DeKalb County Board of Commissioners Approves Feasibility Study for Countywide Community Land Trust

The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has approved $122,000 to fund a feasibility study to create a DeKalb County Community Land Trust, a critical step toward expanding affordable housing and promoting equitable development across the county.

Community land trusts (CLTs) are nonprofit organizations that acquire and steward land for long-term community benefit. By separating ownership of the land from the ownership of homes built on it, CLTs help stabilize neighborhoods, ensure permanent affordability, and prevent displacement. Homeowners lease the land under their homes at a minimal cost, making homeownership more accessible while keeping housing prices stable for generations.

“Establishing a DeKalb County Community Land Trust represents a bold and forward-thinking investment in the stability and sustainability of our communities,” said Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, Presiding Officer of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and sponsor of the legislation. “As a proven tool to address the housing crisis, a Community Land Trust will preserve long-term affordability, prevent displacement, and ensure that residents have access to safe, secure housing for generations to come. This initiative reflects our collective commitment to equitable growth and inclusive prosperity. I extend my sincere gratitude to the experts, community partners, and stakeholders whose dedication and collaboration have brought this vision to fruition, strengthening DeKalb County’s ongoing pledge to equity, sustainability, and opportunity for all.”

District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry, who co-sponsored the legislation, praised the Board’s unified effort and the county’s leadership in advancing affordable housing. 

“This Community Land Trust is a pivotal piece essential to our strategy to address affordable housing needs in our community,” said Commissioner Terry. “I am proud of this unanimous Board of Commission approval, the support of CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, and our collective commitment towards taking steps to achieve a better DeKalb County.”

With a newly appointed Chief Housing Officer, DeKalb County is positioned to advance a coordinated housing strategy that leverages innovative tools like a community land trust. The feasibility study will develop an operational and start-up plan, identifying best practices and implementation steps tailored to DeKalb’s unique housing landscape.

“The feasibility study will help ensure the Community Land Trust complements our existing housing and land-use strategies while making efficient use of County resources,” said Dr. Alan Ferguson, Chief Housing Officer for DeKalb County. “By evaluating structure, integration, and sustainable funding models, we can design a land trust that strengthens long-term affordability, responsible land stewardship, and fiscal accountability."

Andy Schneggenburger, District 2 Housing Policy Consultant, who played a pivotal role in shaping this legislation, commended the Board’s foresight.

“Safe, affordable housing is the cornerstone for thriving households,” said Schneggenburger. "Through a community land trust, we can preserve long-term affordability, and open doors to homeownership for many people who would otherwise find it unattainable. This signals a huge step forward for DeKalb County."

The Board’s action marks a significant first step in aligning county resources to build an inclusive and resilient housing ecosystem. Once completed, the feasibility study will guide policymakers and community leaders in designing a countywide framework for a sustainable, community-driven land trust.