Our Mission

The mission of Northwest Community Land Trust, Inc. (NWMTCLT) is to provide permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate-income families in Northwest Montana.

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What We Do

Our work helps bridge the gap between the valley's high property values and the modest incomes of many who live and work here - people who are vital to the community's quality of life and well-being.

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Goals

Provide quality, permanently affordable homes. Offer home ownership for low- to moderate-income families and first time homeowners. Increase affordable housing in Flathead Valley. Offer a unique option for home ownership. 

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Purpose

• Provide quality, permanently affordable housing primarily for low- and moderate-income families that earn less than 120% of area median income.

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• Work to increase affordable housing choices throughout the Flathead Valley and Northwest Montana.

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• Foster resident and community leadership in the long-term stewardship of NWMTCLT land and housing to improve the quality and security of available housing and the safety and well-being of the community.

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• Collaborate with public and private entities, neighborhood and community organizations, community-based and for-profit developers, and local and state government agencies to develop and maintain permanently affordable housing.

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• Use the community land trust model of stewardship of community-controlled assets to protect investments made in land and resources used for residential, commercial and other community facilities that improve the quality of life in the community.

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History of NWMTCLT

In 2009, the State of Montana was awarded $19.6 million of Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds under Division B, Title III of the Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA). The City of Kalispell applied for $4 million of the NSP funds in a partnership with Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana. These funds were used for the purchase and redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes. The homes were then placed within the CLT, and used to house individuals or families with specific income qualifications. In 2011 the city of Kalispell was awarded an additional $1.5 million for the same purpose.  NWMTCLT owns 53 properties in Kalispell as part of the NSP.

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Since 2012, the Northwest Montana Community Land Trust, Inc. has helped 76 low- and moderate-income families purchase quality homes through a ground lease mechanism that provides strong homeowner support and preserves the community’s investment for future buyers. The Community Land Trust’s work is based on an affordable housing model that has successfully stabilized communities around the country.

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In 2023 NWMTCLT added two more homes in Whitefish in the Trailview neighborhood and one more home in Kalispell.  The organization also purchased lots in Columbia Falls and Kalispell for future home construction.

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Future Plans

In 2024 NWMTCLT will add homes in Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork and Polson through various public, private and nonprofit partnerships.  NWMTCLT has plans to add 4 to 11 more homes to its inventory in 2024 and 2025.