Community Land Trusts as a Mechanism for Community Control

In recent years, community land trusts (CLTs) have emerged as a powerful mechanism for communities to gain control over their land and housing. In this chapter, we will explore the concept of community land trusts, their purpose, and how they function as a means of community control. By understanding the principles and benefits of CLTs, we can appreciate their potential in fostering affordable housing, preserve community assets, and promoting long-term community stability. Section 1: What are Community Land Trusts? A community land trust is a nonprofit organization that acquires and holds land for the benefit of a specific community. The primary goal of a CLT is to ensure long-term affordability and community control over land and housing. CLTs typically separate the ownership of land from the ownership of buildings or housing units, allowing the community to collectively manage and govern the land while providing affordable housing options to residents. Section 2: The Purpose of Communi…