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Kalamazoo County appoints Barb Agronin to Land Bank Authority after interviews
Summary
The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners appointed Barb Agronin to a Land Bank Authority vacancy after interviewing three candidates. Commissioners emphasized housing experience, financial oversight and neighborhood fit; the board asked staff to keep other qualified applicants on file.
The Kalamazoo County Board of Commissioners on Feb. 18 appointed the candidate introduced at the meeting as Barb Agronin to the Land Bank Authority to fill a term through Sept. 30, 2027.
The board said it had three applicants for one vacancy and interviewed two in person. Chair Strebs led the interviews; applicants described the Land Bank as a tool to acquire vacant or derelict parcels, reposition them for productive use and reduce nuisances in neighborhoods.
Christine Zolton told commissioners she understood the Land Bank “partner[s] with Kalamazoo County to obtain land that’s vacant or derelict” and redistribute parcels so they are “not sitting there … taking taxpayers’ dollars” while Agronin described renovating foreclosed houses and working as an accountant, and said her goal is to give residents “a level playing field” and to revitalize neighborhoods. Commissioners asked about availability for meetings, experience with diverse communities and familiarity with homelessness services; commissioners were told the Land Bank works with the Continuum of Care (COC), Kalamazoo Housing Advocates and HRI on voucher placements.
After questions and brief deliberation, Commissioner Dillard moved to appoint Barb Agronin to the Land Bank Authority; the motion was supported by Commissioner Morales and carried on a voice vote. Members asked staff to keep other well-qualified applicants in mind for future vacancies.
The board also noted Treasurer Whitener’s request that candidates with backgrounds in housing, finance or accounting were preferred for the open seat.
The Land Bank will select projects and work with partner agencies to place properties back onto the tax rolls, create affordable units and support neighborhood revitalization. Administrative staff will follow up with Agronin about next steps and onboarding.
