Rooted in Land. Powered by People.

WELCOME TO THE

Detroit Cultivator Community Land Trust

The Detroit Cultivator Community Land Trust (DCCLT) is a nonprofit organization preserving land in public trust for the long-term benefit of Detroit’s North End residents. We currently steward over 50 city lots—10 acres—dedicated to affordable housing, food justice, and community empowerment.

We believe land should serve people—not profit. That’s why we protect land from speculation and ensure it remains affordable and accessible for generations to come.

Affordable Housing

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Food Justice

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Community Empowerment

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Affordable Housing ● Food Justice ● Community Empowerment ●

About Us

OUR STORY

Founded in 2020, DCCLT emerged from the work of longtime North End leaders like the North End Christian CDC and Oakland Avenue Urban Farm. These partners understood that preserving land is essential to preserving community.

DCCLT exists to ensure that development happens with the community—not to it.

What is a Community Land Trust (CLT)?

A Community Land Trust (CLT) is a nonprofit that holds land in permanent trust for community benefit. The land stays off the speculative market, while homes and other structures can be leased or sold with protections that preserve affordability and community use.

OUR MISSION

We Preserve Land To:

We are committed to development without displacement and to a future where Detroiters shape Detroit.

  • Prevent displacement of longtime residents

  • Create deeply and permanently affordable housing

  • Promote local entrepreneurship and wealth-building

  • Expand access to healthy food through urban agriculture

  • Provide skill-building opportunities in farming, food, and environmental work

  • Model regenerative and innovative land use

How It Works

  • DCCLT owns the land and never sells it. This ensures long-term affordability and use for community good.

  • Residents can own their homes but lease the land. Resale prices are capped, keeping homes affordable across generations.

  • Our Board includes community members, leaseholders, and
    partners. At least one-third of the Board always represents low-income Detroiters or neighborhood organizations.

  • Our land supports affordable housing, gardens, local businesses, green space, and more—anything that directly benefits the neighborhood.

Get Involved

Want to help shape the future of Detroit’s North End? Join the movement for land justice by becoming a member, volunteering, donating, or partnering with us.