What is a Community Land Trust (CLT)?
A Community Land Trust (CLT) is a community-led non-profit organization that acquires property on behalf of the community and holds it for the common good. It is a tool to ensure that the land remains permanently affordable. The CLT then creates housing options, either through limited-equity ownership or rentals, providing the community with secure and stable housing at affordable rates.
How does a CLT work?
A CLT acquires property through donation or purchase, and keeps it as a collectively-controlled community asset. The CLT model separates ownership of land from ownership of the buildings – such as homes and businesses – that sit on it. The CLT retains permanent ownership of the land, while offering affordable housing options through limited-equity ownership or affordable rental units. By moving land out of the speculative market, the CLT model ensures long-term affordability, supports neighborhood stability, and helps build community wealth.
A CLT is governed by a board made up of residents and community members with a diversity of economic status, viewpoints and experience. The board makes decisions in the best interest of the CLT and its larger community, guided by a group of advisors with relevant expertise.
What is The Cambridge Community Land Trust doing?
The Cambridge Community Land Trust (CLT) is currently in the process of incorporating as a non-profit organization with the goal of acquiring and holding property as a collectively owned, permanently affordable community asset. While the primary focus is affordable housing, the property may also be used for other community purposes, such as parks, gardens, and commercial spaces, based on the needs and input of the Cambridge community. The Cambridge CLT fosters community stability by helping those most at risk of displacement remain in their homes.
As we work towards formal incorporation, the Cambridge CLT is establishing processes for property acquisition, engaging with our Cambridge community, and building a strong network of collaborators. Many members of the Cambridge community have expressed interest in transferring their property to the CLT, and we are working to create pathways for this to happen once the organization is officially established.
What CLTs have we learned from?
Other Boston area CLTs have demonstrated the impact a CLT has on individuals and neighborhoods. The Cambridge CLT has been learnined from these CLTs through the Greater Boston Community Land Trust Network.
How does a CLT build intergenerational and community wealth?
CLTs build wealth for their residents in several ways:
- Having been able to buy property affordably, owners of residences can bequeath or sell them (on a limited-equity basis), which enables generational wealth-building.
- Renters, by paying affordable rent, can accrue savings or direct that money toward education, training, and other wealth-building strategies.
- All residents of a CLT share the benefit of housing security, which affects health and well-being (another form of wealth).
CLTs also build community wealth in the form of shared resources and the collective control of land. Participation in a CLT builds shared decision-making and leadership skills. And it offers members a place in the movement for a solidarity economy that puts basic needs before profit.
How can I be involved in the Cambridge CLT?
There are many ways to be involved in the Cambridge CLT such as volunteering time, spreading the word, holding a house party fundraiser, and donating property and funds.
Keep an eye on our webpage and Join Us to stay updated on the Cambridge CLT and join our movement to build and strengthen a community-based people-powered Cambridge!
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 Cambridge 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