The Official page for the Cook County Land Bank Authority.
The purpose of Cook County Land Bank is not only to return vacant and foreclosed property back to active and reliable community assets, but also to be a catalyst to foster quality economic growth and developments that will provide long-term community stabilization, revitalization and preservation through comprehensive strategic planning.
The Cook County Land Bank exists, in part, to undo the painful consequences of redlining in majority-Black neighborhoods throughout much of the 20th Century. After decades of disinvestment, property ownership has the potential to create a new future for residents of neighborhoods that were victimized by the discriminatory institutional practices.
The CCLBA knows that transforming one vacant lot into a home can alter the lives of multiple families and future generations.
So does Greenline Homes, which developed an affordable energy efficient two-flat unit with an attached rental unit for additional income on a vacant lot purchased from CCLBA. The finished project promotes net zero energy in homes, demonstrating how one lot has the potential to create a greener, more prosperous future for multiple families. 🏡🌿💰
Look back with us at a few completed projects on CCLBA properties! Watching vacant or abandoned properties become homes, small businesses or community spaces drives the CCLBA as we work to remove barriers to home and property ownership.
Are you a homebuyer looking to buy property from the Cook County Land Bank Authority? Here are some helpful tips from our Homebuyer Direct Program to help you purchase and rehab your future home!! 🏠💚⚒️
“Vacancy becomes a disease, and it’s contagious.” Bridget Gainer, Cook County Commissioner and chair of the Cook County Land Bank Authority in The Wall Street Journal.
Tens of thousands of lots in Chicago, Detroit and Pittsburgh are vacant, accumulating taxes and unpaid bills that—coupled with intricate legal and governmental restrictions—pose significant obstacles to converting these properties into valuable community assets. The Cook County Land Bank plays a vital role in navigating these complexities and alleviating the financial burdens that contribute to this cycle.
Read more here:
In Chicago, Pittsburgh and Detroit neighborhoods where houses are surrounded by empty lots, authorities are starting to bulldoze obstacles to development.
The Land Bank works with local developers all over Cook County, including in Hazel Crest, where developer Craig Morton transformed an abandoned property through a complete rehab.
Morton invested over $125,000 to give this home a complete makeover including a fireplace, modern bathrooms and new kitchen appliances. 🏠💕
After remaining vacant for over a decade, this Maywood home was in need of a major renovation. Local developer Jeremiah Wise purchased the property from the Land Bank and transformed it from top to bottom. By the time a new family moved in, a new foundation, roofing, stylish quartz countertops, cozy fireplace and more were there to welcome them home. Jeremiah’s transformation embodies the CCLBA mission of helping communities build wealth through homeownership. 🏠💚⚒️
Dr. Marlon Haywood, leader of the Urban Male Network, spent his childhood in Englewood. Now, thanks to a CCLBA and R.A.G.E Juneteenth Giveaway, he is revitalizing his neighborhood by building a safe outdoor space for Englewood kids. Read more here: https://cbsn.ws/3OpsJwB
On Juneteenth, the Cook County Land Bank donated an Englewood property to our partner, R.A.G.E - Resident Association of Greater Englewood, for their Re-Up Homes initiative. The abandoned home will be renovated by R.A.G.E. and sold to a first-time homebuyer. This initiative is an example of the Land Bank’s work to heal the wounds of redlining in disinvested communities. Learn more with CBS Chicago at the link below!
https://cbsn.ws/473antJ
Wanting to bring back the hustle and bustle to his community of Bronzeville, developer Phil Beckham of P3 Markets looked to the Land Bank for the final piece of his land acquisition puzzle for 43 Green, which entered Phase II this spring.
This stretch of grass will transform into a 10-story complex and will include 80 modern apartments, half of which will be affordable housing, with retail space on the street level. Like the CCLBA, Beckham dreams of a future where community youth want to stay in and contribute to the development of Chicago's South and West sides.
Deadline extended to August 8th! Apply today 🏠
Do you work with distressed properties? If so, click the link below and apply to join our team as an Asset Manager to help manage the Land Bank’s inventory of vacant and distressed properties in Cook County.
Applications close July 25th!
https://bit.ly/44RQYKn
Kenneth Griffin, founder of No Matter What, is working on his ! Kenneth received the vacant Englewood house through a 2023 CCLBA Juneteenth giveaway and is transforming it into a community hub with space for first responders to unwind, a kitchen for local children, and an art room. This project will be an incredible community asset, and we’re honored to provide its foundation. 🌱🎨🏡
Kenneth Griffin says more and better interactions are needed between cops and communities.
“When you rehab one or two houses on a block, you just don’t affect that block. You impact the neighborhood and community.”
