Community Land Trusts 101: Laying the Groundwork in Hamilton County, held on July 16, attracted strong participation. Over 80 individuals registered, reflecting the high demand for deeper conversations about housing affordability in our community. This was the first in a series of spinoff events following our 2025 Suburban Housing Conference presented by Hamilton County Community Foundation.
The session featured members of the Hamilton County Housing Collaborative sharing how the idea for a Community Land Trust in Hamilton County came together, what progress has been made so far, and what it will take to launch this model for affordable housing in one of Indiana’s fastest-growing counties.
Why a Community Land Trust?
Housing costs in Hamilton County continue to rise faster than wages, leaving many families struggling to cover basic living expenses. According to United Way’s latest ALICE report, more than 35,000 households in Hamilton County are either living in poverty or considered ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed). These are working families who earn too much to qualify for federal assistance but not enough to afford essentials like housing, childcare, food, transportation, and healthcare.
A 2021 Hamilton County housing study commissioned by the Noblesville Housing Authority, HAND, and Westfield Washington Township highlighted the severity of the issue. One in five jobs paid less than $15,000 annually, and one in three paid less than $40,000. Many of the county’s most common jobs (in food service, retail, and customer support) averaged around $34,500 a year. The study concluded that for families earning below $65,280, homeownership was “relatively out of reach.”
The study warned that a lack of affordable housing could disrupt Hamilton County’s ability to retain, expand, and attract businesses.
How Community Land Trusts Work
A Community Land Trust (CLT) is a nonprofit organization that acquires and stewards land permanently for community benefit. The CLT owns the land, while residents own or rent the buildings on it. This model helps preserve affordability for all future buyers by removing land from speculative markets.
In Hamilton County, consultant Michael Osborne of i3 Community Housing Solutions has been guiding a 14‑month process to establish the CLT. One innovative feature will be a buyer-initiated acquisition program, offering significant down payment assistance to eligible buyers. Homeowners own the house, while the CLT owns the land underneath. When the home is sold, part of the appreciation is shared with the CLT, allowing the funds to be recycled to help the next family.
Collaboration at the Center
The Hamilton County Community Foundation (HCCF) has been a key partner, hosting the CLT’s 30-member organizing committee at its Collaboration Hub and providing the legal support needed to establish the trust. HCCF leaders have also committed to advocating for broad policy change and helping to align philanthropic investments with the CLT’s goals.
During the webinar, panelists from HAND, Merchants Bank, and i3 Community Housing Solutions emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration, early financial backing, and strong community leadership.
Webinar Takeaways
Highlights from Community Land Trusts 101 included:
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The backstory – How the HCHC identified the need and creating a CLT.
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CLT basics – How separating land ownership from homeownership keeps housing affordable.
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Funding and sustainability – Early support from Merchants Bank and FHLBank Indianapolis, and the continued need for both public and private funding.
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Governance – Plans for a tripartite board and a Community Advisory Council to ensure community input and accountability.
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The roadmap ahead – Steps to move from framework to a fully operational Hamilton County Community Land Trust within the next year.
Listen and Learn More
If you missed the webinar or want to share it, you can access the recording and materials here:
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View the CLT Infographic (PDF)
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See the Webinar Slides (PDF)
Get Involved
The Hamilton County Community Land Trust is a community-driven effort, not a HAND initiative. As the convener of the Housing Collaborative, HAND is proud to support and help move this work forward on behalf of the entire community.
If you would like to stay informed, share your skills, or help close the funding gap, contact us at HCHC@handincorporated.org.
The next meeting of the Hamilton County Housing Collaborative will take place on Thursday, August 21, 2025. Please reach out if you are interested in attending.
Together, we can build a stronger Hamilton County where everyone who wants to call our community home has the opportunity to do so.