Our History
A CLT is a nonprofit organization that acquires and manages land for the benefit of the community. The land is held in trust, meaning it's owned by the CLT but used by residents or businesses under long-term leases. This unique model separates ownership of the land from ownership of the buildings or homes on it, ensuring affordability and community control.
Many cities across the U.S. and globally have successfully implemented CLTs, preserving affordable housing and revitalizing neighborhoods.
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CLT's first appeared in the United States over fifty years ago. They were first used by the Southern Civil Rights Movement as a mechanism for African-American farmers to gain access to agricultural land.
The CLT model soon found many other uses, including affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization, spreading to urban, suburban, and rural communities throughout the country.
There are now over 260 CLTs in 44 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. They are appearing in other countries as well, with CLTs being developed in Canada, England, Scotland, and Australia.
