The Cass County Land Bank Authority earned statewide recognition at a recent event hosted by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority Neighborhood Development Division.

The authority, chaired by Cass County Treasurer Hope Anderson, was recognized with a Regional Impact Award and the Success in Monitoring Award. 

“Over the past year, the Cass County Land Bank has played a significant role in transforming blighted properties and revitalizing neighborhoods across our county,” Anderson said. “Securing over $5 million in grant funding has allowed us to eliminate blight, improve energy efficiency in homes, and put local contractors to work.”

Among these programs were the MI-HOPE program, which provided energy-efficient home upgrades to Cass County homeowners, and the Blight Elimination Program, which allows the Land Bank to redevelop or demolish blighted properties in order to return the land to reuse and thus increase the properties’ taxable values.

“Programs such as MI-HOPE and the Blight Elimination Program, which are often awarded to large cities, were successfully brought to Cass County,” Anderson said. “That speaks volumes about our team’s ability to advocate effectively, meet complex program requirements, and deliver real, measurable results.”

Land Bank programs are administered by Land Bank Authority members with support from the Cass County Treasurer’s Office. In addition to Anderson, the Land Bank Authority includes Cassopolis Village Manager Emilie LaGrow, Cass County Clerk Monica McMichael, Cass County Board Chair Jeremiah Jones, and resident Harry Shaffer. 

“Our team has done an outstanding job administering these grants because we genuinely care about the people and future of Cass County,” Anderson said. “These awards are a tremendous honor and a reflection of the many hands that have made this work possible, from state-level partners to local leaders and contractors.” 

Though the Cass County Land Bank was incorporated in 2008, efforts have ramped up in recent years under Anderson’s leadership. Anderson credited her staff, including Foreclosure Specialist Traci Haskins, for their contributions in processing applications and assisting homeowners from start to finish on repair projects. 

“The extra effort has absolutely been worth it,” Anderson said. “This work represents a lasting investment in the safety, stability and future prosperity of Cass County and its residents.”