Michigan Business Beat | Eric A Schertzing, with Michelle Thompson, MLBA New Executive Director

Originally uploaded July 12, re-edited May 12. Chris Holman welcomes back Eric A Schertzing, Consultant, Michigan Land Bank Association, who is joined for this conversation by Michelle Thompson, New Executive Director, Michigan Land Bank Association. So Michelle, you were added new in March what was your background before this? Michelle, I understand you have a great story to tell from Benzie County and the Land Bank laying the foundation for 22 housing units? (Business needs employees, and employees need housing!) Eric you've been working for years on these issues in Ingham County bring us up to speed - something about Condo Developments? Can either of you share about Private and public housing projects that are being enabled by Land Banks around the State? Michelle has a great story to tell from Benzie County and the Land Bank laying the foundation for 22 housing units. Business needs employees, and employees need housing! Eric's perspective are the years of work to have housing ready parcels in a community. Ingham Land Bank is doing two small condo developments in transit rich locations that were acquired blighted homes a dozen years ago, removing them and waiting for the time and funding to act, Private and public housing projects are being enabled by Land Banks around the State. MLBA shared a release at the time of her announcement: Michigan Land Bank Association Welcomes Executive Director to Lead Statewide Efforts The Michigan Land Bank Association (MLBA) announced the hiring of its Executive Director, Michelle Thompson. Thompson brings with her a wealth of experience, having retired March 1st from her position as Benzie County Treasurer, a role she dedicated herself to for 27 years. Notably, in 2012 she led the establishment of the Benzie County Land Bank Authority and served as its chairperson until her retirement. “I am thrilled to welcome Michelle as our new executive director. Her unparalleled dedication to the principles of land banking, coupled with her proven track record of transformative leadership in Benzie County, make her an invaluable addition to our team,” said MLBA Chair Tim Burgess. “Her expertise and commitment will be crucial as we continue our mission to strengthen communities across the state.” Michigan land banks have returned tens of thousands of residential, commercial and industrial properties to productive use, expanding housing opportunities across the state, with demonstrated positive impacts on public health, safety and economic stability. In 2018 the Michigan Association of Land Banks (MALB) commissioned a report assessing land banking activity in Michigan. over the first 12 years of land banking. Numerous studies have documented how Michigan land bank interventions have increased property values, reduced the number of future tax reverted properties, created jobs, lowered crime and had other critical economic and community impacts. “I am deeply honored to embark on this journey as the Executive Director of the MLBA,” said Thompson. “Having dedicated over a decade to the transformative power of land banking at the local level, I’m eager to leverage that experience to champion the vital work of land banks statewide. Together with the MLBA, I am deeply committed to advancing equitable and sustainable community development initiatives that uplift every corner of our state.” » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: twitter.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/