Communty Land Trust

 

« A Community Land Trusts definition : A community land trust is a private, non-profit corporation, created to acquire and hold land for the benefit of a community, and provide secure affordable access to land and housing for community residents. »

IN THE WORLD

The first DLC was created in 1969 in Albany, Georgia. It was a rural CLT born of the struggle for the rights of black people. Access to agricultural land and housing were denied to this population. Historically, the maintenance of collective ownership of land remains the main CLT creative engine. The first urban CLT was born in Burlingthon in 1984. Since the model is spreading across the world, both in cities than in the countryside.

CLTs offer a balanced approach to ownership : the nonprofit trust owns the land and leases it for a nominal fee to individuals who own the buildings on the land. As the home is truly their own, it provides the homeowners with the same permanence and security as a conventional buyer, and they can use the land in the same way as any other homeowner. In particular, Community land trusts attempt to meet the needs of residents least served by the prevailing land market.

Community land trusts help communities to :

  • Gain control over local land use and reduce absentee ownership
  • Provide affordable housing for lower income residents in the community
  • Promote resident ownership and control of housing
  • Keep housing affordable for future residents
  • Capture the value of public investment for long-term community benefit
  • Build a strong base for community action.

Source : National Community Land Trust in USA – cltnetwork.org

IN EUROPE

In Europe, CLT are also developing. England knows a great enthusiasm for this type of initiative that allows people to assert their right to housing, but also their right to land.

England : National CLT Network – www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk