City leaders in Clarksville are considering a new strategy to tackle the growing shortage of affordable housing. They plan to establish a land bank that would take underused, abandoned, or tax-delinquent properties and convert them into affordable homes. This tool is seen as a way to make better use of neglected land and support housing development for households in need.

The proposal comes in response to rising land prices, which city officials say have become one of the major obstacles in delivering housing that families can afford. By repurposing properties that are otherwise being wasted or left to deteriorate, the land bank model could help expand housing options while minimizing additional costs associated with new construction.

If Clarksville moves forward with this plan, it would need approval from the Tennessee General Assembly before the land bank could be formally created. The next step is a review by the Legislative Liaison Committee, which is scheduled to take place at City Hall on Wednesday at 5 pm. 

This initiative aligns with recent findings highlighting a severe housing supply gap in Clarksville. Studies indicate that the city needs more than 15,000 new housing units by 2029 including both affordable rental and for-sale homes to meet the demand of its rapidly growing population. Many existing affordable units are fully occupied with lengthy waitlists, indicating that new housing solutions are urgently needed.