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Killeen council asks staff to pursue RFP on land banking to address vacant and dilapidated properties
Summary
Council approved a request for staff to prepare a request for proposals on land banking and similar alternatives to address vacant, abandoned and blighted residential properties, directing staff to present options at a future meeting.
KILLEEN, Texas — The Killeen City Council unanimously approved a request Tuesday to develop a request for proposals (RFP) to study land‑banking or similar alternatives aimed at addressing vacant and dilapidated residential properties around downtown.
Councilmember Ruben Alvarez introduced the agenda request (RQ25009) and said he has experience working downtown and wants the city to explore public‑private tools to stabilize neighborhoods, including options such as adopt‑a‑side‑yard programs, nonprofit partnerships and long‑term land‑banking models. "It doesn't tie us to anything," Alvarez said; the RFP is intended to start a dialogue and solicit proposals from organizations experienced in land-banking, he said.
Alvarez told council that land-banking models can vary by community and can include partnerships with non‑profits, tax‑foreclosure acquisition strategies, and programs that transfer vacant lots to neighboring property owners after a maintenance period. Staff confirmed they have discussed the subject internally and are prepared to return with options and a proposed timeline once the council directs them to proceed.
Mayor Pro Tem (name recorded in transcript as Mayor Pro Tem Adams) moved to place the RFP on a future agenda for consideration; the motion passed 7–0.
