Lewand-Monroe Is Named to State Position

Carrie Lewand-Monroe of Ann Arbor is Michigan's new executive director of the State Land Bank Fast Track Authority. She is the daughter of Kathy and Tom Lewand of the East Bluff and her father chairs the Mackinac Island Board of Public Works. She was appointed by Governor Jennifer Granholm and began the job January 7.

"We are focused on revitalizing our cities and ensuring their economic viability," said the Governor. "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."

Ms. Lewand-Monroe was serving as the executive project manager of the Office of the Wayne County Executive when appointed to the post. Previously she was an attorney with Allen Brothers in Detroit. She earned her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and a bachelor's degree from Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina.

The Fast Track Authority allows tax reverted properties now owned by the state to be readied for sale and redevelopment in less than one year, reducing blight and revitalizing unproductive and obsolete spaces in neighborhoods across the state. Prior to the program, properties could sit vacant and off the tax rolls for up to seven years before they were eligible to be redeveloped.

As executive director, Ms. Lewand-Monroe is responsible for developing marketing strategies for the properties once they have cleared title, and she oversees the actions of the State Land Bank Fast Track Authority. She also provides the State Land Bank Fast Track Authority board of directors with a regular report of activities and the financial condition of the Authority.

The Land Bank Fast Track Authority was established under the recommendations of the Governor's Land Use Leadership Council.