On Wednesday, July 28, JCCDA partnered with Mitchell County Regional Health Foundation to host a Landbank Learning event at the Community Center in Jewell. Julie Lyon, former mayor of Stafford, Kan., discussed the usage of land banks in her community. Lyon played a key role in establishing the Stafford Landbank and using it as a tool to develop new housing, renovate current housing and tear down blighted properties.

Attendees came from across the North Central Kansas region to hear the presentation and ask questions. Julie's presentation identified how land banks can be a change agent an...