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: Aug. 17, 2006 - Capitol Bancorp Limited (NYSE:CBC) will be a featured presenter at the 11th Annual Community Bank Conference hosted by Howe Barnes Hoefer & Arnett in Chicago on August 22, 2006.

Capitol Bancorp's Chief of Capital Markets, Michael M. Moran, will provide an overview of the company's unique operating model, financial performance and major strategic initiatives. Capitol Bancorp also will provide an update on the company's development activities. The Corporation recently reported a 24 percent increase in its second quarter earnings to a record level $10.3 million. During that quarter Capitol Bancorp added five new community banks to its network: two in Georgia and one each in Arizona, Indiana and Washington; and development activity is currently underway in several states including California, Nevada, Ohio and Washington.

Capitol Bancorp's 40-minute presentation will be web cast on Tuesday, August 22, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. CDT (11:30 a.m. EDT). The web cast can be accessed at www.howebarnes.com. There is no charge to access the presentation and it is open to media, investors, shareholders and other interested parties. The presentation will be available at www.howebarnes.com for 14 days following the conference.

About Capitol Bancorp Limited
Capitol Bancorp Limited (NYSE: CBC) is a $3.7 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.