From Empty Lots to Endless Possibilities: The Evolution of the Cuyahoga Land Bank

Created in 2009 as a response to the foreclosure crisis that struck Northeast Ohio, the Cuyahoga Land Bank transforms vacant, abandoned, and tax-delinquent properties into community assets that strengthen neighborhoods and expand economic opportunity. It has become a leading model for neighborhood revitalization, and since its founding, the Land Bank has demolished more than 10,000 abandoned and blighted properties. Beyond demolition, the Land Bank's strategic partnerships with public, private, and nonprofit organizations have helped usher in more than $3.6 billion in economic impact through neighborhood revitalization initiatives.

Ricardo León was appointed President and CEO in 2024 after the unexpected passing of longtime CEO Gus Frangos. In this next era of the Land Bank, León's deep experience as a steadfast champion in community and economic development brings a new opportunity to address challenges and opportunities in housing affordability, redevelopment, and more.

Join us at the City Club as Ricardo León walks us through the Land Bank's past, present, and future, and sits down in conversation with Joyce Pan Huang, Chief Impact Officer of the Cleveland Foundation to discuss the challenges faced in housing, and the promise of neighborhood revitalization in Cuyahoga County.

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Online ticket sales for this forum will conclude on Wednesday, Sepember 23rd at 11:30am. Still need a ticket? Let us know! Complete the ticket waitlist form here. We will reach out directly if we can accommodate your request, subject to availability.

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The livestream will be available beginning at 12:00pm. Have questions for the Q&A? Text them to 330.541.5794.

Production and distribution of City Club forums in partnership with Ideastream Public Media is generously provided by PNC and the United Black Fund.