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State Land Bank briefs Grand Rapids on tools, transfers and local land bank activity; city land bank reports 47 applications
Summary
Joseph Rivet, director of the State Land Bank, outlined land bank tools, funding sources and examples of projects across Michigan; local staff reported 47 parcel applications after a recent transfer of properties and described disposition rules requiring shovel‑ready development within 12 months.
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 re‑holding of property.
Rivet reviewed funding sources the state land bank uses, including state general fund allocations, grants, tax capture (the so‑called 50% or “5/50” capture), and philanthropic support for large projects. He said the office has moved approximately $150 million worth of blight elimination projects and highlighted examples such as habitat partnerships, landfill redevelopment, battery storage agreements, and a large Oakland County sale that generated $2.4 million in proceeds used for further mission work.
The board then heard a local application report from staff: the City land bank has received 47 applications, has sold three properties (options that transferred from the state), has two active listing periods, three applications in review, eight active purchase agreements or options (one to a nonprofit), and 14 parcels in advanced negotiations. Staff said disposition policy will be refined in coming weeks and that the land bank requires shovel‑ready activity within 12 months for many dispositions.
Public comment during the meeting urged board attention to homelessness and federal disposal guidance. Shannon Tanis, who identified herself as displaced and currently experiencing homelessness, asked the land bank to consider McKinney‑Vento protections and civil‑rights guidance in disposition policy work.
Rivet concluded by offering continued technical assistance and training for the local land bank, and staff said they will circulate materials and a draft disposition update for board review at the December meeting.
