Our organization’s first duty is to develop resources that help the members of our Network. This website plays a key role in fulfilling this responsibility. It’s intended to be a place to share ideas and lessons learned. This information is designed to both introduce newcomers to the basics about community land trusts (CLTs) and permanently affordable housing and to increase the knowledge and skills of experienced practitioners.

The National Community Land Trust Network (the Network) was incorporated in 2006 to provide support and leadership for CLTs around the country. Today the Network also welcomes other organizations that offer homeownership programs with lasting affordability. Along with CLTs, this includes some Community Development Corporations, Community Development Financial Institutions, Habitat for Humanity affiliates, government-based inclusionary zoning programs, and deed-restricted programs that are providing permanently affordable housing.

Our Mission

The National Community Land Trust Network provides research, advocacy, education, and support for its member organizations that nurture and sustain healthy and economically diverse communities by providing permanently affordable access to land, homes, and community assets.

• Bylaws
• Strategic Plan
• Annual Meetings & Minutes
• Swann Matthei Award

Guiding Principles

We’ve identified seven core principles that embody the values of community land trusts.

Perpetual Affordability: Create affordable access to land and homes and ensure affordability for future generations.
Community Health, Cohesion and Diversity: Strengthen the communities in which we work by enhancing the quality of life through affordable housing, community building, education, access to land, and advocacy on behalf of people of lower incomes, diverse populations, and others marginalized in society.
Community Stewardship of Land: Steward the land for a variety of purposes that benefit the community, such as affordable homes, community-based businesses, community-supported agriculture, and preservation of green space.
Sustainability: Create high quality buildings that are environmentally sustainable and accessible, exceptional organizations that are economically sustainable, and programs that support residents and staff in achieving long-term success.
Representative Governance: Serve communities by identifying key stakeholders and involving them in decision-making for the organization, particularly residents.
Resident and Community Empowerment: Build financial assets, develop leadership skills, create stability, offer mobility and community involvement for residents, and provide opportunities for local residents, board, and staff to engage more fully in the community.
Openness to a variety of organizational structures: Recognize that each community must determine the exact type of organizational structure best suited for the issues, goals, and needs of their local community, with the understanding that each Network member will incorporate the previous six principles within their organization.