Land bank updates approved

Lawmakers gave final approval Feb. 18 to a bill that updates the Nebraska Municipal Land Bank Act.

Currently, the voting members of a land bank board must represent realtors, the banking industry, real estate developers, a chamber of commerce, a nonprofit involved in affordable housing and an owner of multiple residential or commercial properties.

LB699, introduced by Omaha Sen. Heath Mello, stipulates that a single voting member may satisfy more than one of the representational requirements if he or she has the required qualifications.

In addition, a land bank’s governing board must include one nonvoting member of the governing body of the municipality that created the land bank. If a land bank is created by multiple municipalities, the governing body of each will be represented by one nonvoting member.

The bill also changes certain reporting requirements and adds urban agricultural activities, including establishment of community gardens, to the list of potential priorities for land use.

LB699 passed on a 46-0 vote.