About Houston Land Bank
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.
Creating productive properties, meeting community goals
Land Banks support community development by facilitating programs to transform properties that have become community liabilities because their condition reduces the quality of life for neighbors and burden taxpayers to community assets that provide opportunities for affordable homeownership and amenities that support community needs.
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 and strengthening.
The Houston Land Bank is a resource for community stakeholders as we work with communities to identify the best ways to support their goals.
Our Values
Be a good neighbor in communities we serve
Identify highest and best use for sites that support community needs and initiatives, and utilize resources to create added value
Collaborate with partners on key initiatives to support transformative development
Provide proactive and transparent access to data, activities, and operations
Demonstrate continuous improvement and define national best practices
Our Team
Christa Stoneham
CEO & President
Donesha Albrow
Program Manager
LeKendra Drayton
Administrative Assistant
Melanie Young
Director of Operations
Isai Mendez
Finance Director
LaTosha Okoiron
General Counsel & Compliance Director
Lindsey Williams
Director of Community Development
Our Board Members
The Houston Land Bank is governed by a 13-member board of directors (with a fourteenth ex-officio non-voting member). Board members are appointed by the Mayor of Houston (five appointees who must be confirmed by City Council), Houston City Council (two), Harris County Commissioners Court (three) and the Houston Independent School District Board of Trustees (three).
City of Houston Mayoral Appointee
Matt Zeis - Board Chair
City of Houston Mayoral Appointee
Matt Zeis - Board Chair
City of Houston Mayoral Appointee
David Collins - Vice Chair
City of Houston Mayoral Appointee
Thomas Simpson
City of Houston Council Appointee
Dwantrina Russell
City of Houston Council Appointee
Marilyn Muguerza
HISD Appointee
Chrishelle Palay
HISD Appointee
GeJuan Cole
HISD Appointees
Rickie Bradshaw
Harris County Appointee
Francisco Castillo
Harris County Appointee​
Janae Ladet-Garland
Harris County Appointee
Elaine Morales - Secretary
Advisory Board
Gwendolyn Tillotson-Bell
Advisory Board​
Kellen Zale
Christa Stoneham
CEO & President
Donesha Albrow
Program Manager
LeKendra Drayton
Administrative Assistant
Melanie Young
Director of Operations
Isai Mendez
Finance Director
LaTosha Okoiron
General Counsel & Compliance Director
Lindsey Williams
Director of Community Development
Asset Management
HLB manages property, maintenance, and redevelopment, easing the city's burdens. This approach ensures land is well-maintained and ready for use, lowering taxpayer costs and speeding up affordable housing development and neighborhood revitalization in line with Houston's growth strategies.
Professional Services
A land bank can offer valuable insights and advice in various areas related to the development and construction process. With established relationships and a curated pool of architects, engineers, contractors, and real estate partners.
Pre-Development
Community Engagement
Market & Feasibility Studies
Land Assemblage & Banking
Proforma Analysis
Environmental Review & Screening
Master Planning
Pre-Development
Master Developer
Home & Lot Disposition
Asset Management
Land Maintenance
Property Management
HLB is well-equipped to guide and support governmental entities, developers, and builders. Their services include feasibility studies, site assessments, project design, and technical assistance. By working as a consultant, HLB can position itself as a valuable partner in development and construction, helping to attract investment, facilitate projects. and contribute to neighborhood revitalization.
Who We Serve
We recognize that affordable housing is essential at every Area Median Income (AMI) level, ensuring that individuals and families across all economic backgrounds have access to safe, stable, and attainable homes. Our current affordable home programs serve residents at 120% AMI & below
Khiana G.
Homeownership to me is more than just a place to live. It helps with stability and creating generational wealth for my children.
R.S.
Owning my home has given me a deep sense of independence and stability. It’s empowered me to build , feel more rooted in my community, and take pride in a space that truly reflects who I am.
Anabel, Guidance Counselor
I love the idea that my doors and hallways are wide enough for my wheelchair and when my friends with disabilities come over. Having my home means having the independence and the ability to move around freely, doing the things I enjoy! Having a good time with friends and family in my happy place is the ultimate!
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
COH builder builds a home within the HLB AMI sale price limit
HLB stewards
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 builds a home funded by COH
HLB helps 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 assigns the lot; COH funds construction and land subsidy with federal dollars
CHDO constructs the home
CHDO stewards
home sale
Eligible homeowners purchase a home (HCDD determined AMI level)
HLB Brownfields Programs
HLB Brownfields Program is an essential resource for revitalizing neglected and environmentally damaged properties, turning them into safe, usable land for affordable housing and community development.
Throughout Houston, numerous vacant and abandoned properties are underutilized because of potential environmental contamination, which complicates their financial and legal redevelopment. If no action is taken, these sites will continue to foster neighborhood disinvestment, restrict housing availability, and raise public health issues.
Brownfield Assessment & Velasco Incinerator Cleanup grants
In 2024, (HLB) achieved a significant milestone in the Velasco Incinerator Cleanup Project by securing a $5 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to remediate the former Velasco Incinerator site in Houston's Second Ward. $500,000 received from EPA for assessment and expansion of the HLB brownfields program
HLB Brownfields Programs
We hosted 4 quarterly meetings and 3 brownfield tours in 2024 and grew the Brownfields Activation Committee to over 500 participants. Juice & Justice, hosted by the Houston Land Bank, is a significant platform for community leaders, environmental justice advocates, and policy experts to address issues like land use, housing equity, and environmental challenges in Houston. These meetings promote resident participation in sustainable development and have gained national recognition as a model for community-driven engagement, showcasing HLB's commitment to equitable urban development.
HLB Procured Builders
Through our Traditional Homebuyer Program, the Houston Land Bank sells lots to Approved Homebuilders at a discount from market prices. In exchange, the builder agrees to construct a quality affordable home to be sold to an income-eligible homebuyer at or below a capped price.
HLB Fund
The Houston Land Bank relies on partnerships with local organizations, volunteers, and the community to help us carry out this important work. To further amplify our impact, we have created the HLB Fund, a 501(c)(5) fiscal sponsor of HLB. The HLB Fund serves as a vital conduit between HLB and donors or grantors who wish to contribute directly to our affordable housing initiatives. As a 501(c)(3) organization, the HLB Fund can accept tax-deductible donations and grants on behalt of HLB and ensure that they are allocated effectively and transparently in alignment with the fund's mission. Your continued support allows us to bridge the financial gaps required to accelerate our work, which includes the acquisition, rehabilitation, and redevelopment of properties, as well as demolitions and capital improvements aimed at creating affordable homes.
We invite you to join us in expanding our reach and deepening our impact through our new sponsorship opportunities. Your investment will directly contribute to the creation of affordable homes, the revitalization of distressed properties, and the strengthening of communities throughout Houston. Please see below for the available sponsorship levels and the associated benefits:
Description | City Builder | City Partner | City Advocate | Visionary Leader |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fund Contribution | $5,000 | $10,000 | $25,000 | $50,000 |
Recognition at Events | x | x | x | x |
Annual Report Listing | x | x | x | x |
Social Media Recognition | x | x | x | x |
Logo on HLB Website | x | x | x | x |
Recognition at Annual Donor Appreciation Event | x | x | x | x |
Exclusive Briefing with HLB Leadership. | x | x | x | x |
Table at the Signature Event | x | x | x | |
Opportunity to Speak at the Signature Event | x | x | ||
Exclusive Project Naming Rights | x |