THE MEASURE OF LAND BANK, AND PRACTICAL USE OF A TAX-ARREARS VACANT HOUSE IN USA

– The case of Michigan and Ohio –

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to study the organizational structures and activities of land banks, which are addressing the issue of vacant houses in urban cities in the U.S., and to explore whether this information can be applied to urban planning and policies for Japan. Land banks demolish vacant houses with dangerous structures or rehabilitate and sell those houses. The activities of land banks contribute to not only improving residential environment, but also maintaining home values and preventing crimes. However, these conversion efforts are on an individual basis and lack long-term planning.