Ami Manning, executive director of Spokane Regional Land Holding Properties LLC, doing business as Spokane Land Bank, says the passage of House Bill 1974 establishes a statewide coordinated land banking authority and creates the legal and financial framework needed to make land banking a more effective, affordable housing tool.

Spokane Land Bank operates by acquiring properties and holding them until they can be transferred to mission-aligned housing organizations or developers.

By allowing land to be held tax-free while in the land bank, the measure reduces the carrying costs of future housing projects, helping keep development costs lower for nonprofit and private affordable housing partners. Additionally, it allows land banking authorities to clear titles and extinguish liens and undertake predevelopment activities.

Just as important, the law establishes a statewide model that other municipalities and organizations can now replicate, positioning the Spokane Land Bank as an early proof of concept for how coordinated land acquisitions can help speed housing production in Washington state. Manning claims the Spokane Land Bank is the only such organization in the state.

Although Manning — who helped draft the legislation — and the Spokane Land Bank helped shape the bill, the measure was a product of a statewide coalition that came together, she says. Spokane Land Bank, along with the city of Spokane and other advocates, played a significant role in the recent passage of HB 1974.

“It really was driven and carried by a lot of Spokane folks,” Manning says. “We had the support of the city of Spokane, Representative Natasha Hill was our champion and really kept us going, and the governor’s office had identified us as a legislative priority, and Luc Jasmin, who is our Eastern Washington rep in the governor’s office, was there helping it get through.”

Under the new bill, public development authorities, housing authorities, and 501(c)(3) organizations can become a land banking authority, a press release from the organization states. The new statewide measure is expected to create more affordable housing, reduce barriers, and expand access for nonprofit and BIPOC-led private developers, the release states.

Manning says the organization will celebrate the passage of the bill, Spokane Land Bank’s fourth anniversary, and its designation as a 501(c)(3) organization on June 4th atop the Saranac Building rooftop.