Housing Trust Strategic Plan
Laying the Groundwork for a Community Land Trust in Medford, MA
Medford is a city where people want to stay. But with housing prices rising faster than incomes, many longtime residents, especially renters, seniors on fixed incomes, and young families, are being priced out. The community needed a new tool, one that could keep housing affordable not just for the next few years, but for generations.
That’s where the idea of a Community Land Trust (CLT) came in.
Working closely with city staff and a working group, JM Goldson developed a strategic plan that lays the foundation for a Medford CLT. Our approach combined thoughtful community engagement, clear education on the CLT model, and a path forward that connects vision to implementation.
We started by grounding the plan in Medford’s housing context. About 42% of the city’s households are cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than they can afford on housing. And unlike other affordability strategies, a CLT offers lasting solutions by separating land ownership from housing ownership. This model ensures that homes remain affordable over time, whether they’re owned or rented.
We drew from successful examples in nearby cities like Somerville and Chelsea and built a strategy tailored to Medford’s needs. The plan outlines how a local CLT can grow, from an initial volunteer-driven effort to a formal nonprofit with capacity to acquire land, steward housing, and build trust.
Technical analysis played a key role. Our team assessed Medford’s housing cost data, public land availability, and partnership opportunities. We also mapped out a practical timeline, draft operating budget, and early-stage staffing model to show what success could look like year by year.
But more than anything, the strategy is a call to action. A CLT cannot thrive without deep local commitment. The plan offers Medford a blueprint, but its success will depend on the energy of residents willing to organize, educate, and collaborate to get it off the ground.
With this plan in hand, Medford is better equipped to create community-rooted housing solutions that are both affordable and lasting. It’s a next step that honors what makes the city special and ensures more residents can build a future there.
