December 13, 2007

LANSING - Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced the appointment of Carrie Lewand-Monroe as executive director of the State Land Bank Fast Track Authority. 

"We are focused on revitalizing our cities and ensuring their economic viability," Granholm said.  "Carrie will provide the vision and leadership required to transfer the thousands of properties that are sitting vacant in communities across our state into vibrant parts of the community."

Lewand-Monroe, of Ann Arbor, is currently the executive project manager of the Office of the Wayne County Executive.  Prior to working with the Office of the Wayne County Executive, Lewand-Monroe was an attorney with Allen Brothers PLLC in Detroit.  Lewand-Monroe earned her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and received her bachelor's degree from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina.

The Land Bank Fast Track Authority was established under the recommendations of the Governor's Land Use Leadership Council.  The Authority allows properties that have reverted to state ownership due to failure to pay taxes to move through an expedited title clearing process.  Thanks to the fast track authority, these tax reverted properties can be ready for sale and redevelopment in less than one year, reducing blight, eyesores, and unproductive and obsolete spaces in neighborhoods across the state.  Prior to the Authority, properties could sit vacant and off the tax rolls for up to seven years before they were eligible to be redeveloped. 

As executive director, Lewand-Monroe will be responsible for developing marketing strategies for the properties once they have cleared title and for overseeing the actions of the State Land Bank Fast Track Authority.  She will also provide the State Land Bank Fast Track Authority Board of Directors with a regular report of activities and financial condition of the Authority.

Lewand-Monroe's appointment is effective January 7, 2008.  She is appointed to serve as executive director at the pleasure of the governor.  This appointment is not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

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