The following is a press release from the County of Marin announcing the launch of the Community Land Trust Network of Marin (CLTN). BCLT is proud to be a partner in this work, and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship. We look forward to updating you on our achievements together!

Launch of Community Land Trust Network Creates Affordable Housing Pathways

Partners will support existing and emerging land trusts and help grow permanent affordable housing countywide

Marin County, CA – In Marin County, many working families, essential workers, seniors, and young adults are being priced out of stable housing. Marin is taking a new step to expand permanently affordable housing and homeownership through support of a Community Land Trust Network of Marin (CLTN), a countywide effort focused on long-term affordability for all residents of Marin.

The County’s Office of Equity and Community Development Agency are supporting the effort in partnership with the San Francisco Community Land Trust (SFCLT), a 25-year-old organization that helps communities create and grow community land trusts.

A community land trust is a nonprofit that holds land for the long term so homes can stay affordable for future generations. People can rent or buy a home on the land trust’s property, but the parcel stays in the trust. That reduces cost and helps keep the home affordable over time.

This model can be part of the County’s overall housing solution. Increasing affordable housing options is one of the Board of Supervisors’ highest priorities, and Marin consistently ranks among the most expensive housing markets in the country. This effort can help to:

Create stable housing options for working households
Create homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers
Reduce displacement pressure and help families stay in Marin
Support and develop smaller-scaled properties and community-based housing solutions

The CLTN of Marin will bring together existing and emerging community land trusts, affordable housing partners, nonprofit organizations, and funders to strengthen capacity countywide. Work will include:

Identifying what resources local land trusts need to thrive (funding, staffing, technical support)
Building stronger partnerships to close gaps and speed up delivery of permanently affordable homes
Developing a governance structure that includes community representation and accountability
SFCLT will provide technical assistance and capacity-building support to help Marin’s existing and emerging land trusts to advance current and future affordable housing projects.

Launch of Community Land Trust Network Creates Affordable Housing Pathways