Vacant and tax delinquent properties can strain communities, reduce neighborhood stability, and limit opportunities for growth. In DeKalb County, many of these parcels sit unused for years, creating barriers to revitalization. The DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority (DRLBA) plays a critical role in addressing this challenge by returning underutilized properties to productive, community guided use.
This process is known as property disposition, and it is one of DRLBA’s most important tools for
strengthening neighborhoods and supporting long term community goals.
Why Property Disposition Matters
The effects of vacant properties extend far beyond physical appearance. Properties that remain unused can lead to reduced property values, increased safety concerns, and stalled investment in nearby areas.
DRLBA’s property disposition process offers a solution by:
- Clearing title and resolving long standing property barriers
- Preparing properties for responsible redevelopment
- Ensuring land is transitioned to residents, organizations, and developers committed to
community benefit
By doing this, DRLBA helps create a pathway for new homes, green spaces, community facilities,
and other projects that directly address local needs.
A Community Guided Approach
Property disposition at DRLBA is driven by one core principle: public benefit.
Every decision is shaped by the long term priorities of DeKalb County residents and partners.
Through this process, properties may be transferred to:
- Nonprofit organizations developing affordable housing
- Mission driven developers committed to equitable redevelopment
- Community groups seeking land for public use
- Residents interested in expanding or improving their property through programs like the
Side Lot Program
This approach ensures that vacant parcels are not only reused but reused in ways that bring
lasting value to the surrounding community.
Supporting Housing, Revitalization, and Stability
When DRLBA transitions a property for redevelopment, it introduces new possibilities that can
transform the neighborhood. Redevelopment may lead to new homes, restored commercial
activity, or stronger public spaces that support community well-being.
These efforts promote:
- Increased access to affordable housing
- Cleaner and safer neighborhoods
- Stronger local investment
- Long term economic and social stability
Every property restored is a step toward a healthier, more resilient DeKalb County.
Creating Community Impact, One Property at a Time
Property disposition is more than a transaction. It is a thoughtful, strategic process that connects unused land with organizations and individuals ready to create meaningful change.
Through careful planning, community collaboration, and a commitment to public benefit, DRLBA continues to help neighborhoods reclaim spaces that once felt forgotten.
The result is a stronger, more vibrant DeKalb County, one property at a time.