Cook County Land Bank Authority praised during first budget review

2016 Cook County Budget Hearings: Land Bank Authority

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

The Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) acquires, holds, and transfers interest in real property throughout Cook County to: promote redevelopment and reuse of vacant, abandoned, foreclosed or tax-delinquent properties; supports targeted efforts to stabilize neighborhoods; stimulates residential, commercial and industrial development--all in ways that are consistent with goals and priorities established by local government partners and other community stakeholders. As of 10-27-15 there were 60,000 parcels. It takes about 6 months for the processing of acquired land and reselling properties.

CCLBA was established via ordinance passed by the Cook County Board in 2013. Commissioner Bridget Gainer was instrumental in creating the CCLBA. Robert Rose, appointed March 2015, is the Executive Director. CCLBA has 8 employees. Both Commissioner Gainer and Robert Rose received praised for their work with CCLBA. The Commissioners also commended CCLBA for its work and stated that it should be a model for Violence Prevention. The Commissioners were impressed with CCLBA’s clear mission.

How does CCLBA work? CCLBA works independently, with, or by request of municipalities and other partners. CCLBA acquires properties, liens, and notes of deeds through purchase, donations, forfeiture and other transfers.  CCLBA extinguishes delinquent taxes and liens as permitted by law, and, in some cases, demolishes buildings, with the intent of preparing property to be put back on the market.

Robert Rose reported that CCLBA receives no taxpayer money but receives funding from grants, MacArthur Foundation, banks, Chicago Community Trust, IDA, Citibank Foundation, selling of properties and other sources.  In addition, CCLBA works with the South Suburban Land Bank.

Robert Rose discussed the Focus Communities Program that works with local community organizations to help neighborhoods identify vacant properties. They have done extensive work in communities such as Woodlawn, Englewood, Chicago Heights and Riverdale. 

There was some concern from Commissioners Richard Boykin and Peter Silvestri about the Foreclosure Mediation Program and whether this program will be cut from the Cook County Budget. Tanya Anthony, Budget Director, stated that would not happen. Robert Rose made it clear that they do not do mortgage mediation; the CCLBA deals with property after foreclosures.

--Submitted by Nancy Marcus