- Jessica Caffrey, Executive Director
Most of our inventory is in Englewood, and CCLBA is offering a sale on more than 100 vacant lots. Go to the link below to learn more about how the sale will create community wealth and provide opportunities for aspiring homeowners.🏡🌇
The Cook County Land Bank Authority is piloting a program to make homeownership more attainable in Englewood, where the majority of the organization’s vacant homes are located.
Uplift Englewood! The CCLBA is working to empower Englewood to thrive through discounted home prices and property giveaways. Discover how our Juneteenth giveaways to local nonprofits are paving a pathway to homeownership in Englewood and revitalizing the neighborhood.
https://bit.ly/46uzgyg
Do you work with distressed properties? If so, click the link below and apply to join our team as an Asset Manager to help manage the Land Bank’s inventory of vacant and distressed properties in Cook County.
Applications close July 25th!
https://bit.ly/44RQYKn
Thank you to everyone who came out today to learn more about how to work with the Cook County Land Bank! Your interest in being part of the Land Bank’s work to promote redevelopment in Cook County is what fuels our collective success. 💚🏠💚
This Juneteenth, we awarded four Cook County community organizations one property each to support their efforts in empowering neglected and oppressed neighborhoods. Read about how this giveaway will help one of those organizations, R.A.G.E - Resident Association of Greater Englewood, welcome homeowners back to Englewood. https://bit.ly/3JAZTYu
Confronting the legacy of redlining in Chicago is crucial for a brighter future. This discriminatory practice denied Black Chicagoans the opportunity to own homes and build wealth, with lasting effects. Discover the impact of redlining and how CCLBA is making a difference.
https://bit.ly/3r1CSaF
Our Executive Director Jessica Caffrey was on WTTW Chicago Tonight: Black Voices to discuss how the Cook County Land Bank can help Black families build generational wealth by removing barriers for local developers, nonprofits, homeowners and small business owners to acquire vacant properties on the South and West Sides, who in turn make them useful to the community again. Watch more here: https://bit.ly/43lfORO.
For every $1 of accumulated wealth in White families, Black families have one cent.
Happy Independence Day! Whether it's with a cookout in a new home, supporting a local business or hosting a community event, we hope all of our partners, from developers to businesses to homebuyers, find a way to celebrate ❤️🤍💙
CCLBA recently celebrated the Pampered Princess Spa grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony with President Toni Preckwinkle, CCLBA Executive Director and Broadview Mayor and CCLBA Board Member Mayor Katrina Thompson, as well as other community partners.
This property sat vacant for years, providing no value to the community and generating no revenue. Owner Laticia Brown acquired the retail space through the Land Bank, giving her the opportunity to scale her growing business and turn a vacant commercial property into a valuable, revenue-generating asset for the Broadview community.
To celebrate , CCLBA is giving away properties to several local nonprofits who have a plan to use it to give back to their communities.
R.A.G.E - Resident Association of Greater Englewood was formed to fight disinvestment in Englewood. The organization plans to renovate the vacant house they are receiving so a new homeowner can move in.
CCLBA exists to help organizations like this make a difference in Cook County and build Black homeownership while returning properties to productive use.
Why does Cook County need a Land Bank? Swipe to learn how the need for the Land Bank was seeded back in the 19th century and grew through the discriminatory housing practices of the 20th century. We'll walk through how the events of the last 150+ years led to the creation of the CCLBA -- and how the Land Bank is working to right the wrongs set in motion so long ago.
The Cook County Land Bank has accomplished incredible work over the past 10 years, including creating more than $170 million in community wealth. We couldn’t do it without the partnership of community organizations, small businesses, elected officials and government partners. Our Board Chair, Commissioner Bridget Gainer, shares thanks in this 🎥.
We are thrilled to celebrate by announcing the Purchase Assistance Program!
Our new program gives potential homeowners a grant of up to $20,000 to apply toward the purchase of a home through CCLBA.
Learn more about the program in this 🎥 from our Executive Director.
Juneteenth fills our vendor partner and business owner Jim Williams of Certified Solutions with pride as he remembers that there were times when people of color were not allowed to own businesses.
Jim preserves CCLBA properties and keeps them from becoming eyesores as they await buyers.
We're proud to work with small businesses committed to investing in the future of Cook County's communities.
To celebrate , CCLBA is giving away properties to several local nonprofits who have a plan to use it to give back to their communities.
Claretian Associates provides housing and vital services in South Chicago. By demolishing a property received from CCLBA, they will be able to use the lot to expand their affordable housing offerings.
CCLBA exists to help organizations like this make a difference in Cook County by returning properties to productive use.
