Community land trust

Definition

A community land trust (CLT) is a nonprofit organization that acquires and holds land for the benefit of a community, ensuring long-term housing affordability and stability. CLTs aim to combat the effects of gentrification by separating the ownership of land from the ownership of buildings, allowing for more affordable housing options while preserving community control and preventing displacement of low-income residents.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Community land trusts operate by acquiring land and placing it in a trust, which is then managed by a board made up of community members, ensuring local involvement in decision-making.
2. The homes built on CLT land are sold at prices affordable to low-income buyers, with resale restrictions to maintain affordability for future generations.
3. CLTs can help preserve the cultural and social fabric of neighborhoods facing rapid gentrification by preventing displacement of long-time residents.
4. The concept of community land trusts originated in the United States during the civil rights movement, as a means to provide equitable access to land and housing for marginalized communities.
5. CLTs can also include community gardens, parks, and other public spaces, promoting community engagement and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Review Questions

• How do community land trusts function as a strategy to combat gentrification?
  • Community land trusts function as a strategy against gentrification by acquiring land and managing it for the benefit of the community rather than for profit. This model allows CLTs to create affordable housing that remains accessible even as surrounding property values rise. By separating the ownership of land from that of housing, CLTs help ensure long-term affordability and prevent the displacement of low-income residents, promoting stability in neighborhoods undergoing gentrification.
• Discuss the role of community participation in the governance of community land trusts and its importance.
  • Community participation is crucial in the governance of community land trusts because it empowers residents to have a say in decisions that affect their living environment. CLTs are typically managed by a board that includes community members, ensuring that local voices are heard in matters such as land use and housing development. This participatory approach fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among residents, strengthening community bonds and enhancing trust in local governance.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of community land trusts in promoting sustainable urban development amid rising housing costs and displacement issues.
  • Community land trusts have proven effective in promoting sustainable urban development by creating affordable housing solutions that resist market pressures from rising housing costs. By maintaining ownership of the land, CLTs can implement policies that prioritize long-term community needs over short-term profit motives. This model not only helps prevent displacement but also encourages responsible development that aligns with community values. Furthermore, CLTs contribute to greater social equity by providing access to homeownership for low-income families, ultimately fostering diverse and resilient neighborhoods.

Related terms

Gentrification: The process where urban neighborhoods undergo transformation as wealthier residents move in, often leading to increased property values and displacement of existing lower-income residents.

Affordable Housing: Housing that is reasonably priced and accessible to individuals or families with low to moderate incomes, ensuring they do not spend an excessive portion of their income on housing costs.

Community Empowerment: The process of enabling individuals and groups to take control over their lives, enhance their decision-making skills, and participate in the governance of their communities.