Community Land Trusts help Portage residents become homeowners affordably

Increasing affordable housing options for residents is a common goal of many communities — both large and small — all across the state of Michigan. As the ongoing housing crisis impacts the entire state, cities are looking at solutions for the profound problem.

Anita Johnson is a housing resource specialist for the City of Portage. She oversees development and implementation of safe and affordable housing opportunities, programs and activities to improve the quality of life in the city.

“I perform research, analysis and grant writing that provide cost-effective and innovative local government services through collaborative efforts within the community,” Johnson says.

The community development department’s mission is to support the city’s growth through by introducing new housing units, prioritize aging housing units, and redevelop commercial corridors to strengthen Portage’s economic development.

Johnson says the City of Portage’s needs are not unlike other cities across the state.

“As many other cities throughout the State of Michigan, we are seeking to expand our “workforce housing” opportunities for individuals and families within the community that has been priced out of the traditional housing market due to high construction cost and affordability factors,” she says.

In order to address this need, the city of Portage has developed a new housing ordinance, the Unified Development Ordinance, or UDO.

“For example, some of our new UDO addresses and allows for: smaller lot sizes, reduced set back, smaller square footprint of homes, and new permit processes for builders which can sometimes contribute to the housing shortages and frustration throughout our state,” Johnson says.

Another tool in the toolbox that many cities are using to increase affordable housing stock is by working together with Community Land Trusts, or CLTs. These CLTs have historically been around since the ’60s, but have grown in popularity within the past five years, according to the Michigan Community Land Trust Coalition. There are 16 communities with established or in-the-process of establishing CLTs in Michigan — working hard to preserve affordability, foster local ownership and ensure safe, affordable, stable homes for generations to come.

“A CLT is a trust that owns and holds the land in perpetuity for the benefit of the community,” Johnson says. “As an example, the Portage Community Land Trust holds the land in trust, while allowing a homeowners to purchase the improvement (the home) on the land.”

These CLTs are able to keep homes off of the open market, and ensure they are kept more affordable in the future — through the CLTs’ ground lease and resale restrictions. They’re also more affordable in the beginning, because residents are able to purchase their homes and just lease the land through CLTs, at much more affordable prices.

“Community Land Trusts are a tool that can be  used to create affordable housing in perpetuity, generation after generation,” Johnson says. “Taking the land out of the purchase can be what’s needed to make a home affordable to our workforce or those who may not otherwise be able to purchase in the open market. Our goal is to make sure those who want to own a home in Portage can purchase a home in Portage through the PCLT if our program fits the individual or family need.”

In Kalamazoo County, a new 42-single family home, workforce development is currently under construction. The owner-occupied for-sale development focuses on providing housing for families who earn between 80 to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI) within the county. Stanwood Crossings is anticipated to be completed in 2028, and features a mix of ranch and two-story homes from 1,200-nearly 1,700 square feet, and two-three-bedroom homes.

“The City of Portage is proud to introduce a neighborhood where affordability meets comfort and quality,” Johnson says. “It takes a collaborative effort from community, state and federal partners that are invested in affordable housing.  Stanwood Crossings has used a layered funding approach to make the development pencil. We have received funding from HUD Appropriations, Kalamazoo County ARPA funds, City of Portage ARPA funds, Kalamazoo County “Homes for All” Millage, MSHDA – Housing Brownfield TIF and a City of Portage CIP fund allocation.”

Land acquisition began in 2022, with pre-development meetings in the following two years, with home builds starting in 2025. In Spring 2026, Stanwood Crossings welcomed their first homeowners into the space between Woodbine and Stanley Avenue, just south of Lakeview Park on Portage Road.

Although Johnson says it was a challenge to inform and educate local lenders, realtors and buyers about the CLT model and what the Portage Community Land Trust’s commitment is, the community response has been positive. Of the first 12 homes, seven already been sold, and more are expected to be under contract by this fall. The next group of 12 homes is also currently under construction.

The development’s waitlist is open and those interested are strongly encouraged to apply online or can contact the Community Development Dept. at 269-329-4477. Interested buyers are required to complete a Homeownership Education course and must meet the 80-120% AMI requirement.

“We understand the need for affordable housing and price points for all levels of income,” Johnson says. “We are committed to making sure through our housing initiatives, programs and tools that we have a variety of price points within our communities housing stock and for all individuals who want a natural place to move.”