In recent years, the conversation around real estate has increasingly highlighted the need for equity and justice, especially in the realm of homeownership. One model gaining significant attention for its potential to address these issues is the Community Land Trust (CLT) Model. In addition to this being a model, it is also a movement which has transformed generations of people. It not only transforms the dynamics of property ownership but also offers a powerful tool for community empowerment and economic stability.
What is a Community Land Trust?
A Community Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that acquires and holds land for the benefit of the community. Unlike traditional land ownership, where the land and buildings are owned together, CLTs separate the ownership of the land from the ownership of the buildings on it. This separation allows CLTs to ensure that land remains affordable and accessible to low- and moderate-income families, protecting them from the volatility of the housing market.
Historical Context: Land as Power
The concept of land holding power—both economic and political—is deeply rooted in history. The recent discussion on ABC Realty Twin Cities sheds light on this, tracing the origins of the land trust movement back to the struggles of sharecroppers in the early 20th century. Displaced from their land, these individuals sought to reclaim control and rights over their homes and futures. The Sherard’s developed models that provided communities with the means to control land and own their economic and political power.
The Community Land Trust Movement in Action
As highlighted on with Minnesota’s Rondo Community Land Trust, the CLT model is designed to foster both stability and empowerment within communities. The Rondo CLT’s mission brings to light the importance of this model: To acquire, develop, and steward land for the long-term benefit of our community. We strive to create and maintain a just and equitable community where everyone has access to affordable housing and the opportunity to thrive.
Here’s how Community Land Trusts achieve their goals:
1. Affordability and Accessibility: By decoupling land ownership from property ownership, CLTs keep housing affordable. This approach prevents price spikes and ensures that homes remain within reach for those who need them most.
2. Community Control and Governance: CLTs are governed by the community members themselves. This participatory model empowers residents to make decisions about land use and development, fostering a strong sense of ownership and responsibility.
3. Long-Term Stability: The CLT model offers resilience against market unpredictability. By holding land in trust, CLTs protect communities from displacement and ensure that neighborhoods remain vibrant over time.
4. Economic Opportunity: CLTs can stimulate local economic development by leveraging land for community-centric projects. This includes creating space for local businesses, schools, and other services that enhance quality of life.
Discover More: Recent Podcast on Community Land Trusts
To delve deeper into the impact and potential of Community Land Trusts, we encourage you to listen to our most recent podcast episode. In this engaging discussion, Mikeya Griffen, Executive Director of the Rondo Community Land Trust, and Damon Mason, Executive Director of Housing and Community Engagement, share their insights and experiences. Their expertise sheds light on how CLTs are transforming communities and addressing housing inequities.
Join Us at the Rondo Community Land Trust’s First Annual Gala!
To support and celebrate the impact of Community Land Trusts, join in at the Rondo Community Land Trust’s First Annual Gala this November. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about CLTs, connect with community leaders, and contribute to a cause that promotes equity and justice in housing. For more details and to get your tickets, visit Rondo CLT Gala.
Connect with Us
For more information about Community Land Trusts and how they can benefit your community, or to explore opportunities to get involved, visit the ABC Realty Twin Cities website or reach out to the Rondo Community Land Trust.
A special thank you to our guest speakers, Mikeya Griffen and Damon Mason, for their invaluable contributions and thought-provoking perspectives. Their work is instrumental in advancing the mission of equity and justice in housing.
Together, let’s pave the way for a future where land ownership is a powerful tool for community well-being and justice.
