Statement from President Preckwinkle on the Passage of the Cook County Land Bank Advisory Committee

“I am pleased that the Board of Commissioners approved the Land Bank Advisory Committee and kicked off the important process of creating a Cook County Land Bank, a critical tool to help combat the foreclosure crisis and eradicate blight in our communities.  The committee is tasked with advising my office on a responsible, legal and effective model for the Land Bank, as well as the potential budget, target areas for the land bank’s efforts and the scope of services the Land bank will provide.  The committee will also evaluate methods and recommend initiatives to market existing tax incentives in conjunction with strategies for community revitalization, economic growth and the development of affordable housing and open space.  I want to thank Commissioner Bridget Gainer for her diligent work in bringing this issue to light and for her continued partnership as the Land Bank process evolves.

“Going forward, I will be working with various financial, civic, and community-based organizations to identify qualified and experienced individuals to join the Land Bank Advisory Committee to ensure that all possible stakeholders have a voice in the decision making process.”