Land Bank, Quo Vadis?

Functioning and challenges of three municipal Experiences in the Province of Santa Fe, Argentina

Abstract

In Argentina, access to urban land has become increasingly challenging in recent decades for both low- and middle-income households as well as for the State itself. Land banks can help mitigate this situation. This study examines the functioning of this instrument in the cities of Santa Fe, Santo Tomé, and Esperanza, as well as the challenges their management faces. Evidence gathered through documentary research and in-depth interviews with political officials and members of technical teams involved in land management indicates that the regulations governing land banks are applied unevenly. Their administration by autonomous state agencies does not reduce the discretionary power of municipal authorities in land allocation nor does it guarantee greater resources for land acquisition. The mechanisms prioritized for expanding land reserves (urbanization agreements, donations, and transfers in exchange for debt forgiveness) are closely linked to the possibility of expanding the urban perimeter. The fragmentation and varying status of the local government agencies involved in land management (such as Urbanism, Treasury, Urban Planning, Land Registry, etc.) hinder the efficiency of the instrument. Lastly, the use of public real estate assets does not ensure their preservation or growth.