The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners has approved $122,000 for a feasibility study to explore the creation of a DeKalb County Community Land Trust. The goal of this initiative is to expand affordable housing options and promote equitable development throughout the county.
Community land trusts are nonprofit organizations that own and manage land for long-term community benefit. These organizations separate land ownership from homeownership, which can help stabilize neighborhoods, keep housing prices affordable over time, and prevent displacement. Under this model, homeowners lease the land beneath their homes at a low cost, making it easier for more people to own homes while keeping prices stable across generations.
Commissioner Michelle Long Spears, Presiding Officer of the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners and sponsor of the legislation, stated: “Establishing a DeKalb County Community Land Trust represents a bold and forward-thinking investment in the stability and sustainability of our communities. As a proven tool to address the housing crisis, a Community Land Trust will preserve long-term affordability, prevent displacement, and ensure that residents have access to safe, secure housing for generations to come. This initiative reflects our collective commitment to equitable growth and inclusive prosperity. I extend my sincere gratitude to the experts, community partners, and stakeholders whose dedication and collaboration have brought this vision to fruition, strengthening DeKalb County’s ongoing pledge to equity, sustainability, and opportunity for all.”
District 6 Commissioner Ted Terry co-sponsored the legislation and emphasized the importance of teamwork on this issue. “This Community Land Trust is a pivotal piece essential to our strategy to address affordable housing needs in our community,” said Commissioner Terry. “I am proud of this unanimous Board of Commission approval, the support of CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, and our collective commitment towards taking steps to achieve a better DeKalb County.”
The feasibility study will be led by Dr. Alan Ferguson, Chief Housing Officer for DeKalb County. He explained that the study will focus on developing an operational plan for the potential land trust by identifying best practices suited for DeKalb’s needs. “The feasibility study will help ensure the Community Land Trust complements our existing housing and land-use strategies while making efficient use of County resources,” said Ferguson. “By evaluating structure, integration, and sustainable funding models, we can design a land trust that strengthens long-term affordability, responsible land stewardship, and fiscal accountability.”
Andy Schneggenburger serves as District 2 Housing Policy Consultant and was instrumental in crafting the legislation. Schneggenburger said: “Safe, affordable housing is the cornerstone for thriving households. Through a community land trust, we can preserve long-term affordability, and open doors to homeownership for many people who would otherwise find it unattainable. This signals a huge step forward for DeKalb County.”
The decision comes at a time when demographic shifts are occurring in local schools as well. In the 2022-23 school year enrollment at DeKalb County schools declined by 2.2% compared to the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/). During that period there were 98,287 students enrolled in DeKalb County schools (https://www.gadoe.org/). White students made up 14% of that student body (https://www.gadoe.org/).
The board’s move signals an initial step toward building an inclusive approach for future affordable housing policy in DeKalb County through community-driven solutions like a land trust.
