A Community Land Trust (CLT) is a non-profit organization that acquires or develops affordable housing. The concept is simple – separate the land value from the value of the house, and sell only the house, while keeping ownership of the land in trust forever. The homeowner acquires title to the home and receives exclusive use of the land, known as sustainable leasehold property, which can be inherited by family members. The cost of the land is reduced or eliminated, which makes the housing more affordable – but it also assures long-term stability and security for the CLT homeowner. The CLT also helps first time home-buyers with credit education, purchase seminars, and home maintenance seminars, etc., building a strong relationship between the homeowners and the community land trust. Presently 38 states have over 250 CLT’s and use a well-developed model that began in the 1960’s… it takes land out of the speculative market and provides perpetually affordable housing. The homeowners get a fair return on their investment upon resale. For example, Burlington VT’s CLT has over 800 low-income homes.
Jason Economou, Government Affairs Director of the Realtors Association of Maui, hosts Cassandra Abdul, Executive Director of Na Hale O Maui on his “Talk Story” RAM GAD POD to discuss affordable housing in Maui.
Presentation by Cassandra Abdul, Na Hale O Maui Executive Director, to Sterling Higa of Housing HI Future
The Cranston-Gonzales National Affordable Housing Act was the first instrument that was used to create the community land trust
NHOM Community Land Trust Overview – Since the Community Land Trust (CLT) model was developed in the 1960s, over 250 CLTs have been established in 38 states across the U.S.
NHOM Community Land Trust Main Talking Points.
Conventional vs. Sustainable Ground Lease.
