Capitol Bancorp Center
200 Washington Sq. North
Lansing, MI 48933

2777 East Camelback Road
Suite 375
Phoenix, AZ 85016

Analyst Contact:
Michael M. Moran
Chief of Capital Markets
877-884-5662

Media Contact:
Joal Redmond
Corporate Communications
602-977-3797

LANSING, Mich. and PHOENIX, Ariz.: July 13, 2006: Capitol Bancorp Limited (NYSE: CBC), a $3.6 billion national community bank development company, announced today the opening of its 47th individually chartered community bank, Bank of Everett, in Everett, Washington. Thus far in 2006, the Corporation has opened six de novo community banks and currently has applications pending for de novo banks in Nevada and Ohio.

"The response from the local community through each stage of the bank's development to its first weeks in operation affirms the viability of the community bank model," said Capitol Bancorp chairman and CEO Joseph D. Reid. "There is a definite appetite for banks that are locally managed and are committed to being an integral part of a community's economic health."

Leading Bank of Everett is Washington banking veteran Mike Deller, who in addition to his banking experience served as the chief executive officer for the Port of Everett and held several commercial real estate leadership positions.

Bank of Everett is Capitol Bancorp's second community bank affiliate in Washington. Capitol's first bank in Washington, Bank of Bellevue, opened in June 2005. Both banks offer a full suite of products and services for small and mid-sized commercial businesses, entrepreneurs and high net-worth individuals.

About Capitol Bancorp Limited
Capitol Bancorp Limited (NYSE: CBC) is a $3.6 billion national community bank development company, with a network of 47 separately chartered banks and bank operations in 13 states. It is the holder of the most individual bank charters in the country. Capitol Bancorp Limited identifies opportunities for the development of new community banks, raises capital for and mentors new community banks through their formative stages, and provides efficient services to its growing network of community banks. Each community bank has full local decision-making authority and is managed by an on-site president under the direction of a local board of directors, composed of business leaders from the bank's community. Founded in 1988, Capitol Bancorp Limited has executive offices in Lansing, Michigan, and Phoenix, Arizona.