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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iii'� Habitat Together, we build. for Humanity of St.Joseph County Filed in Clerk's Office February 20,2026 Mar 20, 2026 The Honorable Council of St. Joseph County 4th Floor,County-City Building Bianca Tirado South Bend, IN 46601 City Clerk, South Bend, IN Re: Letter of Support for the Creation of a Land Bank Dear Members of the St.Joseph County Council, On behalf of Habitat for Humanity of St.Joseph County, I am writing to express our strong support for the resolution approving the interlocal agreement between the City of South Bend,St.Joseph County, and the Michiana Area Council of Governments to establish a Land Bank. Attainable workforce housing is foundational to a thriving community. It provides safety, security,and stability for families. It fosters economic mobility and financial resilience. It improves health and educational outcomes for children. And it creates a pathway for families to build generational wealth. Simply stated,when we strengthen housing,we strengthen every other system in our community—from workforce development to neighborhood revitalization to long-term economic growth. A Land Bank managed by the Michiana Area Council of Governments would be a practical and strategic solution. It would: •.Relieve organizations like Habitat for Humanity of the time, legal complexity,and expense required to acquire vacant and tax-delinquent properties and resolve title issues. •Create a consistent inventory of development-ready lots,reducing the financial burden of acquiring,holding,and maintaining property for extended periods. •Enable Habitat and other builders to better align lot acquisition with available housing grants, financing,and construction timelines. In short,a Land Bank would lower the cost of development,increase efficiency,and allow organizations like ours to serve more families with safe,affordable homeownership opportunities. For these reasons,I respectfully urge the Council to approve the interlocal agreement and support the establishment of a Land Bank. This is a forward-looking investment that will strengthen neighborhoods and expand housing opportunities for years to come. Sincerel , Jim Williams President&CEO Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County, Indiana 524 E. McKinley Ave. Mishawaka IN 46545 Ph:574-288-6967 Fax: 574-289-1954 HFHSJC.org O PFOQ'UNIi,