Homeowners in Illinois are 1.6 times more likely to be white than a person of color. Systemic and historical barriers stand in the way of homeownership for Black families, and that’s why CCLBA works tirelessly to remove these barriers and increase homeownership in communities of color.
This Juneteenth, the CCLBA is honoring the Black small business owners like Tyrone Williams, who are adding vibrancy to their communities by transforming lots and buildings they receive from CCLBA.
Tyrone is renovating a CCLBA building into a home on the West Side of Chicago for his antique car restoration services.
We're proud to work with small businesses committed to investing in the future of Cook County's communities.
To celebrate , CCLBA is giving away properties to several local nonprofits who have a plan to use it to give back to their communities.
Greater Auburn Gresham Development Council works to revitalize Auburn Gresham and bring development into the neighborhood. With a lot received from CCLBA, GAGDC will host events and activities for the community.
CCLBA exists to help organizations like this make a difference in Cook County while returning properties to productive use.
By facilitating the transformation of vacant and abandoned properties like this one in Washington Heights, CCLBA is increasing homeownership in Cook County—helping to promote strong communities that uplift and stabilize neighborhoods. This reminds us that we are sparking change that will last for generations.
Matthews Property Service, one of CCLBA’s vendor partners that we’re honoring this Juneteenth, is committed to beautifying properties on the West Side and West Suburbs of Chicago.
Tracy Matthews Sr., CEO, takes pride in the company’s work cleaning the inside and outside of Land Bank properties because it enables potential buyers to imagine their own vision for what the lot could become.
“It is an honor and privilege to partner with the Cook County Land Bank, and as a vendor I will continue to carry out CCLBA’s vision by providing great service,” Tracy shares.
This , the CCLBA is honoring the Black small business owners like Shanita Straw, who are adding vibrancy to their communities by transforming lots and buildings they receive from CCLBA.
Shanita is bringing her law office, Golden Law, to her hometown of Broadview in a commercial property she purchased from CCLBA.
Shanita views the Land Bank property as a way to build generational wealth for her family and give back to Broadview through offering legal advice seminars.
To celebrate , CCLBA is giving away properties to several local nonprofits who have a plan to use it to give back to their communities.
Ken Griffin founded No Matter What to invest in the youth of Chicago. The property they are receiving will be transformed into a safe space for youth programming.
CCLBA exists to help organizations like this make a difference in Cook County while returning properties to productive use.
This Juneteenth, the CCLBA is honoring the work of our vendor partners like Front Line LLC, who helps the Land Bank upkeep our portfolio of properties— improving the appearance of neighborhoods across County County.
We're proud to work with small businesses committed to the future of Cook County's communities.
Ganesh & Menaga, local business owners of the Seville Banquet Hall, recently closed on a property from the CCLBA in Streamwood. The owners look forward to improving the aesthetic of the area and their banquet services through property repairs and rehabilitations. One unit will transform into a décor storage area for the banquet hall while the remaining two units will be rented out for industrial usage.
CCLBA is proud to celebrate National Homeownership Month every June because it gives us a chance to reflect on the power of homeownership and how the Land Bank helps bring more homeowners into our community.
A secure home leads to increased graduation rates, healthier lives and provides families a pathway to wealth creation. By transforming and returning vacant properties to Cook County communities, CCLBA is working toward a more equitable future for all.
Sometimes rehabilitating a vacant building isn’t feasible, so demolition is the best choice for the neighborhood. That’s what happened on this lot in West Englewood, which will now become a community developer’s blank canvas, soon to be transformed into a valuable community asset. The Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Strong Communities Program gives the Land Bank, as a local government agency, grants of up to $250,000 to rehabilitate vacant residential properties, or, in rare cases like this, for demolition.
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Cook County Land Bank Authority Finance Meeting
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The Land Bank is hiring a Senior Legal Counsel! Must have a J.D., ten years of legal experience, license to practice in Illinois and a passion for promoting economic investment in Cook County communities. Apply today! https://bit.ly/3dz02hW
SOUND ON! Interested in purchasing property through the Cook County Land Bank? Your next purchase may be just a few clicks away. Deputy Director Darlene Dugo shares how to get started with the John Williams Show on WGN Radio.
SOUND ON! For local developers, the Land Bank aims to make redevelopment as easy as possible. But don’t take it from us—listen to DaJuan Robinson, one of five developers working to “Buy Back the Block” in Woodlawn, who shared his perspective on working with the Land Bank.
SOUND ON! Land Bank Executive Director Eleanor Gorski joined WVON 1690AM - The Talk of Chicago after the recent Buy Back the Block groundbreaking event in Woodlawn to share the role of the Land Bank in facilitating community development while cutting unnecessary red tape. We’re always looking for innovative ways to reach more developers, small business owners and buyers who are interested in partnering with us!
