As a resident in a rapidly gentrifying city, I see every day the deleterious effect of displacement on my community. Our neighborhoods are changing, and not for the better, as families, elders, and long-time residents are being forced out of their homes due to skyrocketing rents and cost of living. 

We need a robust, enduring solution, and that comes in the form of Community Land Trusts (CLTs). CLTs are non-profit organizations that hold land in trust for the benefit of the community, often providing affordable housing which can combat the forces of gentrification. In the United States, there are currently over 200 CLTs providing over 15,000 units of affordable housing (Source: Grounded Solutions Network).

Gentrification is needed to keep cities from becoming stagnant. However, displacement is unnecessary as communities can invest in CLTs, (a community land trust.) Typically a CLT looks like this:

 Someone buys a house on land owned by the community land trust.
The cost is lower because they're buying the house, not the land it sits on.
The land is leased from the CLT in a long-term, renewable lease.
The owner agrees that they will only sell the house for a certain amount so it stays the same price, (however, renovations may increase the house's price.)

We therefore urge the government to prioritize investment in CLTs over subsidizing rent. Subsidized rent often benefits landlords more than the residents, and doesn't put our communities at the center. We need lasting wealth and stability in our neighborhoods, and CLTs can provide that. They already have in places like Burlington, Vermont, where their CLT has created a sustainable model for affordable, community-owned housing.

Help us drive a change in housing policy that uplifts and supports marginalized communities in gentrifying cities and gives us all a real chance at living affordably in the communities we love and contribute to every day. Sign our petition to make CLTs mandatory in gentrifying cities and shift governmental focus from subsidizing rent to investing in our communities through CLTs.