Journal & Courier
Jillian Ellison
LAFAYETTE, IN — People searching the housing stock, or lack thereof, in Tippecanoe County find themselves in need of more affordable options. That leaves community leaders wondering whether a “Community Land Trust” could be a dual solution.
The conversation around potential solutions to the community’s housing shortage have been ongoing for the past several years, Lafayette staff attorney Kara Boyles said. It kicked up recently in the past week as community leaders came together to learn more about what community land trusts are.
The concept, Boyles said, is one that’s being seen as a “tool in the toolbox.”
“I think everyone is aware that the city is exploring alternative housing options,” Boyles said. “We have some options now, but we need more. As we are looking at housing as a whole, we are trying to explore all of the options we do have.”
The concept of a community land trust can be tricky for those unfamiliar with the idea, Boyles said, but it isn’t new to Indiana. South Bend and Indianapolis both have developed and implemented their own CLTs, overseen by nonprofit boards of directors in the community.
The potential for a CLT locally, Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski said, is an active conversation taking place among leaders within Tippecanoe County and West Lafayette city government.
But more conversations are needed before any wheels potentially begin turning.
