Each quarter, Western Reserve Land Conservancy’s Thriving Communities program hosts a networking meeting for land banks across the state. Please find the summaries below:

Winter 2018 Land Bank Network Meeting

Thirty-three (33) county land banks were represented at the January 17, 2018 Land Bank Network Meeting held in Mansfield, Ohio.

The County Risk Sharing Authority (CORSA) generously sponsored the meeting. CORSA is now authorized to insure county land banks in addition to their current members – counties and multi-county facilities such as multi-county correctional facilities. CORSA representatives Sherry Barbosky and Alison Redmond presented information regarding the property and liability risk sharing pool with the 69 attendees.

Jim Rokakis addressed the need for funding of commercial and industrial demolition in all counties across Ohio and discussed several potential sources of funds. All land banks are asked to contribute photos and background information concerning blighted commercial and industrial properties to assist in making a case for the need for demolition funding throughout Ohio.

Afternoon presentations included information about the recent merger of the EPA and Ohio Health Department’s asbestos-related programs, a demolition safety program being developed in Trumbull County, and a presentation on property acquisition utilizing tax lien certificates.

Presentations may be viewed here: