopted another key piece of legislation known as the Land Bank 

Fast Track Act (Public Act 258). Considered the most progressive land banking 

legislation in the nation, Public Act 258 allows county governments that opted in 

under Public Act 123 to create city and county land bank authorities with powers to 

assemble, sell, or redevelop a large number of tax-foreclosed properties in an expedited 

manner. The law also allows counties to adopt a brownfield redevelopment plan for 

tax-foreclosed properties, thereby facilitating the use of tax-increment financing for 

redevelopment. 

Establishing the Land Bank

Genesee County chose to act as the local governmental foreclosing unit under 

Public Act 123 and created the Genesee County Land Reutilization Council 

(GCLRC) in 2002. Two years later, enabled by the Land Bank Fast Track Act and 

an intergovernmental agreement between the state’s land bank authority and the 

Treasurer of Genesee County, 

GCLRC evolved as the Genesee 

County Land Bank Authority 

(GCLBA). That present-day public 

entity is independently governed 

by a board of directors consisting of 

the County Treasurer and residents 

of Flint and Genesee County.30 With 

its own set of by-laws and a fulltime staff, the land bank acquires 

tax foreclosures and determines the 

best use for these properties, in 

keeping with the long-term vision for 

the community. Over the past five 

years, the land bank has returned 

1,500 properties to some form of 

productive reuse.

Property Acquisition

The GCLBA acquires property primarily through tax foreclosure. When properties 

enter foreclosure after two years of unpaid property taxes, they are deeded to the 

County Treasurer. Each year, foreclosed properties are offered for sale by public 

auction to recoup back taxes. Working in conjunction with the Treasurer’s office, 

land bank staff identifies foreclosed properties on which to bid at these auctions. 

At the end of the year, foreclosed properties that remain unsold by public auction 

are automatically deeded to the land bank. Other land acquisition methods used 

by the land bank include property transfers from private, nonprofit, or governmental 

entities, and purchase on the open market.

Land Bank Programs

The GCLBA operates 10 different programs designed to ensure productive reuse of 

tax-foreclosed properties through foreclosure prevention, housing renovation, side 

lot transfer, clean and green (vacant lots are converted into gardens and green space), 

planning and outreach, demolition, property maintenance, sales, development, and 

brownfield redevelopment. Since most of the properties acquired by the land bank 

are either vacant lots or homes in severe disrepair, the GCLBA categorizes them for 

demolition, rehabilitation, or for rent or sale to interested parties.31 Neighborhood 

revitalization, homeownership, and increasing housing opportunities for lowincome families are top priorities at the GCLBA. As of February 2009, the land 

Vacant lot acquired by adjacent homeowner as part of the GCLBA’s side lot transfer program.

Photo Credit: GCLBA
11

bank held 4,200 properties in its inventory, of which close to 3,400 are vacant lots; 

nearly 88 percent are located within the Flint city limits. 

The land bank renovates 25 to 50 abandoned and dilapidated houses annually, and 

then sells or rents them at affordable rates to qualified tenants with an option to 

own. Monthly rent for many of these homes is kept under $400. The side-lot and 

adopt-a-lot programs give homeowners the option to lease/purchase adjacent vacant 

lots from the land bank. Other vacant lots are transferred to nonprofit entities for 

development, operation, or maintenance of affordable housing. 

Back taxes, taxes generated from redevelopment, and revenue from its sales and rental 

programs finance GCLBA operations. It also receives 50 percent of property taxes 

collected on transferred properties for the first 5 years, while tax-increment financing 

pays for clean-up and demolition of properties.

The GCLBA has succeeded in transforming neglected tax-delinquent properties 

into productive, tax revenue-generating properties, while achieving the long-term 

community goals of affordable housing and neighborhood stabilization. A recipient 

of the 2007 Innovations in American Government Award, the GCLBA is now 

a model for public land banks across the nation. Dan Kildee, County Treasurer 

and board member of GCLBA, emphasizes that flexibility is the key for successful 

implementation of a land bank. Kildee advises communities to create realistic 

expectations and to adopt a flexible working plan for land banks.32

“The land bank has made 

it possible for me to be 

independent. I always refer 

my friends to the land bank.”

