LANSING, Mich., June 22, 2023 — The House passed House Bill 4375, introduced by state Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids), is headed to the governor for signing. The legislation broadens qualifications for cities to form land banks. Under current Michigan law, the only city that qualifies to form a land bank is Detroit. Grant issued the following statement on the next step of the bill:
“I am thrilled that this bill is headed to Gov. Whitmer’s desk to be signed into law. The policy will better empower Michigan’s communities, townships and cities. Widening the scope of land banks adds a very effective tool for Michigan cities to use to combat the housing crisis and reduce blight. Our local communities know best the work that has to be done to meet the needs of their neighborhoods. Allowing these local municipalities to create land banks provides them the opportunity to pair it with local resources in a way that the State Land Bank Authority is not designed to do. There are communities all across our state, including in my hometown town of Grand Rapids, that need tools like this so that they can effectively work on meaningful redevelopment that uplifts Michiganders in those areas.”