Vacant properties are more than just empty spaces — they represent opportunities for community improvement and reinvestment. One of the strategic tools the DeKalb Regional Land Bank Authority (DRLBA) uses to unlock these opportunities is the Conduit Transfer program. This program helps return underused properties to responsible owners who can bring them back into productive use.
What Are Conduit Transfers?
Conduit Transfers allow DRLBA to act as a temporary steward for properties that are difficult to acquire due to title issues or other legal challenges. Through this program, the Land Bank accepts properties from government entities or private owners and then transfers them to mission-aligned partners who are ready and able to redevelop them.
This approach provides a valuable solution for properties that might otherwise remain stuck in legal limbo or continue contributing to neighborhood decline.
How Conduit Transfers Work
The process involves several coordinated steps:
- Properties are identified as candidates due to vacancy, abandonment, or tax delinquency.
- DRLBA clears legal encumbrances and prepares the property for transfer.
- Qualified partners — including nonprofits, developers, and community organizations — apply to acquire the property with a plan for productive reuse.
The end result is a more streamlined process for property reuse that supports local revitalization efforts and prevents continued deterioration.
Why It Matters for Communities
Every successful Conduit Transfer represents a win for the community. These transfers can lead to:
- The development of affordable housing
- Community gardens and public green space
- New small business opportunities or nonprofit facilities
- Reduced public safety concerns associated with vacant structures
By facilitating these transfers, the Land Bank ensures that properties contribute to community well-being rather than becoming a long-term burden.
A Targeted and Transparent Process
DRLBA’s Conduit Transfers are rooted in transparency and community alignment. Each potential recipient must demonstrate a clear public benefit, and all decisions are reviewed in accordance with local redevelopment goals.
This model helps ensure properties are not only returned to the tax rolls, but serve the broader interests of DeKalb County residents.
Learn More and Get Involved
If your organization is interested in acquiring a property through the Conduit Transfer program, we encourage you to:
- Explore eligibility criteria and required documentation
- Submit a project proposal through our application portal
- Attend a DRLBA informational webinar to learn more
Together, we can turn problem properties into community assets. Visit https://drlb.org to find out more about how Conduit Transfers are reshaping DeKalb neighborhoods.