resurgent citIES: New York city
The community land trust (CLT) model was pioneered by black farmers in the South of the United States of America in the late 1960s. It spread across the country as communities realized its potential for preserving access to land over many generations. Since then, about 225 community land trusts have been established across the country and many more abroad.
At the heart of any CLT is the stewardship of land for community benefit and permanent affordability. The affordability is achieved by separating the ownership of land from the ownership of the properties built on it. CLTs hold title to one or multiple parcels of land, either concentrated in one area or scattered across a specific geographical region, ensuring that the land is permanently removed from the speculative market. Through long-term ground lease contracts between building owners and the trust, CLTs provide stability and affordability. These contracts often include caps on resale prices, limiting the profit that can be made in the open market and ensuring long-term affordability.
Over the last two decades, in response to the ongoing housing crisis, the CLT movement has gained ground in New York City and other large urban areas. Recognizing the urgent need for alternative housing solutions, Urban Front has partnered with the Shape of Cities to Come Institute to launch a platform aimed at bringing together emerging groups, organizations, and movements promoting community land trusts and other non-speculative housing models across cities in Latin America.
By fostering this network, the project aspires to amplify the impact of CLTs and address the unique challenges faced by Latin American cities. This involves envisioning solutions to fit diverse urban contexts and communities and contribute to more equitable urban development. The initiative seeks to create a collaborative environment where shared experiences can inform and strengthen the implementation of CLTs and similar models throughout the region.