News
The Connecticut Land Conservation Council (CLCC) has released a new report, “Connecticut Conservation Land Trusts & Affordable Housing: Current Status and Recommendations,” offering a fresh perspective on how land trusts can help address Connecticut’s housing crisis while advancing their conservation missions.
The report highlights a growing interest among Connecticut’s conservation land trusts to engage in affordable housing efforts—from building partnerships with community land trusts to supporting projects near conserved lands. Based on CLCC’s recent land trust census, nearly one in six land trusts are already taking steps to engage, with some advocating for specific projects or policies.
“This report is both a recognition of the thoughtful work many land trusts are already doing and an opportunity to learn more and take action for our broader community,” said Amy Blaymore Paterson, Executive Director of CLCC. “Land trusts have an opportunity to expand their impact by embracing partnerships that support affordable housing—work that complements our conservation values and deepens our relevance in the communities we serve.”
The report outlines key recommendations for overcoming barriers, including better information sharing, purposeful collaboration, and policy reforms to support dual goals of housing and land conservation.
The report clarifies that while conservation land trusts are not expected to design, build, or manage affordable housing directly, their involvement is crucial for promoting understanding and ensuring land conservation acts as a community asset in supporting affordable housing projects. This collaboration can help dispel the “false narrative” that conservation and affordable housing are mutually exclusive.
CLCC remains committed to fostering these conversations and strengthening connections between land trusts and housing advocates.
Download the Full Report
Connecticut Conservation Land Trusts & Affordable Housing: Current Status and Recommendations