Testimony from Prospective Buyers
The would allow me to be closer to my job at Michigan medicine and allow my two toddlers once they are of school age to attend and our public schools like I did growing up. Which I've always looked forward to, but with the increase housing class in Ann Arbor. I didn't think it was gonna be a possibility anymore
I have been a perpetual renter and living with my parents on and off and previously was unable to gather any savings, or what I saved would get wiped out by an emergency. Other affordable areas have made me feel unsafe walking around at night or living in my home as a marginalized individual. I care about housing justice and community living, and want to help demonstrate that a better way is possible. Many people my age (late 20s early 30s) believe we will never be able to own a home, and will be subject to landlords for the rest of our lives, unable to save for retirement, potentially dying without support on the street. This kind of program is literally life-changing.
It would help me be a homeowner in the community that I grow up in and no work in
I’ve always lived in rural areas and have had to drive hours to get to work. I just think of all the time that could be spent with family. I would also love to bike to work! I’m always looking for ways to help the environment!
Hello, My fiance and I both work in Washtenaw county. All of my family and support network lives in Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti. I work for Avalon Housing (an Ann Arbor based nonprofit that provides permanent housing as a solution for homelessness) and have been for over two years as a community builder/support coordinator. Although she hasn’t worked for a year yet she is a recent nursing graduate. It’s been a long term goal of ours to own our own home. We’ve been looking for homes to buy in near our work and family within our price ranges for about two years now. The only areas we’ve found we could afford are out in Ypsilanti and other cities that would make our commute 30min+, hard on our vehicles, costly time wise and costly for gas. When we saw the posting on Zillow we couldn’t believe it! It seemed to be a solution for all of our issues with buying a home. We desire to be close with our families, support network, friends and work. Thank you for considering this and taking the time to read my message. Wishing you well.
My child currently attends Ann Arbor Public Schools so I would love to own a home, instead of rent an apartment, in the school district. My half-hearted search for homes always turns out disappointing when I see sub-par homes (outdated style / appliances (no A/C) / old (almost fixer upper)) for the same price as affordable houses in my budget in another city. This opportunity makes me feel very excited at the possibility that my career choice (public service) is paying off financially, in addition to the gratification of ensuring clean water for the community.
I could live near my sister and niece if there were something remotely affordable
With my current job and salary, I will never be able to afford a home in the area. I would have to live at least 45 min away from my job, friends, and family which would cause me to be away from home more often and longer. I have a dog, and would like to be able to be home and with her as much as possible. Shorter commutes are also safer especially when dealing with severe weather. I have an essential job. I have to go into work and cannot work from home. Living in the area is important to me.
It would make such a difference being close to my work. It would improve my quality of life and I would love to give back in some way!
This is an amazing project. I majored in sustainability in college and this is the exact kind of community building and support that makes Ann Arbor a great place that I want to move to as a young professional.
I live in University of Michigan Student Housing with my wife, who is getting her PhD. That is the only reason we are able to afford Ann Arbor Prices. We would love to continue living and working in the city after she graduates but could not afford to buy a home within the city (even renting would be difficult). The opportunity to purchase affordable housing in Ann Arbor, and actually live within the community in which we work, would be life-changing.
I have lived in Ann Arbor for approximately 15 years since coming here as a student. I strongly desire to become a permanent resident, but have grown weary of having to up and move every couple years because of rent increases. I have been actively saving for a down payment for years, but housing in Ann Arbor seems to be getting further out of reach every year. Being able to own a home in Ann Arbor would help me feel secure and truly settled, and a true part of the community.
I am a post-doc working at U Michigan in the area of tissue engineering. We are not expecting a high salary and wish to focus on research which might be essential for public health in the near future. However, due to the increasing rent expense in the past several years, life is getting more difficult. The CLT offers us an affordable way to live in ann arbor and helps me to focus on my research instead of worrying about living expenses so much.
I love that someone is taking action! We were pushed into ypsi due to rising housing costs, and we love it, but we both work in A2. I would love the opportunity to buy my first home in Ann Arbor since I plan on working at the university long term. I am also a young professional and I find that a lot of young professionals are getting priced out of the area which is changing the culture.
I have been working full time for 4 years and still have been unable to afford my own place to live. I would like to become closer to the community I work in. Being closer to my job would also allow me to save money.
