Deputy Mayor, Detroit Land Bank Authority, community, celebrate impact of more than 12,000 completed vacant home restorations
- Once blighted and vacant, thousands of renovated and reoccupied former Land Bank homes are strengthening and revitalizing neighborhoods across Detroit
- Since 2014 the Detroit Land Bank Authority has addressed over 45,000 vacant homes; with now fewer than 2,000 left in sales pipeline
The Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) team today joined with Deputy Mayor Melia Howard, community members and individuals who purchased DLBA homes since 2014 to celebrate the staggering impact of more than 12,000 completed vacant home renovations across the City in the past decade. During that time, the DLBA has gone from owning 45,000 vacant, abandoned homes to fewer than 4,500 with less than 2,000 left in their sales pipeline.
- More than 5,000 blocks have been improved thanks to these renovations.
- More than 3,000 blocks have seen multiple successful land bank
- More than 6 through DLBA programs, giving them housing security and the ability to create generational wealth.
“Back in 2014, when the Land Bank had 45,000 vacant homes in its inventory, a lot of people thought we should just tear them all down, but the Land Bank had a clear strategy to save thousands of them and has executed that strategy beautifully,” said Mayor Duggan. “But the real work has been done by people – most of them Detroiters – who have transformed these 12,000 blighted and abandoned houses into beautiful homes.”
This significant achievement reflects the DLBA’s ability to provide Detroit residents with a viable path to homeownership, while returning vacant properties to productive use, further supporting the ongoing revitalization of Detroit’s neighborhoods.
Since 2014, the DLBA has been instrumental in transforming vacant, blighted, and abandoned properties into valuable assets for residents, community partners, and investors. By providing affordable housing opportunities and encouraging responsible property ownership, the DLBA continues to contribute to both economic growth and neighborhood stability throughout the city.
"Reaching compliance on over 12,000 properties is a true testament to the dedication, hard work, and collaboration of the DLBA team, our partners, and the residents of Detroit," said Tammy Daniels, CEO of the Detroit Land Bank Authority. "This milestone highlights not only the progress we've made, but also the momentum of Detroit’s continued growth. We’re proud to play a role in the ongoing transformation of our neighborhoods and in improving the overall quality of life for our residents."
Compliance Requirements
In order to reach compliance, properties must meet the following criteria:
- Exterior in good condition with no boards on openings and a maintained yard free of debris
- Installed and functional furnace
- Installed and functional water heater
- Functional kitchen
- Functional bathroom
- Active utilities
Property owners sign rehab agreements affirming properties will be brought into compliance within six months of closing, with extensions granted, if substantial progress is shown. Once compliance is achieved, the DLBA’s interest in the property is released.
DLBA Programs Driving Transformation
The DLBA has used a variety of programs to facilitate property sales, including Auction, Own It Now, and the Rehabbed and Ready program—launched in 2015, to offer move-in-ready homes. Since its inception, Rehabbed and Ready has closed on 114 homes. These programs have played a critical role in reducing blight, improving property values, and increasing community investment.
In addition to improving the physical landscape of Detroit, these efforts have contributed to increased tax revenue, fueling Detroit's ongoing economic growth. The DLBA remains committed to promoting sustainability and responsible development to ensure that the city's revitalization benefits all Detroit residents.
Vacant Lots
While the pipeline of DLBA structures is decreasing, a significant inventory of vacant lots is currently available. This presents a unique opportunity for residents to take ownership and transform vacant lot space. The DLBA has successfully returned thousands of vacant lots to residents, many of which have been converted into side yards, community gardens, and vibrant neighborhood gathering spaces. The side lot program remains one of the most popular DLBA programs, offering vacant lots adjacent to the applicant’s occupied property on the left side, right side, rear or diagonally behind, for $100.
What’s Next
Looking ahead, the DLBA remains committed to addressing the needs of Detroit residents, fostering responsible development, and creating new opportunities for property ownership. The organization will soon release its Next Five Strategic Plan, which will outline priorities for the next five years, focusing on three key themes:
- Theme 1: Strong and connected neighborhood fabric
- Theme 2: Active and consistent collaboration
- Theme 3: Sustainable and dynamic operations
The DLBA is hosting an upcoming compliance fair on Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Northwest Activities Center. The event is free and open to the public and especially beneficial for individuals currently working toward compliance on DLBA properties. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet their compliance reps, get their compliance questions answered, and learn about additional DLBA programs.
About the Detroit Land Bank Authority
The Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA) is dedicated to returning Detroit's vacant, abandoned, and blighted properties to productive use. Through a variety of sales programs—including Auction, Own It Now, Rehabbed & Ready, and multiple land reuse initiatives, the DLBA empowers residents to rehabilitate homes, activate vacant lots, and invest in their neighborhoods. By fostering community-driven revitalization, the DLBA supports economic growth, neighborhood stabilization, and equitable access to homeownership.
For more information about the Detroit Land Bank Authority and its programs, visit buildingdetroit.org.
