How did the Smoketown Community Land Trust Start?

· Louisville Metro Government Issued RFP (request for proposal) for $2.1 million for CLT creation in Louisville, KY.

· River City Housing (RCH), Bates Community Development Corp. (BCDC), REBOUND inc., & Center for Neighborhoods (CFN) came together and submitted collectively to the RFP to ensure the funds were available IF the communities decided to create a CLT in their respective communities. 

· Metro awarded $2.1M to REBOUND as the lead developer with Bates CDC, RCH, and CFN as partners.

  · After the award to REBOUND – the CFN & BCDC begin community engagement efforts in Smoketown and Rusell.

· A Smoketown Community Forum was held at Bates Memorial, and was attended by BCDC, RCH, Bates memorial and community members.

· BCDC & RCH presented to Smoketown Originals and attended many community events.

· Those who came to the table, interested in learning more about the CLT model, took a trip to and visited the LexingtonCLT – The meeting was inspiring, local CLT support said Let’s Get to Work!

· In July, BCDC and RCH sought and hired shared Housing Specialist position for BCDC and RCH – to help facilitate the creation of  the SCLT within the Smoketown Community.

· SmoketownCLT Logo Contest Announced – many submissions! The winner was a student from Meyzeek Middle.

· December 2, 2023, the SmoketownCLT was launched at the Camp Edwards Community Center. The SCLT was given a proclamation from the Mayor, more than 100 partners and community citizens joined in the celebration! 

 · January 2024 – The SmoketownCLT Elected its Founding Board of Directors.

· The organization submitted its IRS 1023 and created our guiding policies & procedures and employee handbook with the guidance of the national Community & Technical Assistance Principle, Jason Webb of Grounded Solutions Network.

· Board and Staff attended trainings

· The SmoketownCLT attended 5 community events, and developed their website and social media

· The 1stcommunity survey was put out via social media. Data from the survey helped the Board of Directors to quantify the wants of the community – thus housing designs were submitted for approval to LMHA and subsiding funding for the project was secured.

· October 20204, the Board made an offer to hire its inaugural Executive Director.  

· January 2025 – Hired Inaugural Executive Director

· Community meetings: Shepperd Square Neighborhood Assoc., Housing Fair, SPROUT Meetings, Visioning Finzer Survey and first CLT101 Information Session.

What’s Next for the SmoketownCLT in 2025:

· Hancock Development Ceremonial Groundbreaking – July 19th 

· Visioning Finzer Talks – July 19th after the ceremonial groundbreaking

· Two additional CLT 101 Information Sessions & Canvasing – Aug. 16 & Sept. 20

· Smoketown Homebuyers Cohort Kick-Off – September 

· Community meetings! Find us in Smoketown at all the local community tabling and resource events.