Building Community Wealth with Community Land Trusts

An Innovative Cities Lecture

Community land trusts (CLTs) are emerging as one of the most effective tools for creating permanently affordable homeownership while building long-term community wealth. This session provides an overview of the community land trust model, including how nonprofit organizations, municipalities, financial institutions, and for-profit developers can partner to expand affordable housing opportunities.

Speakers will describe the legal framework, stewardship responsibilities, legislative considerations, and financing strategies that support CLTs at neighborhood, municipal, and regional scales. Case studies from Milwaukee and Madison will demonstrate how community land trusts create predictable housing costs, preserve affordability for future generations, and strengthen neighborhoods through shared equity and long-term stewardship. The presentation will include lessons learned and highlight innovative homeownership initiatives, including the Homebuyer Choice Pilot Program, and discuss how partnerships and policy can increase access to affordable housing while creating lasting community assets.

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