Community Land Trust Program

Affordable, Lasting Homeownership in Itasca County

The Community Land Trust Program of the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Itasca County puts long-term homeownership within reach for working households by building high-quality homes.

Is This Program Right for You?

You may be a strong fit if all of the following are true:

• Your household income is at or below $93,600
• You can qualify for a mortgage with a participating lender
• You will live in the home as your primary residence
• You live or work in Itasca County (preference is given to county residents and those whose employment is based within Itasca County)
• You are looking for stable, long-term housing rather than short-term resale gains

How a Land Trust Home Works (In Brief)

A Community Land Trust separates the home from the land. You hold a deed to the home and pay a mortgage on it just as any homeowner would and you own and control your home as other homeowners do. One Roof retains the land and leases it to you long-term for a nominal fee. A Land Trust is not a homeowner’s association.

In exchange for the lower entry cost, when you decide to sell, a resale formula in your land lease keeps the home affordable for the next income-qualified household. You build equity and earn a fair return on the years you have owned. The home stays in the trust, and the affordability is passed forward.

This is shared-equity homeownership. It is a strong fit for buyers who want stability, predictable housing costs, and a chance at ownership they may not otherwise have. It's not designed to match the open-market appreciation of an unrestricted home - that tradeoff is the heart of the program.

For a fuller explanation of the model, the lease, and the long-term homeowner experience:

Who to Contact

Homeownership Program Specialist — Itasca County HRA
218-542-6656 · scarlet@itascacountyhra.org

For questions about construction of homes in your community, income verification, the Land Trust Program generally or anything else:

Isaac Meyer

Special Projects Program Director — Itasca County HRA

218-360-5561 · isaac@itascacountyhra.org

For questions about the Land Trust Program Application, the land lease, or ongoing questions during ownership: 

Brooke Tapp

Stewardship Coordinator — One Roof Community Housing

218-235-3311 · btapp@1roofhousing.org

HRA Office: 1115 NW 4th Street, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 - Phone: 218-326-7978 - Fax: 218-326-8031