State Land Bank briefs Grand Rapids on tools, transfers and local land bank activity; city land bank reports 47 applications

Joseph Rivet, director of the State Land Bank, and staff joined the board to explain the land bank’s statutory authorities, funding mechanisms and typical disposition practices. Rivet described tools such as expedited quiet‑title procedures, the ability to convey easements, and the use of tax‑increment capture and other financing tools to make derelict properties productive again. He emphasized that most disposals include conditions — development agreements or deed restrictions — to prevent speculative…