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The mission of Trillium CLT is to provide permanently affordable housing to low- and moderate-income households in a manner that utilizes climate-friendly design and fosters community stewardship of land.
Trillium began in 2022 as a working group of residents, community advocates, and housing-related professionals who shared a belief that community land trusts were a powerful way to provide people in Columbia County with community stewarded, permanently affordable housing. After almost two years of internal discussions, meetings with stakeholders around the county, and learning from CLT experts around the country, Trillium grew from an informal working group to an incorporated non-profit. Currently Trillium is building its first Board of Directors and planning its first projects.
The Trillium flower is a native spring wildflower in New York, recognizable by its three petals and three leaves. We chose the name Trillium for its local roots and to represent the three-part structure which is the core of a community land trust. A CLT board is comprised of 1/3 residents, 1/3 general community members, and 1/3 representatives from municipalities and local service organizations. This power structure ensures shared voices in the decision-making processes of the CLT.
A classic community land trust (CLT) is governed by a tripartite Board of Directors: one-third of Directors are residents of the CLT, one-third are members of the surrounding community, and one-third are community leaders, housing professionals, or elected officials.
We are currently seeking applicants to serve on the Board of Directors. Interested applicants should email us at hello@trilliumclt.org to learn more.
As Trillium builds its first Board of Directors, we will also be organizing four committees to assist in our work. Members of the public who live or work in Columbia County, have attended an information meeting, and join as a non-voting member of Trillium may join a committee.
The anticipated Governance and Policy Committee will include the Executive Members of the Board of Directors and will manage the general governance of Trillium CLT and the development of policies.
The anticipated Fundraising and Grants Committee will seek private, public, and philanthropic donations to fund Trillium CLT's operations and programs and strategize long-term funding for Trillium. This committee will also identify public grants for the development or rehabilitation of housing.
The anticipated Site Acquisition and Development Committee will identify possible sites for development of housing. Members of the committee with backgrounds in development, architecture, construction, green energy, or other related fields will help the Board of Directors in selecting the best sites for acquisition and development.
The anticipated Outreach and Communications Committee will help manage external outreach to communities throughout Columbia County. The concept of a CLT is sometimes unfamiliar to municipal zoning boards, financial lenders, real estate agents, and even prospective tenants or homebuyers. This committee will help to educate groups around Columbia County about the work of Trillium as well as engage with potential tenants and homebuyers to learn how to best serve their needs.