Transforming Liabilities into Community Assets
Our mission is to strategically acquire, dispose of, and steward vacant, abandoned, and damaged properties into productive use and to catalyze transformative community and economic development for the City of Houston.
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Investing in Houston’s people and communities
We work in historically underserved neighborhoods across Houston, focusing on the 10 areas designated as Complete Communities by the City. We’re always looking for new opportunities to help, whether it’s by buying and selling property for community improvement, or by partnering with communities to identify the best ways to support their transformation.
Community-Focused
Transforming liabilities that burden taxpayers into community assets.
Strategic Stewardship
Creating productive properties and meeting long-term development goals.
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Our Values
Good Neighbor
Be a good neighbor in communities we serve.
Highest Use
Identify best use for sites that support community needs and initiatives.
Collaborate
Partner on key initiatives to support transformative development.
Transparency
Provide proactive and transparent access to data and operations.
Improvement
Demonstrate continuous improvement and define national best practices.
Excellence
Utilize resources to create added value in every project.
The People Powering Our Mission
HLB works cohesively under a dedicated team to promote positive change and sustainable development for all communities. Each department is crucial in supporting HLB's mission and transformative change.
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Christa Stoneham
CEO & President
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Donesha Albrow
Program Manager
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LeKendra Drayton
Administrative Assistant
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Melanie Young
Director of Operations
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Isai Mendez
Finance Director
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LaTosha Okoiron
General Counsel & Compliance Director
Guided by Industry Leaders
The Houston Land Bank is overseen by a 13-member board, plus one non-voting ex-officio member. Board appointments are made by the Mayor of Houston, Houston City Council, Harris County Commissioners Court, and the Houston Independent School District Board of Trustees.
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Matt Zeis
Board Chair
City of Houston Mayoral Appointee
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David Collins
Vice Chair
City of Houston Mayoral Appointee
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Thomas Simpson
Member
City of Houston Mayoral Appointee
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Dwantrina Russell
Member
City of Houston Council Appointee
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Marilyn Muguerza
Member
City of Houston Council Appointee
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Chrishelle Palay
Member
HISD Appointee
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GeJuan Cole
Member
HISD Appointee
Centralize all employee data in a secure, Salesforce-native system for effortless management.
Rickie Bradshaw
Member
HISD Appointee
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Francisco Castillo
Member
Harris County Appointee
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Janae Ladet
Garland
Harris County Appointee
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Elaine Morales
Secretary
Harris County Appointee
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Gwendolyn Tillotson
Bell
Advisory Board
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Kellen Zale
Member
Advisory Board
Our Services
Expert guidance in development, construction, and property stewardship.
Professional Services
We offer valuable insights and advice in various areas related to the development and construction process.
Community Engagement
Market & Feasibility Studies
Land Assemblage
Proforma Analysis
Environmental Review
Master Planning
Asset Management
HLB manages property, maintenance, and redevelopment, easing the city's burdens and lowering taxpayer costs.
Master Developer
Managing long-term strategic projects.
Home & Lot Disposition
Transferring property for productive use.
Land Maintenance
Ensuring sites are safe and clean.
Property Management
Daily operations and stewardship.
Affordable Homes Program
HLB works cohesively under a dedicated team to promote positive change and sustainable development for all communities. Each department is crucial in supporting HLB's mission and transformative change.
Traditional Homebuyer Program
HLB partners with local & MWBE builders to expedite the disposition and development of property.
Land sold to HLB builders below market rate
HLB builders constructs a home within the HLB AMI sale price limit
HLB helps steward
home sale
Eligible homeowners purchase a home (120% of AMI)
New Home Development Program (NHDP)
HLB partners with the City of Houston (COH) to construct and sell homes for 80% of the AMI.
HLB reserves the lot for COH program. COH reimburses land cost.
COH builder contructs a home funded by COH
HLB stewards
home sale
Eligible homeowners purchase a home (80% of AMI)
Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO)
HLB partners with the City of Houston (COH) to allow nonprofits to construct homes on properties.
HLB designates lots; COH funds construction and land subsidy with federal dollars
CHDO constructs the home
CHDO stewards
home sale
Eligible homeowners purchases home (HCDD determined AMI level)
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HLB Brownfields Programs
Throughout Houston, numerous properties are underutilized due to potential contamination. Our Brownfields Program is an essential resource for revitalizing neglected land into safe, usable spaces.
$5 Million EPA Grant
Achieved in 2024 for the Velasco Incinerator Cleanup Project in Houston's Second Ward.
"Sip & Sustain formally known as Juice & Justice" hosted by HLB has grown to over 500 participants, promoting resident participation in sustainable development.
Trusted by 500+ companies worldwide
Salesforce
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Trusted by 500+ companies worldwide
Salesforce
Microsoft
Oracle
ServiceNow
The HLB Fund
The Houston Land Bank partners with the community to create affordable housing. Through the HLB Fund, a 501(c)(3), your tax-deductible support helps us acquire, rehabilitate, and improve properties. Join our sponsorship program to directly impact homes and communities in Houston.
Description | City Builder | City Partner | City Advocate | Visionary Leader | Manual sort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fund Contribution | $5,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 | 6 |
Recognition at Events | x | x | x | x | 7 |
Annual Report Listing | x | x | x | x | 8 |
Social Media Recognition | x | x | x | x | c |
Logo on HLB Website | x | x | x | x | d |
Recognition at Annual Donor Appreciation Event | x | x | x | x | e |
Exclusive Briefing with HLB Leadership. | x | x | x | x | e8 |
Table at the Signature Event | x | x | x | eg | |
Opportunity to Speak at the Signature Event | x | x | eo | ||
Exclusive Project Naming Rights | x | f |
A Strategic Approach to Community Development
October 21, 2025
Development Day
Development Day is an event that allows builders and developers to learn more about the process of working with the Houston Land Bank to build affordable housing...
February 20, 2025
HLB 2024 Annual Report
Our accomplishments this year are a direct reflection of the unwavering dedication of our team and board to meeting the evolving needs of Houston. When Houston has a need, we...
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