—Tynisha Howell, a Flint resident 

who is renting a GCLBA-rehabbed 

home with an option to buy.

A view of a residential property in Flint, Michigan, before and after renovation.

Before

After
12

Baltimore is the largest city in the state of Maryland. Dubbed “Charm City,” it was 

established in 1729 and thrived as a seaport community until the latter half of the 

20th century, when factories closed and manufacturing jobs were lost. Today, the 

city’s Inner Harbor is a popular tourist destination with ample entertainment and 

retail venues, but bustling tourism alone cannot bolster the 

city’s significant economic decline and resulting housing 

crisis. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Baltimore 

City has undergone significant population changes since 

the 1950s. Having lost nearly 33 percent of its residents, 

the city struggles to address the growing blight and crime 

occasioned in part by over 37,000 vacant and abandoned 

housing units.33

Project 5000

In 2002, then Baltimore City Mayor Martin O’Malley 

set out on an ambitious two-year plan to acquire 5,000 

vacant and abandoned properties and put them back into 

productive use.“Instead of using our resources and powers 

to put properties back on the market, we’ve been spending 

it on the maintenance of divestment. It’s time to wake 

the dead potential of these lots and buildings. It’s time to 

return value to our city’s land and make that value work for us,” O’Malley observed.34

Baltimore’s aggressive approach to take ownership of blighted properties was intended 

to rally public support for Project 5000 — an initiative managed by the city’s Land 

Resources Division — and its objective to mitigate the growing vacancy problem 

that has plagued Baltimore City for decades. 

When O’Malley first sought to implement the program, the city had a vacancy 

rate of 14.1 percent — the fourth highest in the nation. “Vacant houses breed 

crime, they breed trash, and they diminish the value of homes that represent the 

lifesavings of hardworking citizens,” said O’Malley. The plan was to acquire vacant 

and abandoned properties through tax foreclosures, quick-sales, eminent domain, and 

Appendix B

Baltimore City, Maryland

A blighted residential structure in Baltimore, Maryland.

Blighted row houses in Baltimore, Maryland.
13

traditional acquisitions (and to transfer surplus city-owned property previously held 

by the Housing Authority of Baltimore City). The strategy was implemented incrementally; the first step was to identify properties for acquisition. 

Through a collaborative effort between city agencies and community partners, a 

property selection process was developed, with a housing database established to 

help staff determine which properties to choose for acquisition. The result is a webbased tool, HousingView, featuring geographic information and property data where 

decisionmakers review aerial photographs in search of vacant buildings and lots. 

The majority of properties targeted for acquisition were located in the SandtownWinchester, Middle East, and Central Park Heights neighborhoods of Baltimore 

City. The city targeted properties for acquisition when favorable development 

opportunities existed. 

The second stage of the initiative established partnerships to minimize operating 

costs. Project 5000 received free and discounted services valued at upwards of 

$5 million from attorneys, newspapers, and other legal entities. During the third 

stage, the city streamlined and improved the acquisition and legal processes to grapple 

with large-scale foreclosure proceedings, and a web-based tracking tool — the City 

of Baltimore Land Asset Manager (CoBLAM) — was developed to track the flow 

of legal work. The last stage dealt with the disposition of all acquired properties 

by various methods: Selling City-Owned Property Efficiently (SCOPE) partnered 

with local realtors to sell higher-priced homes on the open market; rolling bids 

were administered for properties of lesser value; and Request for Proposals (RFPs) 

were used for multiple properties with specific development goals. 

Prior to the launch of Project 5000, the Land Resources Division acquired only 200 

properties annually. The project not only met, but substantially exceeded its goals. 

Over 6,000 properties were acquired during its 3-year run, and a number of city 

innovations were developed as a result of the program. Although successful on many 

counts, the project was not without its challenges. Baltimore City currently owns 

over 10,000 vacant and abandoned properties, making it one of the largest holders 

of blighted city-owned parcels in the nation.35 Managing a large inventory of real 

estate has resulted in several challenges for the city. Seeking reform, Mayor Sheila 

Dixon requested that the Department of Housing and Community Development 

(HCD) generate a plan to implement a land bank.

