Land Banks as a Tool for Rural Redevelopment

Presenters include Brent Denzin, J.D.; Scott Goldstein, FAICP, LEED AP; Dr. Victoria Livingston; Joseph VanDyk; and Brian White

Redevelopment of small- and medium-sized rural communities can be a challenge, especially for those towns whose business districts have endured years of chronic vacancies and dilapidated storefronts. Join University of Illinois Extension and Rural Partners for an insight-filled two-part webinar series, free of charge, focused on the revitalization of these rural communities in Illinois through the strategic use of land banks.

Land banks are formed by local governments to expedite redevelopment of vacant, abandoned, or deteriorated properties and can be a powerful community and economic development tool. In the first webinar, at noon on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, we will delve into the challenges faced in redevelopment efforts and explore reasons for municipal governments to utilize land banks. 

The second webinar, on Thursday, June 26, 2025, also at noon, will take a closer look at processes involved in forming, launching and operating land banks in Illinois. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of the questions local governments should consider when considering forming a land bank, key policies and procedures that govern their operation, and lessons learned from launching land banks in Illinois.

Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during a Q and A at the end of each presentation. For more information about the presenters and for registration information, please click the "Register" button below.

 REGISTER NOW!  

If you will need an accommodation to participate in these webinars, please send a request to mdelany2@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.