Vanderburgh County Commissioners Renew Agreement With Evansville Land Bank

 Vanderburgh County Commissioners Renew Agreement with Evansville Land Bank,  Marking First Joint Initiative with Mayor Stephanie Terry’s Administration  

MARCH 6, 2024

EVANSVILLE, IN — March 6, 2024 — The Vanderburgh County Commissioners and Evansville6 Mayor Stephanie Terry proudly announce the renewal of the Evansville Land Bank Corp. (“Evansville Land Bank,” “Land Bank”) agreement, marking the first joint initiative between city and county executives since Mayor Terry’s inauguration on January 1. This collaboration underscores a steadfast commitment to collaborative governance and strategic partnerships in addressing the challenges posed by distressed properties within the city. 

The Commissioners adopted the Evansville Land Bank Corp. renewal at their regular meeting today. 

“We are happy to renew this vital agreement with the Evansville Land Bank, backed by Mayor Stephanie Terry’s support and approval,” said Commission President Cheryl Musgrave. “This partnership exemplifies our dedication to revitalizing neighborhoods and returning property to productive use.” 

The agreement, forged between the Vanderburgh County Commissioners and the Evansville Land Bank, empowers the Land Bank to acquire property abandoned through non-payment of property tax. The properties undergo clearance of debris and uninhabitable structures and are given clear titles by the County Commissioners. The Land Bank then proceeds with the redevelopment of these properties, aiming to return them to productive use. 

“The continued city/county collaboration under this agreement will contribute significantly to the betterment of our community,” Mayor Terry said. “For the past several years, this initiative has proven vital to acquiring, managing, and redeveloping properties, all of which is instrumental in achieving our community goal of neighborhood revitalization.” 

Since its establishment in 2016 to confront blight in Evansville, the Evansville Land Bank has been proactive in addressing vacant, abandoned, and distressed properties, having acquired 848 properties to date. Operating under the governance of a nine-member board of directors appointed in accordance with state land bank code and organizational bylaws, the Land Bank continues to play a crucial role in fostering equitable, inclusive neighborhoods, significantly contributing to the overall improvement of our community.