Reweaving the Tapestry of Tenure — a brand new publication from Terra Nostra Press
We're hiring an Education and Outreach Manager!
CLTs in the News
MacKenzie Scott's historic grants to US CLTs
Los Angeles' Chinatown Embraces Community Land Trusts
Exploring Community Land Trusts in Lahaina, Hawaii, Post-Fire
Rondo CLT Transforms St. Paul Landmark into Incubator Space for Black-Owned Businesses
This month, dive into the pages of Terra Nostra Press's latest publication, Reweaving the Tapestry of Tenure, exploring the CLT movement's evolution from eight of its elders who championed community ownership of land. Plus, exciting news: we're hiring! Join us as our Education and Outreach Manager. In addition to these two announcements, we're shining a spotlight on key articles about community land trusts that are making waves in headlines.
Please share widely with your networks and happy reading!
Reweaving the Tapestry of Tenure
A New Publication from Terra Nostra Press
The community land trust (CLT) movement, now comprising nearly 600 CLTs across multiple countries, owes its growth to pioneers like Shirley Sherrod, Mtamanika Youngblood, Kirby White, Susan Witt, Gus Newport, Stephen Hill, María Hernández Torrales, and Yves Cabannes. These influential figures, featured in recent interviews, share a common vision: transforming land ownership to promote equitable development.
This book, the second in our interview series, was crafted in collaboration with these elders, tracing their journey in championing CLTs as practical tools, converting land from a speculative commodity to a community asset for the common good. Check out "Reweaving the Tapestry of Tenure," a compelling exploration of the CLT movement's evolution and uncover their vision for equitable development, land reform, and the pivotal role of CLTs.
The Center for CLT Innovation is expanding our team to enhance our mission, and we need your CLT expertise to make it happen!
We are seeking to hire a full-time, remote Education and Outreach Manager. Duties in this role include organizing global webinars, facilitating knowledge-sharing, leading the CLT 2030 Just Transition Project, and curating materials on sustainable development. Applicants living inside or outside the US are encouraged to apply, but all applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
To apply, please submit a detailed letter of interest, a current resume, and one professional writing sample to the Center’s Coordinator, Greg Rosenberg, at greg@communitylandtrust.net.
MacKenzie Scott's Historic Contributions to Community Land Trusts
Billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has made significant contributions to affordable housing initiatives including a USD 5 million donation to the Houston Community Land Trust, USD 20 million to the San Francisco Community Land Trust, USD 10 million to the Homestead Community Land Trust in King County, Washington, and a historic USD 12 million to Grounded Solutions Network. Scott's contributions underscore her commitment to combating housing affordability crises and promoting equity and justice in housing initiatives nationwide. Learn more below >>
Los Angeles' Chinatown Embraces Community Land Trusts for Affordable Housing Solutions
In response to rising rents and gentrification in Los Angeles' Chinatown, community organizers are exploring the use of community land trusts (CLTs) to preserve affordable housing. CLTs, nonprofit organizations that remove land from the speculative market, ensure permanent affordability and empower residents in decision-making. Despite challenges such as awareness and funding, successful pilot projects have demonstrated CLTs' effectiveness in preventing displacement. The LA Chinatown Community Land Trust aims to raise awareness, establish a presence, and expand its impact, offering a promising solution to the neighborhood's housing crisis. Read more >>
Exploring Community Land Trusts in Lahaina, Hawaii, Post-Fire
In the aftermath of the Lahaina fire, community organizers are exploring the potential of community land trusts (CLTs) to maintain local ownership in Lahaina, Hawaii. CLTs separate land value from dwelling value, making housing more affordable, and are governed by the community through a nonprofit trust. While the model is gaining traction in the U.S., establishing a CLT involves complex legal and financial considerations. In Lahaina, the trust's success would depend on community engagement and addressing diverse rebuilding preferences among property owners. Despite challenges, proponents believe a CLT tailored to Lahaina's needs could provide a viable path forward in post-disaster reconstruction efforts. Read more >>
Rondo CLT Transforms St. Paul Landmark into Incubator Space for Black-Owned Businesses
Golden Thyme Coffee & Cafe, a beloved community landmark in St. Paul, Minnesota, has been acquired by the Rondo Community Land Trust. The cafe will be transformed into a Black-owned restaurant and food vendor incubator space called "Golden Thyme Presents." The land trust aims to preserve the cafe's cultural significance and provide a platform for Black entrepreneurs. The space will host short- and long-term leases, supporting businesses through pop-ups and future opportunities. Sammy McDowell’s Avenue Eatery will be one of the first occupants. The project aligns with the land trust's mission to restore Rondo's Black middle-class community, disrupted by the construction of Interstate 94. Learn more below >>
