Tackling Vacancy and Preparing for Possibility: Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority

In 2023, the State of Maine took a bold step to address vacant, abandoned, underused, and otherwise “stuck” properties by creating the Maine Redevelopment Land Bank Authority (Maine Redevelopment)—a quasi-governmental agency dedicated to returning problem properties to productive use in communities across the state.

Modeled after successful next-generation land banks in other states, Maine Redevelopment gives municipalities a powerful new tool to overcome the challenges posed by distressed real estate—challenges that often stall revitalization and economic development. Maine Redevelopment blends the core functions of a traditional land bank with added support, offering communities technical assistance, brownfields expertise, grant access, and much-needed staffing capacity.

The Maine Legislature established the Land Bank in response to growing concerns about rural property abandonment, vacant industrial sites, and the heavy burdens derelict buildings place on local governments—both in day-to-day code enforcement and public safety, and in long-term economic impacts. The enabling legislation prioritizes transparency, community partnership, and statewide accessibility for both urban and rural municipalities.

How It Works

Properties acquired by Maine Redevelopment may be held, stabilized, and ultimately transferred to public or private partners for housing, community facilities, or commercial development.

In addition, Maine Redevelopment can provide technical assistance, grant funding or engage in public-private partnerships in circumstances where “land banking” a property is not the necessary solution to the redevelopment puzzle for a site.

Now in its late startup phase, the Authority is focused on:

• Developing criteria for identifying eligible properties
• Building partnerships with municipalities, regional planning commissions, and housing organizations
• Launching pilot projects that showcase scalable, locally driven reuse of vacant land and structures

Maine Redevelopment embraces a partnership-first philosophy—working with organizations already active in redevelopment to fill critical gaps in Maine’s ecosystem. Its nimble approach allows it to seize opportunities and pursue creative solutions to some of the state’s toughest redevelopment challenges.

Early Momentum

Pilot efforts are already underway, including:

• Providing technical assistance and capacity support in East Millinocket
• Launching a rapid-response program to help Van Buren manage unplanned acquisitions of problem properties
• Supporting redevelopment initiatives in Hartland and Wiscasset

In its first year, Maine Redevelopment has directly engaged with over 40 communities and continues outreach through a “listening tour” across Aroostook County and Downeast.

Internally, the Maine Redevelopment is also building a property identification and assessment system and developing outreach strategies to better connect with municipalities and landowners eager to collaborate.

Get Involved

Maine Redevelopment is gaining momentum—and communities across the state are encouraged to connect. Whether you're dealing with a few blighted lots or widespread village center vacancies, Maine Redevelopment offers new pathways to reinvestment and renewal.

Learn more or connect with the Authority: maineredevelopment.org or email Tuck O’Brien, Executive Director.