A CLT home would be an incredible opportunity, it would be the opportunity of a lifetime, honestly. I am a staff worker at the UM Library. I love my job, and my husband works for a local bakery, Yoons bakery. We have a four year old daughter who we would like to send to an AAPS school to benefit from the incredible education. Living near where we work and school would be critical for our busy lives to avoid a long commute, cut commuting costs, and also have the opportunity to build community with neighbors. Like many young families, we don't have any family in the area so a neighborhood community would be an amazing lifeline. Contributing and advocating for sustainable living practices is critical to housing for all. This movement is so needed, and so many will benefit. Our lives would be completely changed for the better if we were able to be a CLT buyer.
I have lived and worked in Washtenaw County since 2012 when I began graduate school at the University of Michigan. I have never been able to afford a home in the community I enjoy living in and love to serve through my work with Washtenaw County. CLT would provide me the opportunity to finally let my roots run deep in Tree Town and anchor myself in our community permanently.
Making it viable for us to remain in Ann Arbor area financially.
As an AAPS teacher who has had to move out of Ann Arbor due to housing costs, being able to move back closer to my school community would be huge for our family. Our dream is to live a more environmentally sustainable and community based life and housing is a huge factor in being able to achieve that.
would be able to be a part of a community with affordable housing - renting for us is not sustainable and our rent increases 100-300 dollars a month every time we renew
This would change my life as a single income earner who has never been able to afford a home in the city that I have devoted 20+ living and working in as a renter and dedicated employee for a beloved institution.
The prices of these homes make homeownership seem like a tangible reality. We would love to be able to provide our son with stable housing and build our family roots.
This would change my life by offering me the financial benefits of owning a home, and the accompanying tax breaks. As a single unmarried woman who rents I get zero tax breaks and as a single income household everything is more expensive.
Places where there is plenty of affordable housing are pretty scarce in Washtenaw County. But allowing folks to establish themselves long term builds community, which is critical for mental and physical well-being and is good for everyone.
It would be an incredible opportunity to get to live in the neighborhood (near) where we work and our children go to school. Being in/near a neighborhood with friends from school was such an integral part of our childhoods and we want the same for our children. We were born and raised in Ann Arbor, but as adults quickly learned we could not afford what we needed in terms of size when we were ready to buy a home. That was 8 years ago and as time passes it feels even less achievable as prices continue to climb.
I was born and raised in Ann Arbor, and I have never been able to afford to own a home here. I have worked in this community for over 20 years, yet I still have to rent to remain in the area I love. Homeownership would make me feel more connected, established, and secure in a community where I need to work and live.
I am a third year teacher but in the school district of Chelsea. I have lived in Ann Arbor my whole life and don’t want to leave. I enjoy working and living in a different town. Ann Arbor prices are high for owning and renting just living off of a single person income in a low paying job. Even though I am not AAPS I love and live in Ann Arbor and have a lower income too. Thanks!
I spend a significant portion of my income on commuting costs and rent. I can't afford to own anywhere within 45 minutes of Ann Arbor. My biggest goal since I was little was to own my own place due to growing up in an abusive household and experiencing housing instability. A lot of affordable housing is also in community-isolated places, where living alone poses a danger of harassment for queer and assigned female at birth humans like myself. I have been stalked and physically intimidated for being small and living on my own in other affordable housing communities and felt unsafe living there.
As a teacher and community member, I want to live in the community where I work. It’s important for me that I live in the community I serve, so I can build into it more effectively, attend my students’ sports and music performances, meet with families and caregivers, and be a true part of the community. With Ann Arbor housing as expensive as it generally is, I cannot hope to afford the purchase of a house at the market rate. A CLT home would change that for me, and make my dream of being more deeply integrated into the community possible.
It would give me a tremendous chance in becoming a first generation homeowner in the town where I was born and work.
I would love to be able to afford a home. I’ve had my rent increased more than 60% and had to move multiple times
Remaining in Ann Arbor allows my wife and I to to take advantage of public transit and avoid purchasing a 2nd vehicle. Ann Arbor is also a location that we would like to remain in to start a family, my wife is also a teacher here and remaining close to the communities that we work with is important
I think this program is absolutely necessary and is very helpful for people in many ways. 1. The housing cost is very high which limits people in need to buy a house. 2. The cost of living is getting more expensive every day.Gas, food etc. 3. Sometimes in life we need a little help to start living our dreams and making our children comfortable. Heat, their own rooms. 4. This can prevent an essential working from quitting their job due to the long commute and expense to get to work. Essential workers are very important!