Project 5000 Results

Operating Costs $7,418,238

Capital Costs $14,626,248

Average Expenditure per Acquisition $12,606 (eminent domain)

Average Expenditure per Acquisition $1,600 (tax foreclosures)

Total Properties Acquired 6,000 (approximate)

Properties Returned to Private Ownership 1,000 (approximate)

Sales Revenue $4,500,000

Taxes and Fees Collected $1,800,000

Figure B1: Baltimore City, Maryland’s Project 5000 Results

Source: U.S. Conference of Mayors

A vacant home in Baltimore.
14

Baltimore City Land Bank Authority Proposal

Public officials have frequently discussed the creation of a land bank to reduce the 

high number of vacant and abandoned homes throughout Baltimore City. Although 

there has been much interest in the issue, the sizable scope of the project has 

deterred any action — until now. At the request of Mayor Sheila Dixon, the HCD 

generated the report A Plan to Create the Baltimore City Land Bank. “Too many 

Baltimore neighborhoods are plagued by problems associated with vacant, boardedup properties. Abandoned properties drain value from the homes of innocent 

neighbors. They undermine the quality of life in our neighborhoods. And they 

cost the city money,” said Mayor Dixon. Released in 2007, the report identifies 

problems with the existing property acquisition 

and disposition processes and lays out an 

implementation plan for the creation of the 

Baltimore City Land Bank. 

The existing process to sell city-owned property 

is complex and requires duplicative efforts by 

a number of city agencies, including the HCD, 

the Comptroller’s Real Estate Office, the Space 

Utilization Committee, the Department of 

Finance, the Law Department, the City Council, 

and the Board of Estimates. Given these and 

other significant barriers, the acquisition and 

disposition of a single property can take up to three 

years to complete, only adding to the city’s 

struggle to efficiently dispose of units in a way 

that ensures rehabilitation, and ultimately, an 

improved quality of life. Moreover, the sales 

process targets buyers that are familiar with the 

system and seeks maximum profits over development outcomes — placing 

community development corporations, neighborhood groups, and local affordable 

housing developers at a competitive disadvantage. To resolve these problems, the 

report recommends a three-step implementation strategy to: 

1. Amend the city code to grant HCD the authority to sell abandoned property; 

2. Place property suitable for redevelopment under the management of a central 

agency; and

3. Create a nonprofit entity to acquire, maintain, and sell abandoned property on 

the city’s behalf. 

The Baltimore City Code requires that the Board of Estimates certify the legal 

and financial capacity of contracting parties prior to the sale of a property. This 

process stipulates that the sale price must meet or exceed the appraised value — 

focusing on profit, not development outcome. The approval process can add several 

months to disposition proceedings. Amending the city code to grant HCD 

authority to sell abandoned property can streamline the process, while still being 

subject to accountability.

City-owned property is divided between HCD, Recreation and Parks, and the 

Real Estate Office of the Comptroller. In some cases, HCD and the Comptroller 

hold property within the same city block. Both departments have failed to agree on 

a marketing strategy to dispose of these units. As a result, when developers attempt 

to acquire multiple listings within a city block, they must conduct separate 

negotiations with each city office. In adopting new guidelines designating HCD 

A renovated home in Baltimore, Maryland.
15

the central agency, the city could eliminate duplicative negotiations and reviews that 

add expense and occasion delay for developers. 

Another policy that prolongs disposition is the method by which services are 

procured. The management of city-owned property is fragmented; each stage of 

a real estate transaction from acquisition to disposition requires a variety of services, 

ranging from maintenance and repair to obtaining appraisals. The city’s rules 

regarding the hiring and retention of staff to provide these services have hindered 

progress on all fronts. Creating a nonprofit entity to acquire, maintain, and sell 

abandoned property on the city’s behalf will streamline the process for selling 

properties, allow greater flexibility in recruiting necessary services, and establish 

clearly defined policies for property disposition. 

