WCMCA breaks ground on new land trust development

Jake Sias

Grant County Herald

West Central Minnesota Communities Action (WCMCA) has commenced a significant development under its Community Land Trust (CLT) program. The groundbreaking event in Elbow Lake marks the start of an initiative aimed at increasing affordable housing in the county. 

WCMCA’s initial goal is to place three new houses in Grant County and is looking for partnerships with local communities for the remaining new homes.

The new project will utilize funds provided by Grant County, which have been allocated specifically for WCMCA’s CLT model. This model allows homeowners to own their homes while the land remains under the trust’s ownership through a 99-year renewable ground lease. “This approach ensures the long-term affordability of the homes,” said a WCMCA representative during the recent county board meeting. Homeowners can gain 25% of any increase in market value upon selling their homes, alongside any equity accrued.

WCMCA’s CLT program, which includes a partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Douglas County, currently manages seven homes, with four located in Pope County and the remainder in Douglas County. Homeowners in the program pay a $35 monthly land lease fee, which is reinvested into the program to maintain its sustainability.

The CLT model aims to create a permanent stock of affordable housing, avoiding the recurrent need for new funds to address the same housing affordability issues. This sustainable approach ensures that the investment remains within the community, benefiting future generations.

WCMCA is also considering additional support measures for homeowners, such as starting a tool lending library. This initiative would allow homeowners to borrow tools for home maintenance and repairs, further aiding in the upkeep and sustainability of their properties.

The new development in Elbow Lake is part of WCMCA’s broader strategy to enhance housing affordability and community stability across West Central Minnesota. This groundbreaking event represents a step forward in addressing the region’s housing needs and promoting long-term community development. 
Additionally, in the most recent County Board meeting, the organization revealed that energy assistance numbers have returned to pre-COVID levels. “For energy assistance, we have seen our numbers go back to pre-COVID,” a WCMCA representative stated. The return to previous eligibility criteria has resulted in a higher number of households being served. However, the furnace repair program has seen an increase in denied households due to ineligibility for energy assistance.

In addition to energy assistance, WCMCA has been actively involved in weatherization efforts. A substantial increase in funding from the Department of Energy has enabled the program to expand its scope. “We are looking at doubling the number of households that we will serve for what we call now PY24,” a representative explained. This includes addressing deficiencies in homes that previously prevented weatherization, such as leaky roofs, through new weatherization readiness funds.

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