COOK COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES HIGHEST REVENUE YEAR SINCE 2018, GENERATING $9.6 MILLION IN 2025 AND A CUMULATIVE $291 MILLION IN COMMUNITY WEALTH

COOK COUNTY LAND BANK AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES HIGHEST REVENUE YEAR SINCE 2018, GENERATING $9.6 MILLION IN 2025 AND A CUMULATIVE $291 MILLION IN COMMUNITY WEALTH

The Milestone Was Celebrated at the Cook County Land Bank Authority’s Annual Developer Awards and Recognition Luncheon

CHICAGO—The Cook County Land Bank Authority (CCLBA) on Thursday, Feb. 19, hosted its annual Developer Awards and Recognition Luncheon, celebrating the accomplishments of small developers and other partners, who helped generate $291 million in community wealth and more than $9.6 million in revenue, marking CCLBA’s highest revenue year since 2018.

This year’s event, themed “Unlocking the Future,” spotlighted the collective impact of CCLBA, county officials, municipalities, developers, small businesses, and corporate, governmental and community partners working together to unlock the potential of vacant and abandoned properties across Cook County. These efforts are opening doors to new homes, businesses and community spaces in neighborhoods that have long faced disinvestment. The keynote address was delivered by Marc H. Morial, President and CEO of the National Urban League, and the event was emceed by NBC5’s Michelle Relerford. The 2026 Awards and Recognition Luncheon celebrated projects completed in 2025. Photos of the event are available below and for download here.

“This year was transformative for the Land Bank and the communities we serve,” said Jessica Caffrey, Executive Director of the Cook County Land Bank Authority. “In 2025, the Land Bank achieved record-breaking results that demonstrate the strength of our model and the dedication of our partners. Our annual Awards Luncheon is about recognizing the innovation, commitment and leadership of our extensive ecosystem of community developers, nonprofits, small businesses, elected officials and community leaders who help unlock vacant and abandoned properties. When land is unlocked, homeownership can flourish, small businesses can grow, and communities can build wealth and stability throughout Cook County.”

Building on this momentum, County leaders emphasized that the Land Bank’s achievements reflect more than financial milestones. They represent long-term investments in neighborhood stability and equitable development. Since its creation, the Land Bank has helped return thousands of properties to productive use, supporting local developers and strengthening the economic foundation of communities across the region.

“The Land Bank’s success is not measured only in revenue — it is measured in stronger neighborhoods, new homeowners, thriving small businesses and renewed hope in communities that have experienced decades of disinvestment,” said Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. “Generating nearly $10 million in revenue in a single year and hundreds of millions in community wealth shows what is possible when government works as a partner in rebuilding communities.”

As part of the celebration, President Toni Preckwinkle also presented the prestigious Mark Satter Visionary Award to David Doig, President of Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives. Named in honor of civil rights activist Mark Satter, the award recognizes leaders who share the Land Bank’s mission. Through Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, Doig has partnered with CCLBA on transformative projects, including the rehabilitation of historic homes in Pullman; coordinated nearly $200 million in public and private investment in low-to-moderate income neighborhoods; and focused his work on the same communities that Mark Satter fought for: Pullman, Bronzeville, Lawndale and Austin.

Cook County Commissioner and CCLBA Board Chair and Co-Founder Bridget Gainer presented Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon with the CCLBA Champion Award, reflecting on the importance of partnership in advancing CCLBA’s mission.

“Cook County Clerk Gordon plays a critical role in helping communities reclaim vacant properties and land and turn them into assets,” said Commissioner Bridget Gainer. “The partnership between Clerk Gordon and the Land Bank shows that when politicians put the mission first to support local developers, the revitalization benefits all the people”

The 2026 Award winners are:

Mark Satter Visionary Award

David Doig, Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives

CCLBA Champion Award

Monica Gordon, Cook County Clerk

Project of the Year

Sankofa Wellness Village

The Community Builders, MAAFA Redemption Project and the Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative

West Suburban Developer of the Year

JDB Ventures LLC

West Side Developer of the Year

Midland Home Builders

South Suburban Developer of the Year

MJT Enterprises LLC

South Side Developer of the Year

Jose Negrete

New Construction Developer of the Year

TDJ Construction LLC

Community Developer of the Year

Inherentance NFP

Newcomer of the Year

Build Each Other Up NFP

People’s Choice Award for New Construction

KBM Holdings

People’s Choice Award for Renovation

Accel Capital

Community Catalyst Recognition

7300 S Kostner LLC

AVW Equipment, CXIV LLC

Damian Relchu

Donna Bustami

Jesus and Teresa Perez

Lumity

North Shore Garage Doors LLC


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