Land banks first emerged in the 1970’s as an urban planning tool. Over the past two decades, land banking has become an increasingly important tool for cities challenged by vacant and abandoned properties. Many urban industrial centers throughout the nation were built for populations that simply were either never achieved or that were abandoned due to sprawl.
In Ohio, a new form of land banks was established in 2008 when state legislators passed a bill allowing Cuyahoga County Commissioners to create the first modern land bank. Jim Rokakis – then the Cuyahoga County treasurer and Gus Frangos – were the driving force behind passage of this legislation. This transformational new tool allowed for the establishment of county land reutilization corporations, commonly known as county land banks.
The Ohio land banking legislation has become a model for other states.
County land banks are nonprofit organizations whose mission is to strategically acquire properties, and return them to productive use, reducing blight, increasing property values, supporting community goals, and improving the quality of life for county residents.
While each county land bank is somewhat different, customized to the unique needs of the community it serves, land banks typically have three main functions.
The success of Ohio’s first land bank in Cuyahoga County led to subsequent legislation expanding eligibility first to all counties with populations over 60,000 and later to all counties in the state.
In Ohio, a new form of land banks was established in 2008 when state legislators passed a bill allowing Cuyahoga County Commissioners to create the first modern land bank. Jim Rokakis – then the Cuyahoga County treasurer and Gus Frangos – were the driving force behind passage of this legislation. This transformational new tool allowed for the establishment of county land reutilization corporations, commonly known as county land banks.
The Ohio land banking legislation has become a model for other states.
County land banks are nonprofit organizations whose mission is to strategically acquire properties, and return them to productive use, reducing blight, increasing property values, supporting community goals, and improving the quality of life for county residents.
While each county land bank is somewhat different, customized to the unique needs of the community it serves, land banks typically have three main functions.
- Acquire and consolidate (or aggregate) vacant parcels through purchases, donations, or intergovernmental transfer from public foreclosure proceedings.
- Clear title to land and prepare parcels for transfer to a responsible third party for redevelopment or reuse.
- Prioritize land for disposition or reuse, selling land for redevelopment to a responsible third party.
The success of Ohio’s first land bank in Cuyahoga County led to subsequent legislation expanding eligibility first to all counties with populations over 60,000 and later to all counties in the state.
The Ohio land banking legislation has become a model for other states.
The Ohio Land Bank Association Story
The Ohio Land Bank Association (OLBA), a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization, was established in 2018 when a clear need for a unified voice for Ohio land banks emerged. Prior to the establishment of the OLBA, Thriving Communities Institute, with Jim Rokakis at its helm, acted as the unifier of land banks providing technical assistance, training opportunities and held the annual Ohio land bank conference.
Over the years, the OLBA has seen significant growth in both membership and influence. It has been at the forefront of shaping policies and legislation related to land banking in Ohio, ensuring that the interests of land banks and the communities they serve are well-represented. Collaboration has been a cornerstone of the OLBA's approach. By working closely with land banks, local governments, community organizations, and private sector partners, the association has been able to secure millions in resources for land banks to address the needs of their communities.
Education and training are also central to the OLBA's mission. Through conferences, workshops, and seminars, the association ensures that its members are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in their roles. This commitment to capacity building is complemented by the OLBA's advocacy efforts. The association actively champions policies and legislation that bolster the work of land banks, leading to positive changes at the state level.
The cumulative impact of the OLBA's efforts is evident in the transformation of numerous properties across Ohio. From renovated homes to public parks sprouting in previously vacant lots, and the redevelopment of blighted commercial spaces, the association's work has helped to build the profile of Ohio’s land banks.
69 of Ohio's 88 counties have land banks!
