How Land Banks Are Leading Racial Justice Efforts

It is not a coincidence that systemic vacancy—and its associated social, economic, and environmental harms—disproportionately affects Black and Brown neighborhoods. This is the result of decades of racist, inequitable policies and institutional disinvestment. Land banks are a powerful tool to break this cycle of vacancy, coordinate new investments in long-neglected areas, and contribute to the meaningful repair of places and communities harmed by racism.

Equipped with unique governmental powers, land banks can flexibly transition problem properties to responsible purchasers for results that align with community goals, rather than to the highest bidder. As powerful instruments for community revitalization, land banks have a responsibility to use these powers to address resident needs and work toward creating just, inclusive, and resilient communities.

To center racial justice effectively, land bank stakeholders must first understand the specific ways racism has shaped their community. This requires engaging residents as both land bank leaders and fellow stakeholders in the community to identify resident needs and challenges around vacancy, racism, poverty, environmental hazards, and food and housing insecurity. It also requires accurately assessing the historical and current barriers to equitable development, land access, homeownership, and building wealth.

Once land banks understand these needs and barriers, they are better positioned to champion racial justice within their organizations and the communities they serve. Six fundamental strategies land banks use to center racial justice are: expanding staff and board representation; organizational commitment; local partnerships; resident-centered program design; evaluating ongoing efforts; and celebrating what works.

The following case studies highlight how land banks have integrated these strategies to prioritize racial justice through their programs, policies, and initiatives. While they often combine multiple strategies, each case study is organized under the strategy it demonstrates most prominently.