Rural Models

The Community Land Trust Association of Marin (CLAM) has created an innovative housing solution in their Real Community Rentals program, which works with local homeowners to help create rental units – often from a spare bedroom – on their property. The County of Marin and the Marin Housing Authority work with CLAM to offer incentives … Read more

In the wake of Tropical Storm Irene in August of 2011, Vermonters assessed the statewide damage and noticed that mobile home residents were disproportionately affected by this extreme weather event. Mobile homes have historically offered an affordable housing solution for many families, but because they are less well insulated and are typically propped up on … Read more

The OPAL Community Land Trust on Orcas Island was one of the first of its kind in the West, and has remained a leader in creating perpetually affordable housing for rent and ownership in their small, rural community. OPAL’s work serves to “bridge the gap between the island’s high property values and the modest incomes of many … Read more

With just over 5,000 year-round residents, Moab, UT is a base for outdoor adventure. This beautiful, small rural town draws one-time tourists and long-term vacationers alike, the latter of whom buy up second and seasonal homes, driving up the cost of housing for the community’s workers. On top of that, the region’s tourism economy means … Read more

Housing challenges stretch beyond water and borders into rural communities in British Columbia.  There, two First Nations tribes have begun to use tiny homes as a creative answer to their housing crises. In Hope, B.C. (pop. 6,181), the Yale First Nation has launched a project to build a dozen energy-efficient tiny homes that will be accessible to the … Read more

Communities in Kauai, HI face housing challenges similar to Jefferson County; with newer wealth moving in and driving the cost of living up, many Kauai natives can no longer afford to live there. This has created a shortage of teachers and other crucial employees, and local businesses are struggling to find and keep workers (sound familiar?!). To address this, community … Read more