Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The City Council in Charlottesville is currently evaluating the potential implementation of a land bank as part of their affordable housing strategy. During a recent meeting on Cville Right Now Live, civic expert Sean Tubbs from InfoCville provided insight into the ongoing discussions, mentioning that “a land bank is a tool that localities and other groups have to essentially assemble property” for future projects. The proposed land bank could facilitate the purchase and redevelopment of blighted or underutilized properties to further housing goals. 

Tubbs highlighted that the concept has been part of Charlottesville’s affordable housing plan since March 2021. Although the city has been purchasing land for redevelopment, the land bank would act as a neutral party. As Tubbs explained, ” That affordable housing plan committed the city, at least morally, not necessarily legally binding, to spend $10 million a year on affordable housing. That’s already happening. And so, it’s a question of where does this fit in?” The work session remains ongoing, with no decisions expected at this stage. 

The council is also considering various options for organizing the land bank, including creating a new nonprofit or designating an existing entity to manage the process. 

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