There is no afforable housing in ann arbor for a mom of three
As a lifelong resident of this community and a dedicated higher education professional with an advanced degree, I have spent over 20 years investing in the success of our city’s students. Yet, as a single mother, I have often had to juggle three part-time jobs just to keep up with the outrageous cost of housing. Despite my education and career, the crushing costs of housing and daycare kept me in debt throughout my daughter’s childhood, preventing me from climbing the economic ladder. The reality is that educators, healthcare workers, and service professionals—the very people who sustain this city—are being priced out. A Community Land Trust (CLT) for affordable housing would allow me, and countless others, to build stability, put down permanent roots, and continue serving this community without the constant fear of displacement. Homeownership through a CLT would provide a realistic path to financial security, ensuring I can provide for my family without working multiple jobs just to afford rent. It would allow me to spend more time mentoring students instead of struggling to stay afloat financially, contributing more deeply to the success of our workforce and local economy. If we want to retain dedicated professionals and keep our community strong, we must invest in sustainable, affordable housing solutions. I urge you—our legislators and local employers—to support the development of a Community Land Trust, ensuring that those who have built their lives here can continue to call this city home.
A realistic and affordable option to own a quality home in Ann Arbor.
I’m 40 years old and have been working for Trinity health as a respiratory therapist for about 5 years. I love my job but I am considering relocating to a new city/state because home ownership in this area seems impossible. I would love to have a permanent home in the area and be able to continue working for Trinity health and serving this community. It’s important for me to be a part of the community I serve as a health care worker. Commuting an hour to work is not reasonable to me.
As a teacher I cannot afford to live in the community that I work. CLT would make it possible for me to live in the community that I teach.
I am a single foster and adoptive mother of two current children. We live out of Ann Arbor due to cost, but very much would like to be within Ann Arbor. My son is Black, and the place we live is not welcoming/not safe to him (or me as a single mother by choice). We work/school/play in Ann Arbor, and would be so grateful to not commute 5-7 days a week into Ann Arbor. This would be a HUGE opportunity for us!
It would give me a chance of being a first generation homeowner in the city I was born in and work in. I could ditch a car and bike to work safely if I was closer to my job. The time I'd save from a long work commute could be spent with family and friends.
As a single young woman, it is very difficult to become a home owner right now. The pricing that you provide may make my dream of being a homeowner in Ann Arbor possible. I have a degree in sustainability and projects like this are what help build community and make a brighter future for Ann Arbor, so thank you!
I love working in Ann Arbor, but the high housing costs and low pay of teachers make the thought of staying in Ann Arbor and raising a family here seem impossible. I currently rent in Ann Arbor, and even the cost of that is becoming unsustainable. I personally could not imagine spending more time commuting, especially as I get older and want to start settling down in my community.
It would make homeownership a real possibility for us. Right now we are making enough to cover rent, but we are almost at the top of what we can comfortably afford.
I would like to own a home for the first time. I would like to build equity to leave a legacy and build generational wealth. I would like to be an example for my children and grandchildren.
My oldest son is on the Autism spectrum. He is functional but not fully independent. The friends and social activities in the Ann Arbor, Washtenaw county area are important to both of us. The needs he requires here are some of the best versus other areas. My career as the Environmental Health and Safety Specialist for my employer makes it imperative that I be somewhat local due to any off-shift emergencies that may arise.
I believe in living in the community you work in. Having a true community requires that you know each other, do business along side each other, share recreation time together, and raise your families together.
A program like this is the only chance I have of owning a home. I like my job and it pays okay but there is no way I can afford to live in Ann Arbor alone with the cost of living here. Even though I do essential work for Michigan Medicine.
This would make a huge difference for me as I currently commute about 45 minutes every morning and then every evening, leaving me about four waking hours at home. It would also save me on car repairs, and PTO as both are more costly with this kind of commute. It would also cut down on my carbon footprint!
Living in a CLT home near Mojo Dining in Ann Arbor would significantly improve my quality of life. It would reduce my commute time, save on transportation costs, and provide more time for family and personal activities. The proximity would also make me more engaged at work and less stressed, fostering a better work-life balance. This stability is essential and would allow me to invest in other important areas of my life, enhancing my overall well-being.
