STL County Land Bank Targets Abandoned Properties
One Community Update
May 2, 2025
Source: www.stlamerican.com
A new land bank will be an investment in St. Louis County’s future according to County Executive Sam Page.
Sponsored by Council Chair Rita Days and Councilwoman Shalonda Webb, Page signed Bill No. 57 on Monday, formally establishing the Saint Louis County Land Bank. The inaugural county agency of this type has a goal of restoring vacant and tax-delinquent properties to productive use.
“The Saint Louis County Land Bank restores hope and opportunity for our communities,” said Dr. Page in a release.
“Vacant lots and abandoned buildings hurt everyone. This land bank will help us turn eyesores into assets – creating safe, affordable housing, vibrant green spaces, and stronger neighborhoods for generations to come.”
According to the County, it is home to thousands of vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties, with many long trapped in “legal limbo.” Many of the properties are in north St. Louis County.
“The new land bank offers a powerful, targeted tool to reclaim, restore, and redevelop these properties, strengthening neighborhoods and supporting sustainable growth,” according to Page.
Tony L. Smee, Department of Revenue director, and his office will identify properties eligible for acquisition and provide a list to the land bank board.
Properties will then be “strategically” selected and offered clean titles through court-supervised sales.
The initiative is bolstered by a $1 million investment in Rams settlement funding and sustained by three revenue streams. This, according to the county, [will give] buyers legal certainty and confidence.”
A land back board will be appointed by the County Executive, County Council, and the Municipal League of Metro St. Louis. House Bill 2062, which was passed during the 2024 state legislative session, expanded local authority to create land banks.
St. Louis County is the first jurisdiction in the state to enact a land bank agency under the new statute.
A group of diverse partners, the St. Louis County Land Bank Coalition, worked for passage of the bill last year.
The partners included former state Rep. Kevin Windham, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, the Municipal League of Metro St. Louis, Beyond Housing, the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, The Housing Partnership, Spanish Lake Community Development Corporation, The Center for Community Progress, and others.
“I’ve watched homes in our community sit empty for years—windows shattered, roofs caved in, and hope slipping through the cracks,” said Windham, who originally elected from the state’s 85th House district.
After redistricting in 2022, he was elected from the 74th district, which includes 22 municipalities and portions of unincorporated St. Louis County. Among the communities are Cool Valley, Wellston, Vinita Park and Pasadena Hills.
“The unanimous council vote is more than just policy, it’s a promise to neighborhoods like mine that we haven’t been forgotten. This land bank ordinance is a step toward restoration, toward dignity, and toward the future our communities deserve.”
St. Louis Realtors President Stacey Sanders said, called the bill and its signing, “a historic moment for St. Louis County.
“The creation of this land bank adds a critical tool to transform blighted areas into opportunity. Helping to reclaim properties, stabilize neighborhoods, and open the door to new investment. We are proud to have fueled this effort from the beginning,” she said.
According to the County, the inaugural Land Bank is unique because it can deliver:
Selectivity – “The County chooses which properties to take—not everything by default.”
Clean titles – “Court-supervised sales mean no legal surprises for future buyers.”
Funding – It’s built to last, with three revenue streams plus an initial $1 million investment.
The banks will also help create safer neighborhoods by reducing blight and vacancy, create opportunities for new homeowners, local developers, and nonprofits, and create a fair and transparent system designed with input from the public.
“Together, we worked tirelessly to ensure that local leaders have the tools they needed to revitalize blighted properties and build a stronger future for all residents of St. Louis County,” said Sanders of the Coalition.
For full report, please click the source link above.
