What is a Community Land Trust?
Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are community-led organizations that steer property out of the market and hold the land as a collectively owned asset. CLT uses include affordable housing, urban and rural farms, public spaces, businesses and more!
How does it work?
Homeowners can sell or bequeath their buildings to the CLT, or the CLT can buy property and develop it. The CLT retains ownership of the land, and the residences can be purchased or rented. Owners are members of the CLT, as are Cambridge community members and organizations, to ensure that decisions about CLT properties always reflect the best interests of the CLT and its Cambridge community.
Are there already community land trusts in the Boston area?
There are currently 7 CLTs in the Greater Boston area, and Cambridge is joining the expanding network!
What is Happening in Cambridge?
The Cambridge CLT came out of a working group of the Cambridge Housing Justice Coalition (CHJC). CHJC is made up of community members and representatives from various local nonprofits and advocacy organizations who believe that housing is a human right and advocate for affordable housing for people over profit.
The Cambridge CLT will turn this collectively-owned property into permanently affordable housing and other uses such as community spaces, open space and gardens, as determined by the Cambridge community. As a community-led organization, the Cambridge CLT needs your input and involvement!
How Can I Be Involved?
Let’s build and strengthen a community-powered Cambridge! There are many ways to be involved such as volunteering time, spreading the word, holding a house party fundraiser, and donating property and funds.
Keep an eye on our webpage and fill out this form to stay updated on the Cambridge CLT and join our movement!
How do I Make a Financial Donation?
You can make a donation by check or credit card. Your donation helps us grow by contributing to our operating costs and any amount helps. All donations are tax exempt.
How Do I Donate or Sell Property to the CLT?
If you are interested in learning about your option to transfer your property into the community land trust, please connect with us here or write to us at info@cambridgecommunitylandtrust.org