What is the Gadsden Land Bank?

The Gadsden Land Bank Authority is a local land bank authority authorized by Section 24-9-10 of the Code of Alabama. The GLBA was authorized by the Gadsden City Council on December 30, 2014, and officially incorporated on May 5, 2015. Its first board of directors was appointed in 2016 and it first began acquiring and disposing of eligible properties in 2018. A five-member board of directors governs the authority whose purpose is to facilitate the return to productive use of eligible vacant and abandoned properties within the City of Gadsden.

If I submitted an application for an eligible property, does that mean I will get it?

No. The GLBA board of directors is authorized to dispose of property in its sole discretion. There is no expectation of approval for any applicant until the board of directors has met at a properly called meeting and an application has been approved by a documented vote of the board and recorded in the approved minutes of the record. Even then, most properties will be subject to additional contingencies, eligibility reviews, and potential legal approvals before said property(ies) may be formally disposed of by the GLBA. The GLBA operates according to the governing statute, its Articles of Incorporation, its board-approved By-Laws, and its Policies and Procedures. All applicants are not eligible to obtain property through the GLBA and all properties are not eligible for acquisition through the GLBA.

Which properties are eligible for acquisition through the GLBA?

The GLBA can acquire the tax deed to properties located within the city limits of Gadsden if the property has been tax-delinquent for at least three (3) years. Once the tax deed is acquired, the GLBA may file a quiet title action to clear the title and return the property to productive use. The GLBA quiet title process can be lengthy and cumbersome as a judicial order is required to quiet the title to any eligible property. The Code of Alabama explains the quiet title process in detail. The GLBA may also purchase properties on the open market or receive properties donated by individuals, non-profits, for-profit corporations, and governmental entities.

If two people want the same property, how does GLBA determine who gets the property?

The disposition of properties acquired by the GLBA shall be based upon the nature and identity of the transferee of the property. A list of priorities for the disposition of properties is listed in the GLBA’s adopted Policies and Procedures. The GLBA shall at all times retain flexibility in evaluating the appropriate balancing of the priorities for the use of property and priorities as to the nature of the transfer of properties. No two applicants or applications are the same and the governing laws of the GLBA afford the GLBA Board of Directors full discretion in its decisions for the disposition of eligible properties.

Is every property acquired by the GLBA available for purchase?

No. While it is a rare occurrence, the GLBA may choose to hold onto property that has the potential to be redeveloped; either because it is contiguous to other Land Bank-owned property or it is in an area where other planning or development is occurring. The ability to “bank” land in this way assures the property is used in a manner that is consistent with any plans adopted by the community.

Who is responsible for the governance and operations of the GLBA?

The GLBA is governed by a Board of Directors. The Articles of Incorporation state that the Board will consist of five (5) members. The City of Gadsden may assign City staff to assist with the daily management and operations of the GLBA, in addition to other duties assigned at the City of Gadsden. The GLBA’s by-laws allow for it to select an Executive Director.