Blighted and abandoned properties have long been a challenge in DeKalb County, but they don’t have to stay that way. The DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority (DRLBA) is turning the tide through targeted programs like the Depository Program — a key initiative that helps preserve and repurpose vacant properties for community benefit.
What Is the Depository Program?
The Depository Program allows local government partners to place tax-delinquent, vacant, or abandoned properties in the care of the Land Bank. DRLBA holds these properties, manages their maintenance, and prepares them for eventual reuse in ways that align with community development goals.
This proactive approach helps stabilize neighborhoods while protecting the long-term interests
of the public.
Why Is the Program Needed?
Many cities and counties face growing inventories of vacant land that become costly to maintain, difficult to manage, and vulnerable to vandalism or dumping. Without intervention, these properties can drain public resources and degrade quality of life for nearby residents.
The Depository Program addresses these concerns by:
- Providing a centralized process for property management and reuse
- Reducing government maintenance costs
- Creating a pipeline of properties for future community-centered development
How It Works
Participating jurisdictions work with DRLBA to identify properties that are eligible for deposit.
Once transferred, the Land Bank:
- Holds title and provides basic upkeep
- Clears legal barriers or encumbrances
- Makes properties available for acquisition by nonprofits, developers, or residents with
redevelopment plans
The process is guided by transparency, public benefit priorities, and equity in access to land.
Impact on Neighborhood Revitalization
Deposited properties have been transformed into:
- Affordable housing developments
- Community spaces and gardens
- Homes for first-time buyers and nonprofit service centers
These transformations would not be possible without coordinated planning and a strategic pathway for property reuse — the very foundation of the Depository Program.
Collaborating for a Stronger DeKalb
The success of the Depository Program depends on partnerships — with cities, county agencies, community-based organizations, and engaged residents. DRLBA works closely with each partner to ensure that property disposition aligns with local plans and meets real community needs.
To find out how your organization can participate or to view properties currently held in our depository, visit https://drlb.org.
Together, we are building stronger, safer, and more vibrant neighborhoods in DeKalb County.