Maryland’s Enabling Legislation

During the 2008 Legislative Session, the Maryland General Assembly passed 

Senate Bill 911, which empowers Baltimore City to create a Land Bank Authority 

(LBA). The enabling legislation creates an 11-member board of directors consisting 

of six city officials and five city council appointees to govern the nonprofit agency. 

The LBA is charged with adopting bylaws, rules, and regulations to return vacant 

properties to productive use. This quasi-governmental organization can acquire, 

manage, and sell city-owned property and procure services from other public or 

private entities in order to effectively manage operations. Additionally, the LBA may 

lease, transfer, demolish, repair, and dispose of property it holds or owns and take all 

other actions necessary to preserve its value. 

The authority is exempt from paying state or local taxes, but the property that 

the authority sells or leases to a private party is subject to state and local property 

taxes from the time of sale or lease. Unlike Project 5000, the LBA does not have 

the power of eminent domain and cannot levy any tax or special assessment. 

Throughout the summer of 2008, a task force created by Mayor Dixon met with 

government officials to draft city legislation that will allow the implementation of 

the Land Bank Authority. According to the Mayor, even in a down economy, 

developers continue to express interest in the vacant and abandoned properties. “By 

streamlining the process for selling city property, adopting policies from various 

stakeholders, and consolidating development parcels, our neighborhoods will attract 

new investment,” said Dixon. The proposed legislation was presented to the city 

council in January 2009 and is currently awaiting approval.
16

The Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area is one of the fastest growing regions 

in the United States. However, the city of Atlanta’s population growth has been 

disproportionate compared to the growth of surrounding suburban areas. In the 

1970s, Atlanta — the state capital and Fulton County seat — experienced a significant 

population decline. During this time, housing vacancy rates increased from 5 to 

almost 15 percent.36 The population loss did not subside until 

after 1990, when expanding employment opportunities in 

parts of the city attracted new residents. From 1990 to 2007, 

Atlanta’s population grew by over 30 percent.37 Demographic 

projections indicate that the city’s population will continue 

to increase, but a large number of workers will live outside 

of the job-rich region, due to a lack of affordable housing.38

Meanwhile, gentrification of the city’s older and more 

affordable neighborhoods is resulting in the displacement 

of existing low-income households, exacerbating the need 

for affordable housing.39

For the past 18 years, the Fulton County/City of Atlanta 

Land Bank Authority (LBA) has been instrumental in 

redeveloping declining neighborhoods and increasing 

the city’s affordable housing supply. The LBA enables 

community development corporations (CDCs) to acquire 

tax-delinquent properties with insurable titles at below market prices for affordable 

development. Since its inception, the LBA has facilitated the transfer of 50–100 

properties per year. As a result of the current mortgage foreclosure crisis, there are 

a vast number of homes in the city that are standing vacant and abandoned. With 

powers granted by state legislation, the LBA is in a unique position to stabilize 

declining neighborhoods with high foreclosure rates.

State Enabling Legislation

Georgia is one of the few states in the nation to have adopted legislation expediting 

the tax foreclosure process and enabling the creation of public land bank authorities. 

In 1990, the state adopted legislation allowing one or more cities and counties 

to enter into an interlocal cooperation agreement to create a land bank authority with 

the power to acquire, clear title, and dispose of tax delinquent properties.40

The legislation also granted land bank authorities the power to forgive delinquent 

county and city taxes, including school district taxes (with the consent of the 

school board) on acquired properties. In addition, Georgia enacted the judicial tax 

foreclosure system in 1995, making it easier to obtain clear and insurable titles to 

tax-foreclosed properties. The law expedited the tax-foreclosure process by reducing 

the redemption period from 12 to 2 months. 

