National Land Bank Network

» National Land Bank Network

The National Land Bank Network (NLBN) at the Center for Community Progress connects land bank leaders to the tools, networks, and resources they need to return vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties to productive use. As the first membership-based community of practice for the field of land banking, NLBN supports the over 300 land banks and land banking programs throughout the United States with in-person and online convening, research, technical assistance, and equity-focused education.

Land banks are public entities with unique governmental powers solely focused on getting vacant and abandoned properties back to productive use according to community goals. They benefit neighborhoods working towards revitalization in the face of widespread vacancy in post-industrial cities and small, rural communities alike.

Community Progress has provided direct assistance and leadership training to land banks around the country; championed statewide networks of land banks in multiple states; been involved in nearly every effort to pass state-enabling legislation for land banking; and published industry-leading resources widely used by practitioners, policymakers and community organizations interested in advancing land banks and land banking programs.

Membership in the National Land Bank Network is free for all land banks. Join to get access to exclusive resources, training, networking opportunities, and more.

NLBN Initiatives and Projects

NLBN Summit

The National Land Bank Network (NLBN) Summit brings together land bank leaders, staff, and supporters from across the country at the only national conference dedicated to the land banking field. The biennial summit equips land banks with the tools to effect real, on-the-ground change by showcasing new strategies to address vacant, abandoned, and deteriorated properties and nurturing new ideas.


Rural Land Bank Exchange

We launched the Rural Land Bank Learning Exchange to provide an opportunity for rural land bank leaders and partners to connect and learn about the challenges and opportunities specific to addressing vacancy in their communities.

The Rural Land Bank Learning Exchange is open to National Land Bank Network members. Applications are due on March 20, 2024 at 5 PM ET.


Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program

The Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program pairs seasoned leaders in the land banking field with newer leaders looking for growth and guidance. This program sets leaders up for success, provides them with the support they need to serve their communities, and strengthens the land banking field by building relationships and networks that last.

The Emerging Leaders Mentorship Program is open to National Land Bank Network members. Applications are due on April 1, 2024 at 5 PM ET.


Online Trainings

NLBN offers online trainings once per quarter for our members. Unlike traditional webinars, these trainings are hands-on experiences in a virtual classroom setting, where participants can interact with presenters in real-time, ask questions to unpack complex topics, and network with fellow participants.


Innovative Approach Award

In 2023, NLBN launched the Innovative Approach Award to provide financial support for land banks through grant awards of up to $25,000 per organization. These awards help support innovative strategies and approaches to acquiring, stabilizing, and revitalizing problem properties. Read about our 2023 award recipients here, and subscribe to our quarterly land banking newsletter to learn when the next award cycle is announced.


Mapping Land Banks Across the Country

Discover where land banks are located in the United States and find a land bank near you with our National Land Bank Map. Community Progress also publishes a map of where land banks and land banking programs intersect with community land trusts and conservation land trusts in our National Land Bank + CLT Map, helping these entities leverage each other’s strengths., helping these entities leverage each other’s strengths.

 


For more information about land banks, check out our State of Land Banking Survey »