This pages offers basic information on the CLT ecosystem at the local and national level.
Policies and programs to support CLTs are those that create funds or incentives for the development of permanently affordable housing and the acquisition and permanent preservation of existing housing
Homes for Lasting Affordability GBCLTN policy priority
The Greater Boston CLT Network filed Homes for Lasting Affordability in January 2025 to create a new program that would subside the development of homeownership units that would be kept permanently affordable.
Currently, the homeownership subsidy program at the state, Commonwealth Builders Program, is restricted to subsidizing projects with short (15 yr) or mid term (30 yr) affordability requirements, and will not work with CLTs, which provide permanent affordability.
Small Property Acquisition Fund GBCLTN policy priority
Acquisition and preservation of existing housing: GBCLTN designed, with partners, the Small Property Acquisition Fund (GBCLTN Policy Priority), which was approved by the legislature in 2022 and piloted in 2024. SPAF provides project subsidy to organizations acquiring existing housing units from the market, and keeping them affordable for a minimum of 30 years. CLTs using the program commit to permanent affordability of these properties.
$20M in spending authorizations for SPAF were made in 2024, but advocates must organize to ensure that the state allocates/spends this money on SPAF, to keep the program going.
Donation tax credit
MA’s LIHTC’s Donation Tax Credit (DTC) or “qualified donation” program provides state income tax credits to sellers who donate property to a qualified nonprofit that commits to long–term affordability. The tax credit is worth up to 50% of the donated value.
In addition to receiving a state income tax credit through the “qualified donation,” a seller will receive a federal charitable deduction on their federal income tax. The federal charitable deduction is based on the difference between the appraised value of the property and the sale price.
Tax Credit: reduces the amount of tax you owe or increase your tax refund.
Tax Deduction: reduces the amount of your income before you calculate the tax you owe.
to research and advocate for CLT-friendly amendments like rolling application, not annual
Community Preservation Act
"CPA is a state law passed in 2000 that allows Massachusetts communities to conduct a referendum to add a small surcharge on local property taxes. When combined with matching funds from the statewide Community Preservation Trust Fund, this dedicated fund is used to build and rehabilitate parks, playgrounds, and recreational fields, protect open space, support local affordable housing development, and preserve historic buildings and resources." Community Preservation Coalition
Local Option for Housing Affordability (LOHA) GBCLTN endorsed
This proposed legislation would allow towns and cities to implement a transfer fee on high cost, luxury real estate transactions to create a fund for affordable housing initiatives. Read more here.
Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act (TOPA) GBCLTN policy priority
TOPA would give tenants in multifamily rental units the option to purchase their home (at market value) if the owner decides to sell it. While this legislation would not directly impact the home price, it does allow tenants to partner with community organizations (like CLTs) to fund the purchase of their homes. Read more here.
Rent Control/Rent Stabilization GBCLTN endorsed
Rent control would limit the rate at which large landlords (over 5 units in rental ownership) raise the cost of rent. While rent control is not specifically linked to CLTs, CLTs promote dignity and affordability in housing, as well as community's right to stay, and not be pushed out by too-high cost of living. Read more here.
Community Investment Tax Credit
CITC provides a 50% refundable tax credit for eligible donations towards a community development corporation (like some CLTs). Read more here.
The Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act, passed in 2024, authorized over $5 billion in spending for housing initiatives in Massachusetts, much of which will be available for various types of low income, mixed use, or affordable housing development. New and existing programs named in the AHA can be researched and implemented in ways to support permanent affordability in housing.
The MBTA Communities Act, which was signed into law in 2021, does not directly mention community land trusts, but opens the door for more by-right multifamily development and allows cities to continue to access funding from the state for housing development. CLTs could play an important role in ensuring affordability through potential partnerships with cities and developers as they aim to create more housing in MBTA communities.
Resources for learning more about MA policies & programs
Affordable Homes Act MA — Commonwealth of Massachusetts
The Greater Boston Housing Report Card: With a Special Analysis of Community Land Trusts — The Boston Foundation
Renting to Own Boston — City of Boston
FAQ for Short Term Rentals at the State Level — Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Housing Projects in Boston (Map) — City of Boston
Adopting local option community impact fee on short-term rentals — Commonwealth of Massachusetts
At the federal level, the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 designated CLTs as community housing development organizations (CHDOs), making them eligible to receive federal HOME funds for the acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of housing, as well as for organizational operating expenses. This is crucial for the CLT movement as a whole, as it allows the organizations to access a significant federal block grant under the HOME Investment Partnership Program.
In addition to the HOME grant program, federal support for CLTs is bolstered by their recognition by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two government-recognized mortgage-backed securities issuers that support liquidity and affordability in the housing market. Both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae have developed guidance language and policies, as well as ground lease standards and ground lease rider forms for CLT homebuyers. With the backing of these federal agencies, the legitimacy of CLTs is increased in the eyes of traditional mortgage lenders, giving CLT homebuyers more options for financing their home purchases.
In addition to existing federal policy, there are policies and proposals in the pipeline that could affect CLTs and help expand funding and access to affordable housing.
Federal policies related to CLTs
Neighborhood Homes Investment Act (NHIA) — this act would provide tax credits to developers to improve homes in affected neighborhoods, ultimately improving living conditions for residents.
Housing Is a Human Right Act — proposes a $200 billion investment in social housing, as well as $50 billion in community land trusts and cooperatives, to address housing justice at a national level.
Homes Guarantee Initiative — pushes for investment in affordable housing that is sustainable in the long term, with CLTs as a specific solution to address affordability!
Brockton Community Land Trust
Franklin County Community Land Trust
Resources for connecting with CLTs in Massachusetts
Massachusetts CLTs — The Schumacher Center for a New Economics
The Greater Boston Community Land Trust Network — Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative
Check out DSNI's collection of CLT news stories and narratives.
See what other CLTs are doing around the country to preserve affordable housing and advance community control with this map from the Grounded Solutions Network.
Regional and state CLT networks:
New York City Community Land Initiative
California CLT Network
SHARE Baltimore
Canada CLT Network
Midwest CLT Coalition
Valley Alliance for Land Equity
Northwest CLT Network
Zoom out even further with a map of CLTs around the globe from the International Center for Community Land Trusts.