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Council approves interlocal agreement to create a regional land bank for St. Joseph County
Summary
The council voted unanimously to approve an interlocal agreement creating a regional land bank with St. Joseph County and the regional council (MCOG). City staff said the land bank will speed acquisition and disposition of vacant, blighted parcels and will be supported by philanthropic endowment funding and city startup support.
The South Bend Common Council unanimously adopted a resolution authorizing an interlocal agreement to form a regional land bank with St. Joseph County and the Michiana Area Council of Governments (MCOG).
Joe Molner, deputy director of community investment, told the council the land bank is designed to acquire, clear title and repurpose vacant or blighted parcels so they can return to productive use. He said the city acquired hundreds of lots through ad hoc efforts in recent years but that a formal land bank would be more efficient at clearing titles, holding properties tax‑exempt while planning disposition, and vetting buyers for neighborhood‑oriented redevelopment.
Under the agreement, the city and county would each appoint three members to the land bank board and MCOG would appoint one, creating a seven‑member governing board. The city committed $500,000 in startup funds and $300,000 annually for the first four years to support acquisition and maintenance; the county agreed to provide tax sale certificates and legal support for transfers.
Molner and MCOG representatives said philanthropic support is already in place: the Community Foundation and Lilly Endowment funds were announced as seed and endowment support to underwrite operations and long‑term stability. Aaron Perry of the Community Foundation told the council the foundation will manage an endowment intended to generate annual interest to help operate the bank after the initial period.
James Turnwald of MCOG described the land bank as an operational partner whose tools—extinguishing liens, clearing title and holding property for targeted disposition—will speed remediation and redevelopment compared with current city procedures.
After public testimony in support, the council voted 9–0 to adopt the interlocal agreement (Resolution 2609). City staff said the land bank aims to reduce city maintenance costs and create a predictable inventory of development‑ready lots for local builders.
Next steps: With council approval complete, the administration said it will work to finalize board appointments, execute the interlocal agreement and coordinate initial property transfers and staffing with MCOG and the community foundation.