SOUND ON! Bonita Harrison (KBM Realty) recently joined WVON 1690AM - The Talk of Chicago to share her experience collaborating with other local Chicago developers, whom she first met through the Land Bank, to “Buy Back the Block” in West Woodlawn. The Land Bank strives to facilitate professional and personal partnerships like theirs within the communities we serve.
Tax certificates are a key tool in the Land Bank’s central mission of restoring vacant and abandoned properties in Cook County. Learn more about the role tax certificates can play in your purchase.
Hey homeowner, side lot owner or community partner! Do you own a home, community lot or community center in Cook County? Was that space purchased from the CCLBA or rehabbed by a local developer working with the Land Bank? If so, we want to share your story! You are living proof of the power and potential in reclaiming vacant space and converting it into equity-generating assets in our communities. We need you to share your story with us. Please submit a brief 60-second video about how the home or space is impacting your life and the community at www.tribute.co/cclba by Friday, January 28. We look forward to highlighting you!
Thank you, @uchipolitics, for spotlighting the work that #CCLBA is doing to increase homeownership and community wealth in Cook County’s neighborhoods. Shoutout to our local community developers who invest their time, money and visions for their own blocks into vacant and abandoned properties throughout the County. @builtbydnaconstruction @kbmrealty @bridgetmgainer #repost @uchipolitics ・・・ Did you know that Chicago has one of the highest racial homeownership gaps in the country? DaJuan Robinson and Bonita Harrison may not be in elected office, but they’re working with Commissioner Bridget Gainer and the Cook County Land Bank Authority to expand pathways to homeownership across Chicago. . Our #OutOfOffice series highlights folks around Chicago who are proving that public service is for everyone – not just people who run for office. Know someone or an organization you’d like to nominate? DM us or email Koran Addo, our communications director, at [email protected].
Thank you, The University of Chicago Institute of Politics, for spotlighting the work that #CCLBA is doing to increase homeownership and community wealth in Cook County’s neighborhoods. Shoutout to our local community developers who invest their time, money and visions for their own blocks into vacant and abandoned properties throughout the County. Bridget Gainer KBM Realty ・・・ Did you know that Chicago has one of the highest racial homeownership gaps in the country? DaJuan Robinson and Bonita Harrison may not be in elected office, but they’re working with Commissioner Bridget Gainer and the Cook County Land Bank Authority to expand pathways to homeownership across Chicago. . Our #OutOfOffice series highlights folks around Chicago who are proving that public service is for everyone – not just people who run for office. Know someone or an organization you’d like to nominate? DM us or email Koran Addo, our communications director, at [email protected].
Thank you, Director Planey, for your service to the Cook County Land Bank Authority! Jim Planey of Lee Associates served on the #CCLBA Board for 9 years, dedicating his time and efforts to improving homeownership throughout Cook County. We will miss him dearly and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors. Turn on your sound to hear from Jim himself as he reflects on his time with the Land Bank.
As we continue to honor our gratitude this week, we are thankful for the entrepreneurs that are able to grow their small businesses with the help of the #CCLBA. It's our privilege to spotlight Starnella Johnson, also known as Ambassador Floral, and her accomplishments since becoming the owner of her space in 2018. Tune in to see what Ms. Johnson has been up to, what she is grateful for and her exciting plans for the upcoming year. #CCLBA #homegiveaway #housing #transformation #rehab #CookCounty #chicagohousing #chicago #Thanksgiving #grateful #thankful #landbanking #homesweethome
As we continue to celebrate our "Week of Gratitude" series, we are particularly thankful for the contributions of outgoing Board Member Sarah Ware of Ware Realty Group. Sarah has been instrumental in the #CCLBA's work since its inception. Listen as Sarah reflects on her time with the CCLBA, what her most fulfilling moments have been and why she is proud to be a lifelong CCLBA ambassador. #CCLBA #homegiveaway #housing #transformation #rehab #CookCounty #chicagohousing #chicago #Thanksgiving #grateful #thankful #landbanking #homesweethome
This week, we have a lot to be grateful for. We are thrilled to kick off our "Week of Gratitude" series with a reflection from 2019 CCLBA Home Giveaway winner Vanessa Johnson. Tune in to see what Vanessa has been up to, what she is grateful for and the exciting ways she is hosting the holidays at her new home this year. #CCLBA #homegiveaway #housing #transformation #rehab #CookCounty #chicagohousing #chicago #Thanksgiving #grateful #thankful #landbanking #homesweethome
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