Commissioners express conditional support for land bank to address vacant tax-sale properties

Commissioners signaled conditional support for a proposed land bank aimed at returning tax-sale, vacant and abandoned properties to productive reuse.

Commissioner Matt introduced the concept and said a foundation-funded study showed the county has suitable properties for a land bank. "What we'd be looking for is action that you are comfortable moving ahead with land bank, this is not the final step by any means," Matt said, asking only for support contingent on grant funding. James Turnold of the Mission Area Council of Governments described the regional role in assisting local governments with housing challenges and explained the land-bank model as a tool to rehabilitate low-performing tax-sale properties. Lisa Slomka, director of the Regional Housing Collaborative, said the main goal is to turn problem properties back into productive, contributing parcels.

Commissioners approved a motion to express support for moving forward with the land-bank process tied to potential grant funding from the community foundation; they noted that establishing the land bank as a legal entity and any county funding commitments would require subsequent formal approval.

Why it matters: the county reports roughly 76 properties remained on the tax-sale carousel in 2024; a land bank could provide a tool to rehabilitate such properties, return them to taxpayers and address blight concerns.

Next steps: county staff and regional partners will return with details and, if grant funding is awarded, present the legal and financial steps needed to establish a land bank.