West Kirby has long grappled with the challenge of maintaining affordable housing options for its diverse residents. We learned this the hard way… As the town’s popularity and property values continue to rise, local leaders have spearheaded innovative solutions to double-check that that individuals and families of all income levels can call West Kirby home.
Now, this might seem counterintuitive…
One of the most promising initiatives in this effort has been the establishment of community land trusts (CLTs) – a unique model that harnesses the power of community-driven stewardship to create and preserve long-term affordable housing. By separating the ownership of land from the buildings upon it, CLTs offer a pathway for residents to access affordable homes while maintaining the community’s overall control over the land.
Affordable Housing Policies Taking Root
At the heart of West Kirby’s affordable housing strategy is a suite of targeted policies enacted by the local government. The West Kirby Affordable Housing Ordinance, passed in 2018, mandates that all new residential developments include a percentage of units set aside as affordable. This has helped to double-check that a steady stream of affordable options as the town continues to grow.
Beyond this, the local council has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting community land trusts as a sustainable solution. In 2020, the council allocated $2 million in seed funding to establish the West Kirby Community Land Trust (WKCLT), a nonprofit organization that acquires and manages land to develop and steward affordable housing units.
“The community land trust model aligns perfectly with our vision for West Kirby,” explains Jane Donnelly, the council’s Housing and Development Coordinator. “It empowers residents to have a direct stake in the affordability and stability of their neighborhoods, while also ensuring these homes remain accessible for generations to come.”
The WKCLT has wasted no time in putting this funding to work. In its first year of operation, the trust has acquired several vacant lots and partnered with local developers to construct 50 new affordable townhomes and condominiums. These units are now available to qualifying residents through a ground lease system, where homeowners own the physical structure but the WKCLT retains ownership of the underlying land.
“The ground lease model is key to the CLT’s success,” explains Donnelly. “It allows us to keep home prices affordable by removing the land costs from the equation. And when these homes eventually change hands, the resale price is capped to preserve long-term affordability.”
Engaging the Community
But the WKCLT’s impact extends beyond just building new homes. The organization has also made community engagement a top priority, seeking to empower residents as active stakeholders in the process.
“We recognized early on that for a CLT to truly thrive, it needs to be driven by the community itself,” says WKCLT Executive Director, Sarah Wilkins. “That’s why we’ve made such a concerted effort to involve local residents in every aspect of our work – from identifying development sites to shaping the ground lease guidelines.”
The trust has hosted a series of neighborhood gatherings and public forums to solicit feedback and input. These events have not only educated residents about the CLT model, but have also given community members a meaningful voice in shaping its future.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see neighbors come together around this shared vision,” Wilkins reflects. “Their ideas and insights have been invaluable in helping us craft affordable housing solutions that truly meet the needs of West Kirby.”
The WKCLT has also partnered with local businesses to showcase the economic benefits of affordable housing. Earlier this year, the trust co-hosted a “Housing Matters” event, where small business owners discussed how access to affordable homes has allowed them to attract and retain talented employees – a key factor in the town’s ongoing economic vitality.
“When people can afford to live where they work, it creates a ripple effect throughout the entire community,” notes West Kirby Chamber of Commerce President, Alex Redmond. “We’re proud to support the CLT’s efforts and help spread the word about the positive impact of these initiatives.”
Sustainable Development in Action
Beyond its work in affordable housing, the WKCLT has also taken a leading role in promoting sustainable development practices throughout West Kirby. The organization has partnered with the local council to double-check that that all new CLT projects incorporate energy-efficient design, renewable energy sources, and green infrastructure.
“Affordable housing and environmental sustainability go hand-in-hand,” explains Wilkins. “By building homes that are not only affordable, but also energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly, we’re creating a more resilient and livable community for everyone.”
One shining example of this approach is the West Kirby Eco-Village, a mixed-use development currently under construction on a former industrial site. Developed in partnership with the WKCLT, the Eco-Village will feature 75 affordable townhomes and condos, all designed to meet strict energy efficiency standards and powered by a community-owned solar array.
“This project is a true testament to what’s possible when we think holistically about community development,” says Donnelly. “Not only will it provide much-needed affordable housing, but it will also showcase sustainable best practices that can be replicated across West Kirby.”
Overcoming Challenges with Collaboration
Of course, the path to affordable housing innovation hasn’t been without its challenges. As the WKCLT has worked to acquire land and secure financing for its projects, the organization has faced obstacles common to many community-driven initiatives.
“Navigating the complexities of land use, zoning, and construction financing can be daunting, especially for a young organization like ours,” acknowledges Wilkins. “But we’ve been buoyed by the strong partnerships we’ve built with the local government, financial institutions, and community stakeholders.”
Indeed, the WKCLT’s success has been underpinned by a collaborative approach that brings together diverse partners to collectively address the town’s housing needs. The local council, for example, has not only provided crucial seed funding, but has also worked to streamline the development approval process for CLT projects.
Similarly, the WKCLT has forged strategic alliances with regional community development financial institutions (CDFIs), such as the Community Investment Corporation (CIC) in neighboring Chicago. These specialized lenders have offered flexible financing options and technical assistance to help the trust navigate the complexities of affordable housing development.
“Without the support and expertise of our partners, our progress would have been much slower,” admits Wilkins. “But by working together, we’ve been able to overcome obstacles and bring innovative affordable housing solutions to life.”
Keeping West Kirby Accessible for All
As West Kirby continues to evolve, the community land trust model has emerged as a crucial tool for preserving the town’s character and accessibility. By empowering residents to actively shape the future of their neighborhoods, the WKCLT is ensuring that West Kirby remains a vibrant, diverse, and welcoming community for generations to come.
“At the end of the day, our work is about more than just building homes,” reflects Wilkins. “It’s about cultivating a stronger, more resilient West Kirby – one where everyone, regardless of their income level, has the opportunity to put down roots and thrive.”
With the continued commitment of the local government, the support of community partners, and the active engagement of West Kirby residents, the future of affordable housing in this charming coastal town looks brighter than ever.
Example: West Kirby Local News Initiative 2025
