26-09 Resolution Approving the Interlocal Agreement Between the City of South Bend, the County of St. Joseph, and the Michiana Area Council of Governments Establishing a Land Bank Pursuant to Indiana Code Section 36-7-38 et seq.

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February 23, 2026 Filed in Clerk's Office Mar 20, 2026 St,Joseph County Council County Building Bianca rirado 227 W. Jefferson, Room 411 City Clerk, South Bend, IN South Bend, IN 46601 RE: Land Bank Resolution Council Members: I am writing this in support of the Land Bank Resolution#88-25 to establish a land bank in St. Joseph County. Since 1990, I have been a housing developer and consultant in northern Indiana. Over this time, I have been involved in developing over 1.300 units of housing. I've lived in South Bend's west side since 1994. Overall, St. Joseph County is in need of an estimated 28.000 units of housing over the next ten years. Electrical workers at the AI plants are renting rooms at rates as high as $800 per month. The need for housing is an opportunity to revitalize South Bend neighborhoods to meet these needs. Lack of available land for redevelopment stands in the way of developing this needed housing. Currently it is difficult to purchase land in older neighborhoods. o One option is to purchase land at the tax sale. This is laborious and lengthy. This process involves hiring a lawyer for two court appearances and can take at least a year. o Another option is to purchase property from existing owners. Some lots are owned by speculators. They may have purchased the property in the tax sale and are holding it hoping to make up to 500%profits when someone comes along and wants to redevelop the neighborhood. o Some existing homes are owned by landlords who make minimal investments in their property and charge market rate rents. The appraisals for these properties are based on the rents so they have higher values that do not take into account the condition of the property. o Some owners cannot be located or may be deceased. Others may have inherited the property or the house has been torn down and they maintain ownership of the lots,just from inertia. Most developers will not choose to take a year or two to sift through the various property owners,purchase property at the tax sale and negotiate with various property owners who may or may not be found. This leaves neighborhoods in poor condition with homes that pay minimal taxes.