Unlocking Opportunities for the African American and Black Community: The Los Angeles County Land Bank Pilot

In June 2022, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors launched the Los Angeles County Land Bank Pilot to address the growing issue of displacement, particularly in communities where increased infrastructure investment is at risk of pushing out low-income residents. This program focuses on preserving and creating affordable housing across the county, with a particular emphasis on African American and Black communities.

Almas Sayeed, Senior Director, CEO Homeless Initiative and Vani Dandillaya, Principal Analyst, CEO Homeless Initiative

In June 2022, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors launched the Los Angeles County Land Bank Pilot to address the growing issue of displacement, particularly in communities where increased infrastructure investment is at risk of pushing out low-income residents. This program focuses on preserving and creating affordable housing across the county, with a particular emphasis on African American and Black communities.

With $22 million from the American Rescue Plan Act and the County General Fund, the Land Bank Pilot is dedicated to acquiring land to create permanent affordable housing. It aims to help families in African American and Black neighborhoods by tackling rising housing costs and gentrification. By strategically acquiring land in areas most at risk of displacement, the program seeks to stabilize communities and offer long-term affordable housing solutions.

A Community-Led Approach to Housing Solutions

The Land Bank Pilot encourages community involvement through a call for parcels from residents, property owners, developers and organizations. By submitting available or underutilized land, community members can play a key role in ensuring that development efforts reflect their needs. Additionally, the County is seeking Community Development Partners, including local organizations and leaders, to help shape the development process. If the County acquires land submitted by a partner, the organization will be notified when Requests for Proposals (RFPs) are released, providing an opportunity to collaborate on affordable housing development.

This approach ensures that the process remains community-driven, with those who know the neighborhood’s needs best at the forefront of the decision-making process.

What Makes a Parcel Ideal for the Land Bank?

The County is looking for parcels that meet specific criteria to support sustainable and equitable development. These parcels must be vacant or underutilized and located near public transportation options like Metro rail and Bus Rapid Transit lines, large public investments such as parks or stadiums, and essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies and medical centers. Priority will be given to sites in areas that currently lack such amenities—such as food deserts or park-poor neighborhoods—ensuring that the Land Bank’s efforts bring valuable resources to underserved communities.

In addition to proximity to key amenities, parcels in job-rich areas will be prioritized to provide affordable housing options near employment opportunities. This ensures that new developments not only provide homes but also foster economic mobility and stability for local residents.

How to Get Involved

To participate in the Land Bank Pilot, visit the LA County Land Bank website www.lacountylandbank.info to learn about the program, submit parcels and access a map of potential development sites. The program operates in three phases: Parcel Submission and Evaluation (Oct 15 – Dec 16, 2024), Due Diligence and Acquisition (Nov 1 – June 30, 2025) and Parcel Development (post-acquisition through Dec 2026). Parcels will be assessed for factors like displacement risk, amenities and environmental conditions before advancing to the next phase.

A Vision for Lasting Change

The Los Angeles County Land Bank Pilot represents a critical step in combating displacement and ensuring that affordable housing remains accessible to African American and Black communities. With strategic planning, community engagement and equitable investment, the program has the potential to create lasting change, providing long-term housing stability and improving quality of life for generations to come.

To learn more, submit a parcel or get involved, visit the www.lacountylandbank.info today. Together, we can build a future where affordable housing is within reach for everyone in Los Angeles County.