2009 National Community Land Trust Network Annual Conference

Over 150 representatives of CLTs from across the country converged on Athens for the National Community Land Trust Network's 2009 annual conference, "Growing Sustainably: From the Roots Up." ALT was the local host for the conference, which took place from Oct. 27-30 at the Foundry Park Inn. Participants attended workshops, trainings, tours, and other events.  A highlight was the keynote address by Shirley Sherrod, the new U.S. Department of Agriculture Director of Rural Development for Georgia. Shirley recounted her experiences with helping to create the first community land trust in the U.S., located on 6,000 acres of land in Southwest Georgia, in the 1960s. ALT Board and staff members served on panels and helped lead workshops on incorporating green building techniques into CLT projects; building successful partnerships between CLTs and local Habitat affiliates; land use; and conservation and CLTs. ALT also hosted a reception for conference goers at the Lyndon House, featuring a wonderful Southern-style buffet by Epting Events, music by Kyle Dawkins, and an aerial dance performance by Canopy Studios.

The National Community Land Trust Network provides training, public policy support and resources for the 200 community land trusts throughout the country. ALT staff will co-lead several workshops on addressing land conservation and affordable housing in land use and development decisions.

Below are some scenes from the conference.