Why Community Land Trusts Are the Affordable Housing Solution We Need, and Why You Should Care?

Housing in many U.S. cities is spiraling out of reach, but there’s a powerful, proven tool that not enough people know about: Community Land Trusts (CLTs). Unlike traditional real estate, CLTs separate land ownership from building ownership. The nonprofit trust owns the land, and homeowners own the structures, paying a long-term ground lease and agreeing to a resale formula that keeps the home permanently affordable (National League of Cities, 2021). 

What doesthat mean in real life? Homes in CLTs stay affordable for generations. Even if neighborhood values skyrocket, CLT homes aren’t flipped for profit, they remain anchored to the community (Grounded Solutions Network, 2024). CLTs aren’t just good for homeowners, they’re good for neighborhoods. By protecting residents from displacement in gentrifying areas, CLTs help maintain community stability and social cohesion. Governance structures include residents, local leaders, and nonprofits, giving people a real voice in shaping their community (Network for Philadelphia, 2022). 

Even in economic downturns, CLT homeowners are more stable than market homeowners and feel a stronger sense of security (Urban Institute, 2023). Some argue CLTs limit wealth-building due to resale caps, that’s true, but this trade-off prioritizes collective stability over speculative gain (Brookings Institution, 2021). Why you should care: If you’re worried about rising housing costs, for your neighbors, your community, or even your own taxes, supporting CLTs helps build lasting affordability. It ensures long-term residents aren’t priced out and that public subsidies have lasting impact (Milwaukee CLT, 2024). For the next generation, our children, or your neighbor’s kids, CLTs offer security, belonging, and a stake in their future. They’re more than homes; they’re roots. Want to learn more or help build one where you live? 

Click here to discover how Community Land Trusts work and how to support them . 

Sources (for reference):

National League of Cities. (2021). What city leaders need to know about Community Land Trusts. 

Grounded Solutions Network. (2024). Community Land Trusts. Network for Philadelphia. (2022). Fact Sheet: Community Land Trusts. Urban Institute. (2023). Do Community Land Trusts Improve Resident Outcomes? Brookings Institution. (2021). Community Land Trusts: An old-school innovation with new-school applications. Milwaukee CLT. (2024). Why CLTs?