The Land Bank Authority

Following the adoption of state-enabling legislation, the Fulton County/

City of Atlanta Land Bank Authority (LBA) was created in 1991 as a joint quasigovernmental authority with an independent board of directors consisting of city 

and county officials. The LBA is aided by four taxing jurisdictions — Fulton County, 

the city of Atlanta, the Atlanta Public School System, and the Fulton County Board of 

Appendix C

The Fulton County/City of Atlanta 

Land Bank Authority

A view of downtown Atlanta, Georgia.
17

Education — in its mission to revert nontax-generating properties to productive use, 

primarily for affordable housing purposes.41 With day-to-day operations overseen by 

full-time staff members, various other city and county departments provide support 

services to the LBA. For example, the Fulton County Department of Buildings & 

Grounds and city of Atlanta’s Department of Public Works provide maintenance 

services for land banked properties. The LBA is also authorized to retain outside 

consultants to carry out its duties.40

Encouraging Affordable Development

The LBA can bid for tax-foreclosed properties or notify the county Tax 

Commissioner of its intent to acquire tax-delinquent properties scheduled for 

foreclosure. However, the main mechanism by which the LBA acquires properties 

is through governmental and nonprofit/developer transfers. The land bank 

encourages CDCs and other affordable housing developers to acquire taxdelinquent properties from current owners prior to the start of foreclosure 

proceedings (Fulton County maintains a searchable 

database that housing developers can use to locate 

tax-delinquent properties for acquisition). Developers purchase or negotiate an option to purchase tax-delinquent 

property from the owner and transfer the acquired property 

title to the LBA. The LBA then clears the title and waives all 

back taxes on the property before conveying the title back to 

the developer (see Figure C1). 

LBA prioritizes conveyance of property to local nonprofit 

agencies that will utilize the property for affordable 

housing purposes. Conditions imposed by the LBA require 

developers to create new affordable housing on transferred 

property within three years, or title to the property reverts 

back to the LBA and delinquent taxes are reinstated. A 

new policy introduced in 2008 allows the LBA to hold 

properties purchased by CDCs for three years and cityor county-owned properties for up to five years. The 

properties are not taxed during the period in which they 

are held by the land bank, thereby reducing holding costs, which in turn translate 

to lower development costs for the CDCs and other non-profit developers.43

The LBA has full discretion in setting sale prices for acquired properties, but 

any proceeds resulting from property sales are transferred to participating taxing 

jurisdictions before being distributed to the LBA. Without significant revenue 

from its operations, the LBA utilizes annual appropriations from participating local 

governments to fund its activities. 

Accomplishments

A recipient of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s 

Best Practices Award, the LBA has been instrumental in revitalizing blighted 

neighborhoods in the city of Atlanta. The LBA has facilitated redevelopment of 

mixed-income subdivisions, such as The Orchard, Ware Estates, and Adamsville 

Place.44 With the adoption of the new land bank holding policy, affordable housing 

groups have identified more than 140 parcels to bank for future development. 

Following the passage of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act, the city of Atlanta 

and Fulton County are planning to partner with the LBA to acquire additional 

properties with funds from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program.

Renovated single-family home in Atlanta, Georgia.

Photo Credit: Fulton County/Atlanta Land Bank Authority
18

Figure C1: Fulton County/City of Atlanta Land Bank Authority Transfer of Property Process

Source: Fulton County/City of Atlanta Land Bank Authority

Developer Identifies Tax Delinquent Property

Developer Purchases or Negotiates Option 

to Purchase Property

Staff Reviews Board Request Packet

Staff Recommendations are Presented to the 

LBA Board of Directors

Developer Conveys Property to the LBA 

and Signs a Contract

LBA Immediately Conveys Property Back 

to Developer and Taxes are Forgiven

LBA Certificate of Completion is Issued Ownership of Property may be Returned 

to the LBA and Taxes are Reinstated

Developer Satisfactorily Completes Construction Developer Does Not Satisfactorily 

Complete Construction

Board Approves Developer’s Request Board Rejects Developer’s Request

Developer Submits Board Request Packet

• A Completed LBA Application Form

• A Letter from the Neighborhood

Planning Unit

• 15 Photographs of the Property

• A Title Report and Purchase Contract

• Verification of Project Funding
19

ENDNOTES

1

 Alan Mallach, “Foreclosures and Stimulus: What’s At Stake for America’s Neighborhoods,” Brookings Institution, 

http://www.brookings.edu/opinions/2009/0209_stimulus_berube.aspx (accessed March 2, 2009).

