MISSOULA, MT — After nearly three decades of revitalizing neighborhoods and fostering affordable housing, a Missoula-based organization has rebranded to reflect its expanding mission. The North Missoula Community Development Corporation, founded in 1996, announced on Monday that it would now operate under the name Front Step Community Land Trust (Front Step CLT).
The rebrand comes as the organization continues to evolve and address the growing housing challenges faced by Missoula residents. According to Brittany Palmer, the organization’s executive director, the new name aligns with the next phase of their work, which aims to increase affordable housing options and address the risks posed by gentrification.
“Our new name, Front Step CLT, reflects the same deep commitment to community that has guided our work for nearly three decades, but with a renewed vision for a growing Missoula,” Palmer said.
The organization’s original mission focused on revitalizing the North and Westside neighborhoods, two of the city’s lowest-income areas at the time. Over the years, Missoula has grown rapidly, and housing costs have soared, presenting challenges for many families. In response to this, Front Step CLT has worked to create community land trusts — an innovative model where the trust owns the land and residents own the housing. This approach helps eliminate the cost of land from the price of the home, making housing more affordable.
One of the organization’s key projects includes the community land trust on Front Street, where seven affordable townhomes were built on a historic property in 2017. More recently, Front Step CLT partnered with the city and Ravara to develop a three-acre community land trust off Scott Street. The project, which will include 45 income-restricted condominiums, reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to preserving affordability in a rapidly changing market.
“As we continue to expand our service area to serve more Missoulians, we remain committed to building community power, thriving neighborhoods, and affordable homes,” Palmer added. “Our new visual identity celebrates the creativity, collaboration, and determination we bring to solving the housing crisis.”
The rebranding marks a significant step for Front Step CLT as it positions itself for continued growth and impact. As the city of Missoula faces rising housing costs and the threat of gentrification, the organization remains dedicated to ensuring that all residents have access to affordable and stable housing. Through its innovative land trust model and ongoing partnerships, Front Step CLT is working to create lasting change in Missoula’s housing landscape.
