Community land trusts

Definition

Community land trusts (CLTs) are nonprofit organizations that acquire and hold land for the benefit of a community, focusing on providing affordable housing and fostering local development. By separating the ownership of land from the ownership of buildings, CLTs ensure long-term affordability for residents while protecting against market pressures that can lead to displacement. This model promotes sustainable urban growth and enhances community control over land use and development decisions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Community land trusts aim to provide permanently affordable housing options by retaining ownership of the land while allowing individuals to own their homes.
2. CLTs empower local communities by involving residents in decision-making processes regarding land use and development, promoting civic engagement.
3. This model helps combat displacement by creating stable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families in areas at risk of gentrification.
4. Funding for CLTs often comes from a combination of public grants, private donations, and partnerships with local governments or housing authorities.
5. Community land trusts can also support community gardens, parks, and other public spaces, enhancing overall quality of life for residents.

Review Questions

• How do community land trusts function to promote affordable housing and prevent displacement in urban areas?
  • Community land trusts operate by acquiring land and holding it in trust for the benefit of the community. They create a model where the land remains owned by the trust while individuals can buy homes built on that land. This separation helps maintain affordability as homeowners only pay for the structure, not the increasingly expensive land underneath. By controlling the use of land and ensuring long-term affordability, CLTs effectively reduce the risk of displacement due to rising property values.
• Discuss the role of community involvement in the governance and success of community land trusts.
  • Community involvement is crucial in the governance of community land trusts as it ensures that the needs and desires of local residents are prioritized. Typically, CLTs have boards that include community members who make decisions about land use and development. This participatory approach fosters trust and accountability, leading to solutions that truly reflect community values. When residents are actively engaged, it enhances the overall success of CLTs by creating initiatives that resonate with those most affected.
• Evaluate how community land trusts can address broader issues of social equity and sustainability in urban planning.
  • Community land trusts address social equity by creating pathways for low- and moderate-income families to access affordable housing in rapidly changing neighborhoods. By preserving long-term affordability, they prevent displacement, allowing diverse populations to remain in their communities. Additionally, CLTs often promote sustainable practices through community-led projects such as urban agriculture or green spaces. This holistic approach not only stabilizes neighborhoods but also contributes to broader sustainability goals by fostering environmentally friendly practices while enhancing social cohesion among residents.

Related terms

affordable housing: Housing that is reasonably priced based on a household's income, ensuring that residents can afford to live in their communities without financial strain.

gentrification: The process of neighborhood change that results from an influx of more affluent residents, often displacing long-time residents and altering the character of the community.

land tenure: The legal rights and arrangements under which land is owned or used, impacting how land can be developed and utilized in communities.