Who We Are

The CLT Network incorporated in 2006, picking up the mantle from the Institute for Community Economics to provide support and leadership for CLTs around the country. Though we are not young as a movement (see the history of the CLT movement), we are still a young organization, and as such we are balancing the wisdom of “going slow to go fast” with the hunger for our services. In our first three years we have established core values, adopted policies and implemented organizational systems. We have also provided top quality training in every region of the country. 

As a membership organization, our first duty is to develop resources for our member organizations. Our website is designed to be a place to share ideas and lessons learned, and our trainings are designed to both introduce newcomers to the basics about CLTs, as well as to increase the level of knowledge and skills of experienced CLT practitioners.

CORE PRINCIPLES:  The National Community Land Trust Network will advance the following seven principles to guide the work of its members:

1. Perpetual Affordability: We will create affordable access to land and homes, and ensure affordability for future generations.
2. Community Health, Cohesion, and Diversity: We will 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, people of color, and others most often marginalized in society.
3. Community Stewardship of Land: We will 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.
4. Perpetual Sustainability: We will create high quality buildings that are environmentally sustainable and accessible; we will create exceptional organizations that are economically sustainable; and we will create programs that support residents and staff in achieving long-term success.
5. Representative Governance: We will integrate the key stakeholders in the decision-making of the organization, particularly residents on community owned land.
6. Resident and Community Empowerment: We will build financial assets, develop leadership skills, create stability, offer mobility and community involvement for our residents, and provide opportunities for our members, board, and staff to engage more fully in their communities
7. Openness to a variety of organizational structures: We 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 National CLT Network member will strive to incorporate the previous six principles within their organization.

Mission and Strategic Plan

Mission 
The National Community Land Trust Network provides training, advocacy and resources for its member organizations which nurture and sustain healthy and economically diverse communities by providing permanently affordable access to land, homes, and related resources. 

Strategic Plan 
2009 - 2010 Strategic Plan