2023 Research and National Policy Recap
Research
After two years of diligent work, our National Strategy and Research Team was proud to release its Census of Community Land Trusts (CLT) and Nonprofit Shared Equity Homeownership (SEH). In order to further leverage the positive growth illustrated by our members participating in the census, our team produced a new online interactive map resource, providing locations and specific characteristics of 314 individual active CLTs and SEH programs around the country. We know the map will serve as a crucial tool for the field.
Federal Policy
2023 National Policy in Review and a Look Ahead to 2024!
The majority of our federal policy work this year focused on regulatory spaces, as HUD and other federal agencies announced a variety of rule changes and administrative actions. While Congress has remained mired in the polarizing politics of the moment, we identified and engaged with affordable housing coalitions pursuing legislative change. We were very excited to inform and partner with Senator Fetterman (D-PA) to develop his Keeping Affordable Housing in Forgotten Communities bill, which currently as drafted incorporates community land trusts and shared equity housing into a massive infrastructure redevelopment focused agenda.
On the regulatory front, Grounded Solutions’ federal policy team, submitted formal letters in response to various federal notices with implications for our pursuit of scale and racial equity . One in particular worth noting:
- HUD’s final rule on Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing — Strengthens a rule that was weakened in the last administration to ensure HUD’s programs proactively pursue more equitable outcomes.
Looking ahead into 2024, we are excited to see our influence has resulted in the language of the Community Reinvestment Act’s (CRA) rule now explicitly includes community land trusts and shared equity models as examples of how CRA’s principles can be put into practice. FHFA’s recent report on the Federal Home Loan Bank system contains several recommendations for expanding the universe of funding opportunities for our membership, although making these recommendations a reality requires persistence by regulators and advocates alike. We look forward to working with you all in 2024 to advocate for the legislative and regulatory changes we need during a pivotal national election year!
