New Lincoln Institute Resources Explore How Community Land Trusts Make Housing More Affordable

In celebration of World CLT Day on May 16, the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy in collaboration with the International Center for Community Land Trusts is rolling out a set of resources related to community land trusts (CLTs)—nonprofit organizations that ensure long-term affordability and security for homeowners. These tools, which include publications, case studies, and webinars, are designed to provide municipal leaders and practitioners with insights on effective CLT partnerships and evidence-based recommendations for making homeownership more affordable and accessible. 

“CLTs have proven to be an effective tool in addressing the global issue of housing affordability, and we’re eager to make some of the learnings from successful CLTs accessible to policymakers who are interested in scaling up efforts to increase affordable housing stock,” said George W. McCarthy, president and CEO of the Lincoln Institute. 

Preserving Affordable Homeownership Policy Brief 

Following the late 2024 release of Preserving Affordable Homeownership: Municipal Partnerships with Community Land Trusts, a Policy Focus Report written by John Emmeus Davis and Kristin King-Ries, the Lincoln Institute has released a four-page distillation of the full report. Both publications offer information on current policy collaborations among community land trusts, cities, counties, and states, and recommendations for working together productively.  A Spanish-language version of the full report will be available in the fall. 

International Commentaries on Preserving Affordable Homeownership 

This collection of international essays offers global perspectives on the challenges and opportunities CLTs face. With contributions from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Europe, France, and the United Kingdom, this new publication reflects on the Preserving Affordable Homeownership Policy Focus Report’s findings and how the evolving role of CLTs differs across the world.  

Still the One: Affordable Housing Initiatives in Burlington Vermont’s Old North End 

This multimedia case study features a 22-minute video and other resources examining an innovative effort to produce affordable housing and combat gentrification and displacement in Vermont’s largest city. The case highlights replicable strategies that made the project a success.   

Webinar: Municipal Partnerships with Community Land Trusts that Produce and Preserve Affordable Homeownership 

The Lincoln Institute will partner with the International Center for CLTs to host a free webinar for the public and policymakers on June 24. Moderated by John Emmeus Davis, coauthor of the Preserving Affordable Homeownership Policy Focus Report and Policy Brief and board member of the International Center for CLTs, the discussion will feature Ruthzee Louijeune, president of the Boston City Council; Evelyn Dobson, CEO and founder of the Delray Beach, Florida, CLT; Erika Malone, homeownership division manager for the City of Seattle; and Enrique Silva, chief program officer of the Lincoln Institute. Together, these panelists will explore how cities are advancing affordable homeownership and will highlight practical steps for successful municipal-CLT partnerships.   

Lead image: Mayor Kim Janey joins the Chinatown Community Land Trust to welcome first time low income homebuyers that purchased the CLT first permanent affordable condo units with a 99 year community land trust lease. Credit: Mayor’s Office Photo by Isabel Leon