Community Land Trusts (CLTs) have become an increasingly important tool for preserving affordable homeownership and ensuring stable, high-quality housing opportunities across the United States. While more and more CLTs are being created nationwide, rural communities continue to face distinct challenges, including limited housing and funding opportunities.

This publication highlights the work of real CLTs who are strengthening housing solutions across rural America. Through conversations with ten rural organizations, we explore how these communities established their CLTs, navigated obstacles, and developed creative strategies to sustain and grow their impact. Their experiences reveal both the challenges and successes of running the CLT model in rural settings, offering valuable insights for leaders, policymakers, and community members alike. By learning from the experiences of these organizations, we can better understand the opportunities, barriers, and creative solutions shaping the future of affordable homeownership in rural communities. We hope these organizations inspire you as much as they did us.