In recent years the The Neighbourhood Land Trust (NLT) embarked on a journey of growth to demonstrate how to scale a sustainable Community Land Trust (CLT) model encompassing land acquisition, development, asset management, community governance and operation of permanently affordable housing. This effort was funded in part by a grant from the Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation’s NHS Demonstrations Initiative Scaling Stream.
This case study endeavors to document and disseminate the invaluable insights gleaned from NLT’s scaling journey, aiming to inform the work of other CLTs and stakeholders. While each CLT operates within a unique community context, common challenges and opportunities pervade the sector, accentuating the importance of shared learning and collaboration. By profiling NLT’s experiences, this study aims to enrich the collective understanding of effective CLT practices.
NLT has successfully demonstrated an approach to scaling the community-based CLT model by both preserving at-risk rental housing and developing new affordable housing, while enhancing asset management, business, and community governance models. Through diverse approaches to land acquisition and multi-sectoral partnerships, NLT has expanded its impact, acquiring 85 properties with 205 affordable rental units and enhancing capacities in asset management and community governance, positioning itself for further growth.
Key learnings gleaned from NLT’s journey offer valuable insights to inform CLT development across various domains, from the preservation of at-risk private rental housing to the establishment of purpose-built nonmarket rental housing. Collaborations with strategic partners and robust asset management practices are identified as critical drivers of CLT success. Additionally, enhanced community governance structures and business model enhancements are essential to long-term organizational sustainability amidst the demands of scaling. These insights underscore the continuous learning and improvement essential for CLTs to thrive and create lasting community impact.
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