I am the child of teen parents who received very little support through undergrad or graduate school and as a result have acquired over $50,000 in student debt. While I am grateful for my education, and especially my time at the University of Michigan, as it was pivotal in getting the current job I have worked in since graduation in 2023, this debt has made it extremely difficult to save a down payment for a home. My husband and I both grew up in Ann Arbor but due to the cost of rent and housing we have both needed to leave the town to find more affordable options. We would love an opportunity to one day raise a child in our hometown and start a family in the city we are from, but current housing costs are making this a goal that is increasingly difficult.
Having a new, affordable home close to work would be nice to raise my family in. Our current home is feeling tight with a growing family and it’s too expensive for us to move at the moment.
I'm retired and rent an apartment in Scio township. I have rented in Ann Arbor, Ypsi township and Scio township since moving from Detroit 35 years ago. I have seen home ownership costs rise from barely affordable for middle class workers to unaffordable. I would like to live in Ann Arbor for the public transportation and other services that are available.
I have been working full time for 4 years and with my county salary I am unable to affording housing on my own. Being closer to my job would allow me save money and bring me closer to the community.
As a family with two small children the ability to own our home and have access to a neighborhood that is walkable, social, and invested in creating community is essential. My wife and I would love to be home owners and create this type of community in the place where we work but between student loans, cost of living, and the price of the housing market we are not able to do this in Ann Arbor. As an employee at AADL I work to serve the community and address it's needs; being able to actually live in the community that I work to serve would be life-changing for me and my family.
My husband and I have just moved back to Ann Arbor area for work. We plan on retiring here. I would change our options entirely if there was affordable, extended family housing options available. We have college-aged children who would love to still live at home as well as aging family members. We LOVE the option of have a duplex for large families OR a unit with additional living spaces/bedrooms. We could never afford Ann Arbor without a program like this one!
Very helpful to afford living close to work and family without using More fossil fuels and not having to worry about working multiple jobs would help keep our stress down.
A CLT home would make home ownership a reality for my family. We are committed to the city of Ann Arbor and plan to raise our children here. We want to be part of the solution of creating more equitable housing, and reduce dependency on single occupant vehicles and commercial realty companies with no real investment in the city.
The community Land Trust would be life changing for our growing family and others in need. In 2024, we welcomed both our daughter and puppy. It has been a joyful experience/milestone but have impacted our finances with my husband having to stay home to provide care. We've been diligently saving for a down payment, but every year, housing prices keeps rising, pushing homeownership further out of reach. For the past year, on my way to work I've driven past [a house on] Maple Rd while it was on the market dreaming of raising our family there. Not saying this is the only home we would be interested in, but I am thrilled to see it added to the list of available homes. ("The universe aligning?) Without opportunities like this, families like ours are forced to leave Ann Arbor just to find affordable housing, making it more difficult. This program ensures hardworking families can stay, grow, and thrive in the communities we love. Thanks for helping those in need. Someday I will be able to help other like you are doing. Thanks
Having an affordable home centered around daily commutes and events would be helpful. My son has ASD and has thrived and maintained employment locally. Having lived in the 48103 area code for many years afforded life long relationships, and services. My preference is to stay in the area, not only for the benefit of my son, it would also ensure the ability to contribute to a lower carbon footprint with this type of housing.
I just want to own a home in the community I work and am being priced out I can barely find anything for 300,000 or less which I can afford. I’ve even looked for land but can find nothing reasonably priced a 50k parcel is 149k here. I and others are being priced out and it is unfortunate because I really care about living in this community and caring for it. I pick up trash on every walk and volunteer at non profits like the Michigan Theatre, Food Gatherers and The A2 symphony.
A new build home close to work that embraces reduced energy waste is something my family would enjoy. The cost of a new build that is not on a land trust is far too expensive at this time and this would fit the bill for us.
I have worked as a respiratory therapist here for 5 years. It would be nice to afford a permanent home where I can plant some roots. If I’m unable to find permanent housing I’ll sadly need to find a new job and community to live in the near future.
