Will County Board Committee of the Whole July 14, 2026

The Will County Board Committee of the Whole convened on July 14, 2026, primarily to discuss the establishment of a Will County Land Bank. The meeting featured presentations from representatives of the Will County Center for Economic Development and the Governmental League, who outlined the purpose of the land bank as a tool to acquire, manage, and return vacant and abandoned properties to productive use, thereby stabilizing neighborhoods and expanding the tax base. The discussion included detailed explanations of the land bank's structure, funding—specifically the allocation of $1 million in ARPA funds—and governance, with emphasis on the land bank operating as an independent entity separate from the county to limit financial liability. Board members raised numerous questions regarding the intergovernmental agreement (IGA), financial oversight, property acquisition criteria, municipal participation, and safeguards to ensure transparency and accountability. Several stakeholders, including municipal officials and real estate experts, shared success stories and supported the initiative. The board acknowledged the need for further refinement of the IGA and additional information before a formal vote, which was scheduled for a subsequent meeting. Overall, the meeting focused on procurement-related policy decisions concerning the land bank's formation, funding allocation, and operational framework, with no immediate contract awards or vendor selections made.