Land Banks
State of Land Banking Survey Dashboard
Every two years, the National Land Bank Network surveys the 300+ land banks and land banking programs across the country to capture the state of the field. The 2025 State of Land Banking Survey highlights the diverse roles, needs, and impact of these organizations.
Use the dashboard below to explore the full results, or scroll down for a snapshot of key findings.
Key Takeaways in 2025
Who we surveyed
In 2025, we contacted more than 300 land banks and received 143 responses representing a diverse range of land banks: stand-alone authorities (37%), government departments (34%), economic development agencies (8%), redevelopment authorities (8%), and others (13%).
State and local government funding is increasing
Funding remains a challenge, but more land banks now report local, county, or state governments as their primary funders. In 2025, public sources made up an average of 57% of land bank funding—up from 37% in 2023—showing that local governments recognize the value of land banks.
The property pipeline is changing
An average of 58% of land bank acquisitions came from tax and public lien foreclosure—a continuing decline from 2023.
As the tax-delinquent property pipeline shrinks (including but not limited to policy changes following Tyler v. Hennepin County, housing market improvements, or increased tax lien sales) land banks should consider if and how they could modify or expand new pathways for property acquisition.
Land banks are stepping up to meet urgent community needs
Even with limited staff (54% report one or fewer full-time employees), land banks are supporting their communities to address timely and emerging challenges. In addition to continuing to provide affordable housing and other community needs, land banks are interested in helping provide housing for people experiencing homelessness, improving climate resilience, stewarding vacant land, and revitalizing commercial corridors. Their success depends on strong partnerships with mission-aligned partners.
Conclusion
Land banks serve communities of all sizes across the country. They are flexible entities able to adapt to local challenges and take advantage of opportunities available to them because of their unique powers. As the field grows, more communities are turning to land banks as catalysts for change.
The State of Land Banking Survey demonstrates their widespread impact and value. Community Progress will continue tracking these trends to highlight how land banks drive transformation and strengthen neighborhoods nationwide.
Project Credits
Writing: Mallory Rappaport and Kim Graziani
Survey Methodology and Dashboard Design: Mallory Rappaport
Methodology: The 2025 State of Land Banking Survey received responses from approximately 42% of land banks and land banking programs across the country (119 completed and 24 partial responses). Surveys were collected online from self-identified land bank representatives. Land banks created within three years of the survey collection date (2022 or later) are filtered from revenue, local government funding, all inventory, all acquisition, all disposition, and staff/board responses due to their recent formation.
Subscribe to join 14,000 community development leaders getting the latest resources from top experts on vacant property revitalization.