We love Ann Arbor and would like to be able to afford a home here to raise our son, but the prices are just too high. We're currently renting and are afraid that the costs are going to eventually exceed our financial capabilities. Our rent has increased by $600/mo since we moved here 5 years ago. It's hard to imagine being able to save enough to afford a down payment on a home when so much of our money currently goes toward rent. Being able to afford a home here would feel like a miracle. A dream come true.
Housing is becoming increasingly unaffordable in Ann Arbor, we need more options like this so the people who work in Ann Arbor can actually afford to live in Ann Arbor
Purchasing a CLT home would be an incredible opportunity. I am a designated critical employee of the University of Michigan making less than $60,000/yr, and due to the Ann Arbor housing market I am effectively priced out of owning a home within city limits, not to mention several miles from my workplace. I am currently renting a one-bedroom apartment in Ann Arbor that costs more monthly than the mortgage on a $225,000 home. If rent increases continue at the rate they have, I will be priced out of my apartment and forced to move farther away. Increased commute times would result in more of my weekday feeling like "wasted" time, and the increased automotive costs of fuel and maintenance would almost offset the lower rent, making my weekdays longer for very little if any financial benefit. There are also obvious negative environmental impacts as well as increased statistical risk of bodily harm from driving more every week. Owning a CLT home would help me avoid the unsustainable housing market situation, and my monthly payment would be going toward an asset that I would own and be able to resell (at an affordable price). I would love if I could stop putting an entire paycheck toward a lease lining the pockets of a private interest treating property as an asset to squeeze as much money out of as possible. Owning a CLT home would also give me financial stability, as my monthly mortgage payments would not be subject to unregulated increases like rent. This would empower me with financial confidence and stability to start a family and engage and contribute more within the Ann Arbor community.
My property taxes have increased dramatically in my 7+ years of home ownership in A2 so far (following 7+ years of renting here), and my modest income is not keeping pace, which places me under significant financial strain. As a single working mom employed on staff at U-M, I love living in Ann Arbor but am struggling to afford my current housing costs. Now that both sons are in college, they are generally home mostly just for summers and breaks, and I should be able to downsize. I was thinking I’d have to leave A2 and buy a home elsewhere with lower property taxes. Then I found out about CLT on Zillow. I’m interested in learning more and hopeful that a CLT home could present a possible solution for my situation. I would be overjoyed to be able to afford to stay near my employer for onsite events and to remain in a city which, and near friends whom, I have come to love dearly—a city that also happens to be my birthplace, as well as the home city where I raised my two sons.
I believe a CLT home would benefit Ann Arbor by encouraging new home-buyers live within their community. In addition, it will provide a low carbon footprint for those living close to their workplace.
I like that someone is doing something about the limited amount of good homes on market especially for those who qualify for a home im happy to work with other lenders not being the big corporations that want all your money and dont care about what home you get.
As a woman of color and a professional with young children, I currently live in Canton, where my children go to school. While I appreciate the stability we have, I work and attend the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and I’ve come to love this community. The opportunities it offers—whether in terms of professional growth, educational resources, or the sense of belonging—are what I aspire to provide for my children. However, the high cost of living in Ann Arbor makes it feel out of reach for my family. A Community Land Trust (CLT) home would make a world of difference in my life. It would allow me to bring my family closer to the work and educational opportunities I’ve worked so hard to attain. Living in Ann Arbor would mean I could be more engaged with my children’s education, take part in the vibrant community, and truly be present in the area where I work and learn. Right now, I face a difficult decision: continue commuting from Canton, which takes precious time away from my family, or stay in a place that is financially out of reach. A CLT home would offer me the stability of living in Ann Arbor, where I could build a life for my children—giving them access to better schools, community resources, and a more enriching environment to grow up in. This stability is critical not only for my children’s development but also for my own well-being as a working parent. I understand that some believe people like me can simply commute from other areas with more affordable housing, but this perspective overlooks the reality for families who are trying to balance work, education, and family life. Affordable housing is not just a place to live—it’s a foundation for success. For me, a CLT home would allow my family to thrive, be part of a community we love, and have the opportunity to build a future without sacrificing time, quality of life, or the connection to the community where I work. Decision-makers need to recognize that the need for affordable housing is not just about economic statistics. It’s about ensuring that families—especially those who are underrepresented—can stay in the places where they work, learn, and raise their children. A CLT home would provide a crucial opportunity for families like mine to put down roots in the community we cherish, contributing to its growth and diversity.