2

 United States Census Bureau, “U.S. Census Bureau News,” 27 April 2009, http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/

housing/hvs/qtr109/files/q109press.pdf (accessed March 2, 2009).

3

 National Vacant Properties Campaign, “Vacant Properties: The True Cost to Communities,” August 2005, 

http://www.vacantproperties.org/latestreports/True%20Costs_Aug05.pdf (accessed March 3, 2009).

4

 William C. Apgar and Mark Duda, “Collateral Damage: The Municipal Impact of Today’s Mortgage Foreclosure 

Boom,” Homeownership Preservation Foundation, 11 May 2005, http://www.995hope.org/content/pdf/Apgar_

Duda_Study_Short_Version.pdf (accessed March 3, 2009).

5

 National Vacant Properties Campaign, “Vacant Properties: The True Cost to Communities.”

6

 Frank S. Alexander, Land Bank Authorities: A Guide for the Creation and Operation of Local Land Banks (New York: 

Local Initiatives Support Corporation, 2005), p. 7, http://www.lisc.org/content/publications/detail/793/ (accessed 

November 3, 2008).

7 Missouri General Assembly, “Missouri Revised Statutes: Chapter 92,” 28 August 2008, 

http://www.moga.mo.gov/statutes/C000-099/0920000875.HTM (accessed November 3, 2008).

8

 Thomas J. Fitzpatrick IV, “Understanding Ohio’s Land Bank Legislation,” Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, 30 

January 2009, http://www.clevelandfed.org/Research/PolicyDis/pdp25.pdf (accessed March 3, 2009).

9

 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, “Neighborhood Stabilization Program,” 

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/pdf/nsp_terminology.pdf 

(accessed March 16, 2009).

10 Teresa Gillotti and Daniel Kildee, “Land Banks as Revitalization Tools: The Example of Genesee County and the City 

of Flint, Michigan,” Genesee Institute, http://www.geneseeinstitute.org/downloads/Revitalization_Tools.pdf (accessed 

November 20, 2008).

11 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, “Neighborhood Stabilization Program,” 

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/ (accessed February 9, 2009).

12 Genesee County Land Bank Authority, “Genesee County Land Bank Programs,” 

http://www.thelandbank.org/downloads/LB_Brochure.pdf (accessed January 12, 2009).

13 Iris J. Lav and Elizabeth McNichol, “State Budget Troubles Worsen,” Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, 18 May 

2009, http://www.cbpp.org/cms/?fa=view&id=711 (accessed May 28, 2009). 

14 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, “Neighborhood Stabilization Program,” 

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/.

15 Amanda Sheldon, Phillip Bush, Aaron Kearsley, and Ann Gass, “The Challenge of Foreclosed Properties: An Analysis 

of State and Local Plans to Use the Neighborhood Stabilization Program,” Enterprise Community Partners, 2009, 

http://www.practitionerresources.org/cache/documents/672/67247.pdf (accessed April 14, 2009).

16 City of Columbus, Ohio, “Neighborhood Stabilization Program Application,” http://wbt1.finance.ci.columbus.oh.us/

uploadedFiles/Finance_and_Management/FinanFina_Management_Division/Grants_Management/City%20of%20

Columbus%20NSP%22Application.pdf (accessed April 14, 2009).

17 City of Chattanooga, Tennessee, “The NSP Substantial Amendment,” http://www.chattanooga.gov/NSP_Draft.pdf 

(accessed April 14, 2009).

18 Genesee County, Michigan, “Genesee County Neighborhood Stabilization Program,” 

http://www.co.genesee.mi.us/gcmpc-plan/Files/Docs/Neighborhood%20Stabilization/NSP%20Changes%20-%20

February%206.pdf (accessed April 14, 2009).

19United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, “Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008,” 

http://www.hud.gov/offices/cpd/communitydevelopment/programs/neighborhoodspg/hera2008.pdf

(accessed February 9, 2009).
20

20 United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, “Foreclosure Process,” 

http://www.hud.gov/foreclosure/foreclosureprocess.cfm (accessed April 23, 2009). 

