It’s no secret that the Bay Area has affordable housing challenges. One interesting model for addressing this is a Community Land Trust (CLT). A CLT is a nonprofit organization that manages land and offers housing for the benefit of a community, enabling it to become stronger and more equitable. (See some examples of CLTs in the East Bay below.)
What Exactly is a CLT?
Land Ownership:
- CLT owns the land. The CLT acts as a long-term steward of the land, ensuring it stays permanently within the community's control.
- Individuals own the homes. While individuals purchase the homes on the land, they lease the land from the CLT. This separation of land ownership and homeownership makes housing more affordable.
Affordability:
- Homes are sold below market rate. CLTs prioritize affordability by selling homes at fixed or income-based prices, keeping them accessible to low and moderate-income households.
- Resale restrictions. CLTs often have resale restrictions to prevent homes from being sold back on the open market at inflated prices. This protects long-term affordability.
Community Involvement:
- Community-driven. CLTs are typically governed by a board of directors consisting of community members, making sure the organization's decisions reflect the needs and priorities of the residents.
- Promoting community development. CLTs may also go beyond housing, managing community gardens, parks, civic buildings, or commercial spaces to revitalize neighborhoods and foster a sense of community.
The CLT movement is international. In keeping with the East Bay’s forward-thinking traditions, local CLTs offer a unique model for addressing affordability, building stronger, more equitable communities while fostering community control over local assets.
Here are a examples on CLTs in the East Bay:
-
Northern California Land Trust (NCLT) in Berkeley focuses on providing affordable housing and community facilities for low and moderate-income residents. NCLT operates properties throughout the East Bay and has been operating for over 40 years.
-
Oakland Community Land Trust (OakCLT) is a nonprofit organization that stewards land, housing, and other community-serving real estate in Oakland for the benefit of low-income residents. They offer a variety of programs, including homeownership opportunities, rentals, and community gardens.
-
Richmond Land is anchored by women of color and recognizes that BIPOC households carry histories of land theft and dispossession. Through land acquisition and development, they focus on creating healthy and thriving neighborhoods across Richmond and Contra Contra Costa County. Residents have secure housing and economic stability, where community-based organizations and small businesses can thrive.
Always dynamic, the East Bay is continuously working to adapt to evolving challenges and opportunities. Community land trusts are a beautiful and welcome example of this. Want to know more? Reach out.
