The Michigan Land Bank Association (MLBA) announced the hiring of its Executive Director, Michelle Thompson. Thompson brings with her a wealth of experience, having retired March 1st from her position as Benzie County Treasurer, a role she dedicated herself to for 27 years. Notably, in 2012 she led the establishment of the Benzie County Land Bank Authority and served as its chairperson until her retirement.

“I am thrilled to welcome Michelle as our new executive director. Her unparalleled dedication to the principles of land banking, coupled with her proven track record of transformative leadership in Benzie County, make her an invaluable addition to our team,” said MLBA Chair Tim Burgess. “Her expertise and commitment will be crucial as we continue our mission to strengthen communities across the state.”

The MLBA ensures that land banks across Michigan have the statewide policies, support and capacity to effectively operate local land bank programs. Land banks are uniquely equipped to cost-effectively acquire, hold and transfer property in service of community goals. They facilitate home rehabilitation and new construction, commercial redevelopment, vacant land management and innovative reuse, demolition and deconstruction of dangerous structures. As quasigovernmental entities, land banks regularly partner with the public and private sector.

“The State Land Bank Authority team is excited to collaborate with Michelle in her role,” said Joseph Rivet, Director of the State Land Bank Authority. “Together, we look forward to leveraging our collective expertise to drive positive change, foster sustainable development and empower communities throughout Michigan. Her leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our partnership and amplify our impact in revitalizing neighborhoods across Michigan.”

Michigan land banks have returned tens of thousands of residential, commercial and industrial properties to productive use, expanding housing opportunities across the state, with demonstrated positive impacts on public health, safety and economic stability. In 2018 the Michigan Association of Land Banks (MALB) commissioned a report assessing land banking activity in Michigan. over the first 12 years of land banking.

Numerous studies have documented how Michigan land bank interventions have increased property values, reduced the number of future tax reverted properties, created jobs, lowered crime and had other critical economic and community impacts.

“I am deeply honored to embark on this journey as the Executive Director of the MLBA,” said Thompson. “Having dedicated over a decade to the transformative power of land banking at the local level, I’m eager to leverage that experience to champion the vital work of land banks statewide. Together with the MLBA, I am deeply committed to advancing equitable and sustainable community development initiatives that uplift every corner of our state.”