21 Center for Housing Policy, “Reform the Tax Foreclosure Process,” http://www.housingpolicy.org/toolbox/strategy/

policies/abandoned_properties.html?tierit=150#tf (accessed April 23, 2009). 

22 Center for Housing Policy, “Bring Foreclosed Properties Back Into Use,” 

http://www.foreclosure-response.org/policy_guide/bring_back.html?tierid=251 (accessed April 15, 2009). 

23 Jennifer S. Vey, “Restoring Prosperity: The State Role in Revitalizing America’s Older Industrial Cities,” The Brookings 

Institution, May 2007, http://www.brookings.edu/reports/2007/05metropolitanpolicy_vey.aspx (accessed May 20, 

2009). 

24 Ibid. 

25 Alexander, Land Bank Authorities, ch. 4.

26 Flint’s Future Now, “Flint’s Future: A Forgotten Success or a 21st Century Triumph?” 

http://www.flintsfuturenow.org/docs/FFNBrief.pdf (accessed February 24, 2009).

27 Gillotti and Kildee, “Land Banks as Revitalization Tools: The Example of Genesee County and the City of Flint, 

Michigan.” 

28 Michigan Legislature, “Public Act No. 123,” 

http://www.legislature.mi.gov/documents/1999-2000/publicact/pdf/1999-PA-0123.pdf (accessed February 4, 2009).

29 Ellen M. Bassett, John Schweitzer, and Sarah Panken, “Understanding Housing Abandonment and Owner DecisionMaking in Flint, Michigan: An Exploratory Analysis,” Genesee Institute, 2006, http://www.geneseeinstitute.org/

downloads/Bassett_Understanding_Owner_Decision.pdf (accessed February 2, 2009).

30 Alexander, Land Bank Authorities, appendix C-3.

31 Genesee County Land Bank Authority, “Genesee County Land Bank Programs.” 

32 Daniel Kildee, interview by Kanthi Karipineni, 18 February 2009.

33 United States Census Bureau, “American FactFinder,” http://factfinder.census.gov/home/saff/main.html?_lang=en 

(accessed March 2, 2009). 

34 Martin O’Malley, “Baltimore: State of the City Address,” 28 January 2002, 

http://www.dlc.org/ndol_ci.cfm?contentid=250208&kaid=104&subid=117 (accessed March 2, 2009). 

35 John Fritze, “Land Bank Against Blight,” Baltimore Housing, 

http://www.baltimorehousing.org/pressroom_detail.asp?id=117 (accessed May 2, 2009). 

36 United States Census Bureau, “Housing Vacancies and Homeownership,” 

http://www.census.gov/hhes/www/housing/hvs/hvs.html> (accessed February 25, 2009).

37 United States Census Bureau, “Population Finder,” http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFPopulation?_

submenuId=population_0&_sse=on (accessed February 25, 2009). 

38 City of Atlanta, Georgia, “Community Assessment,” http://www.atlantaga.gov/client_resources/government/planning/

asap/asap_096_171.ppp (accessed February 25, 2009).

39 Georgia Institute of Technology, “Current Gentrification in Atlanta Contrasts Sharply to Previous Waves of Urban 

Restoration,” 5 September 2003, http://www.gatech.edu/newsroom/release.html?id=331 (accessed February 3, 2009).

40 Georgia General Assembly, “Georgia Code: Section 48-4-61,” LexisNexis, 

http://www.lexis-nexis.com/hottopics/gacode/default.asp (accessed February 23, 2009).

41 Ibid.

42 Alexander, Land Bank Authorities, appendix C-1.

43 Kevin Duffy, “New Policy for Land Banks Will Benefit Nonprofits,” The Atlanta Journal Constitution, 21 August 2008, 

http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/business/stories/2008/08/21/atlanta_land_bank.html (accessed on March 2, 

2009).

44 Information provided by Fulton County/City of Atlanta Land Bank Authority, 8 January 2009.