Opening Doors to Homeownership in Carver County

Carver County Community Land Trust joins communities around the world in celebration of World Community Land Trust Day

World CLT Day 2026 is a global moment to celebrate community land trust initiatives, such as the Community Land Trust serving Carver County since 2009. May 15 is World CLT Day, which aims to raise visibility, share successes, and strengthen the partnerships that make these programs possible. 

What is The Community Land Trust?

The Carver County Community Land Trust is one of the local affordable housing initiatives for Carver County. Because access to attainable housing is a cornerstone of a thriving and prosperous community, the Carver County Community Development Agency has made it a priority since 2009. 
The need for attainable housing is only growing in this region as the population is expected to reach 200,000 by 2030. The Carver County CLT is committed to ensuring that residents of all backgrounds have access to practical home-ownership and rental opportunities.

Why World CLT Day Matters in Carver County?

CLT Day matters because it is a moment for communities and community leaders to reassure their citizens that, yes, efforts are being made to make the American Dream attainable.

“We one hundred percent believe in the mission of our agency,” said Allison Streich, Executive Director of the CDA, “and it’s incredibly meaningful to see what this program makes possible as people move into their new homes.”

Join the Conversation: 2026 CLT Virtual Summit

In celebration of World CLT Day, the Community Land Trust Network is hosting the 2026 CLT Virtual Summit, featuring free online sessions from May 5 to June 10. The opportunity for Carver County residents is to connect, learn, and share in expanding housing availability.

The virtual event provides a platform to bring together real stories and practical ideas from CLT programs across the country. It is a chance to see how communities are creating pathways to homeownership and strengthening efforts here in Carver County.

How Does a CLT Work?

Community land trusts are a way to permanently steward land in the public interest. This is an effort to help make homeownership possible for those with low-to moderate-income.

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

Who Can Participate in the Program?

This program is open to:

• First-time home buyers
• Individuals/families with annual gross household income at or below 80% of the Area Median Income (which is based on household size)
• Those who can qualify for a mortgage
• Those who desire to own a home in Carver County

What are the Steps to Qualification?

The Carver County CLT brochure provides in-depth information on this program on local housing opportunities and the initial steps interested homebuyers should take. The journey to homeownership in the CLT program is different for each person, but the general steps to initiate the qualification process are outlined below. 

• Determine income eligibility
• Complete Pre-Screening
• Attend CCCLT Orientation
• Complete a Home Stretch Course
• Get approved by a lender

Where to Learn More

If you’re a resident, business owner, or future homeowner, the Carver County CDA can help you succeed. The CDA offers support for homeownership, access to 850+ rental properties, rental assistance programs, and senior housing.

Explore CLT eligibility and available properties by visiting our website or by calling the Carver County CDA at (952) 448-7715.