ORDINANCE relating to the expansion of the capacity and mission of the Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority ("LARA"), approving and authorizing the change of LARA's name to "Houston Land Bank" ("HLB"), an amendment to the Certificate of Formation of HLB and the amended and restated by laws of HLB - TAGGED BY COUNCIL MEMBER EDWARDS

This was Item 13 on Agenda of July 18, 2018

The Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) requests approval of an ordinance authorizing and approving an amendment to the Certificate of Formation (Certificate) and Amended and Restated Bylaws for the Land Assemblage Redevelopment Authority (LARA).

On October 27, 1999, City Council approved LARA’s creation as a local government corporation by Resolution No. 99-59. LARA was originally created to acquire and convey tax-foreclosed properties to developers of affordable single-family homes to be sold to qualified low-income purchasers.

The proposed revisions to LARA’s Certificate and bylaws seek to (1) change the organization’s name to the Houston Land Bank in order to create a broader public understanding of the organization’s role, and (2) expand the organization’s capacity and mission to support the strategic acquisition of properties throughout Houston. Council approval is required for these changes. Additional changes to the documents are shown below.

Key revisions to the bylaws:

1. Name change to Houston Land Bank;

2. The Board will remain the same in number (13) and in appointments as in the past; however, if HISD or Harris County does not appoint representatives and the positions remain vacant for 90 days, the Mayor (with Council approval) will fill the positions;

3. The Mayor will name the Chair and Vice Chair from his appointments;

4. Clarification regarding the roles and responsibilities of the board officers.

Key revisions to the Certificate:

1. Name change to the Houston Land Bank;

2. While the Corporation may continue to acquire, assemble, manage, market, develop and dispose of properties acquired by the taxing authorities through foreclosure of delinquent ad valorem taxes, the organization may also strategically acquire properties throughout the City;

3. The Registered Agent for the Corporation will be the City Secretary;

4. The Board shall consist of 13 board members (the same number as before).

The Housing and Community Affairs Committee reviewed this item on June 19, 2018.

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Tom McCasland, Director

10-27-99, (R) 99-59

09-25-02, (O) 02-911

10-29-03, (O) 03-65

11-11-03, (O) 03-1018

Roxanne Lawson

832-394-6307