Expanding the Benefits of Attainable Housing in Carver County

Community Land Trust adds new homes, celebrates Chaska Yards Grand Opening

Access to housing that is attainable is a cornerstone of vibrant, prosperous communities. Housing is essential for supporting a growing workforce, attracting families and businesses, fostering community investment, and driving economic mobility and development.

That effort is more important than ever in Carver County, MN, as its population is expected to reach 200,000 by 2030. The Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA) is critical in ensuring residents of all backgrounds have access to affordable homeownership and rental opportunities. 

What is the Community Land Trust?

One program within that purview is the Carver County Community Land Trust (CLT), which has been dedicated since 2009 to creating lasting homeownership opportunities for low-to-moderate income individuals and families.

"Carver County takes immense pride in being a place where the American Dream is still possible," says Allison Streich, Executive Director of the CDA. "The Community Land Trust plays a major role in making that dream a reality.”

Community land trusts steward land permanently for the common good, helping to make homeownership a reality for individuals and families with low-to-moderate incomes. 

Here’s how the CLT works:

1. The CLT acquires land and homes, then sells the homes to qualified buyers while retaining ownership of the land.
2. Homebuyers purchase the home at a reduced price, gaining equity over time.
3. When it’s time to sell, a new appraisal determines a new sales price, with 75% of the appreciation staying with the CLT land, ensuring the home remains affordable for the next buyer and preserving long-term affordability in the community.

Who Qualifies for the Carver County Community Land Trust Program?

• First-Time Homebuyers
• Those with a gross annual household income at or below 80% Area Median Income (AMI) based on household size.
• Parties who can qualify for a mortgage.
• Parties who want to own a home in Carver County.

What are the Steps to Determine Qualified Buyers?

The Carver County CLT brochure is a great resource offering introductory information about local housing opportunities that are attainable and the next steps for prospective homeowners to take towards application.

1. Determine income eligibility
2. Complete Pre-Screening
3. Attend CCCLT Orientation
4. Complete a Home Stretch Course
5. Get approved by a lender
6. Complete Full Application

Grand Opening: Chaska Yards 

Carver County is proud to unveil Chaska Yards, the newest addition to the Community Land Trust. This exciting project adds four new homeownership opportunities available to eligible buyers through the CLT program. The offerings include the renovated historic Ernst House, three newly constructed single-family homes, and a shared four-stall garage.

The October 2nd grand opening featured community speakers, a ribbon cutting, and guided tours of the homes. It showcased the impact of preserving local history while expanding access to housing.

Real Story. Real Impact.

One Carver County family who recently purchased a CLT home through the new Homeowner Initiated Program offered the following testimony, underscoring the CLT's impact on a community.

“We were in a decent apartment but lacked control, privacy, and long-term security. We’ve always known homeownership was essential for our family of five, but it felt financially out of reach on one income.”

“Thanks to the CLT, we found a home that exceeded our needs—within three weeks, we were under contract. The program was surprisingly accessible, and the CDA team supported us every step of the way. Now we have stability, pride, and a place our children can truly call home.”

Read other testimonies from CLT homeowners here.

Learn More or Get Involved

Whether you're a resident, business owner, or future homeowner, the Carver County CDA is here to help you succeed. The CDA also offers support beyond homeownership, with 700+ rental properties across Carver County, rental assistance programs, and senior housing.

Explore your CLT eligibility and available homes on our website or call the Carver County CDA directly at (952) 448-7715.