St. Joseph County Council approves an updated Land Bank agreement in collaboration with Michiana Area Council of Government

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The St. Joseph County Council has approved a resolution on a land bank partnership with the City of South Bend aimed at addressing hundreds of abandoned homes and vacant lots across the city.

South Bend is home to over 300 abandoned houses and has been taking steps to address the issues associated with decaying lots and structures since 2013. Then, the city attempted to address the left behind homes in the 1,000 Houses in 1,000 days project, choosing to focus on demolition.

County leaders say the newly approved interlocal agreement will allow the county, the city and the Michiana Area Council of Governments to work together to return neglected properties to productive use focused on refurbishment.

Property eligible for the land bank partnership are lots that are difficult to sell.

Property tax sales are designed as public auctions to recover delinquent properties. However, some homes and lots fail to attract buyers and remain in limbo. Under the new agreement, those unsold properties could be transferred to the land bank.

Supporters say the land bank’s goal is to refurbish properties and create affordable housing options rather than demolish structures whenever possible. Indiana faces a housing shortage of about 80,000 homes, according to state estimates, and officials say rehabilitating vacant properties could help attract new families to South Bend.

The initiative is supported in part by a $20 million grant from the Lilly Endowment. County officials said there will be no obligation for the county to pay legal fees associated with repossessing eligible properties. The city has committed $500,000 in startup funding for the collaboration.