The Allen County Land Bank has demolished 296 structures since its creation and plans to continue removing blighted properties this summer, including a hazardous home on Sherman Street. Officials are also exploring the possibility of building single-family homes on land bank properties to address housing needs and support neighborhood revitalization.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced $26.9 million in grants to expand access to safe, affordable housing in 57 counties.

Allen County Land Bank, Lafayette Ohio, demolition, abandoned property, blight removal, foreclosure, sheriff’s auction, auditor sale, Ohio Department of Development, grant funding, Brian Winegardner, neighborhood revitalization, rural communities, property cleanup, local government

"This NRSA tool allows communities to carve out a boundary or an area and say, well, as long as this boundary and area qualifies under HUD terms, we no longer have to certify each individual project, each individual person, and ultimately, it allows us to do the revitalization work faster.” said Mayor Smith.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced nearly $60 million in state support to help clean up and redevelop 51 hazardous brownfield sites in 27 counties.

Lima has been named one of the Best Places to Live in Ohio for 2025–2026 by U.S. News & World Report, securing the #5 spot on a newly released statewide ranking.