Discover how land banks can revitalize rural Illinois - Part 1.

In partnership with Rural Partners, University of Illinois Extension presents a free two-part webinar series, “Land Banks as a Tool for Rural Redevelopment.” This series explores how land banks can serve as a strategic solution for revitalizing rural communities across Illinois.

Part 1: Tuesday, June 10 at noon.

Learn about the challenges facing rural redevelopment and why municipalities are increasingly turning to land banks as a tool for economic and community renewal.

Part 2: Thursday, June 26 at noon.

Gain practical insights into the formation and operation of land banks in Illinois. This session will cover the steps to create, launch, and manage a land bank, key policies that guide their operations, and valuable lessons learned from communities that have already implemented them.

Presenters:

• Brent Denzin, J.D., is a partner at Denzin Soltanzadeh LLC and an innovative leader in land banking, community development, and environmental law in Illinois.
• Scott Goldstein is a community planner and president of Teska Associates of Evanston, IL.
• Victoria Livingston is the executive director at Prairie Hills Resource Conservation and Development.
• Joseph VanDyk is the executive director of the South Suburban Land Bank in Tinley Park, IL.
• Brian White is the general manager of eProperty Innovations.

Redevelopment of small and medium-sized rural communities can be challenging for towns with long-standing vacancies and deteriorating business districts. Land banks help local governments address these issues by facilitating the redevelopment of vacant, abandoned, or blighted properties, transforming them into community assets.

Whether you are a local official, community leader, or simply passionate about rural development, this series will provide the insights and practical tools needed to drive meaningful change.