Mission

 

The Greater Boston Community Land Trust Network supports current and emerging community land trusts (CLTs) for resident-led planning and long-term, collective control of land in and around Boston. We are committed to removing land from the speculative market and putting it into the hands of the community for use in permanently affordable housing, economic development, urban agriculture, and open space. We work to protect and strengthen diverse neighborhoods across our region that are undergoing or at risk of gentrification, to promote understanding of the CLT model, and to advocate for policies and programs that aid in the creation, maintenance and expansion of CLTs.

Our Story

As gentrification and displacement pressures continue to grow in the Boston area, many groups are advancing systemic, people-led solutions in their neighborhoods and across neighborhoods to uphold the right to remain. In Boston, DSNI established Dudley Neighbors, Inc. in 1988 during a period of devastating disinvestment. Now, more than thirty years later, it has become the premier example of an urban CLT, owning more than thirty acres of land with 227 units of affordable housing, an urban farm, a greenhouse, commercial buildings and parks. DSNI’s nationally recognized model has inspired many other CLT efforts, including in other Boston area neighborhoods and nearby cities. In 2015, with multiple partners in the housing- and land-justice movement, DSNI formed the Greater Boston Community Land Trust Network. At that time, there was just one CLT in Greater Boston, today there are seven, each with a unique history, focus and story. The Network continues to build momentum for both operational/technical skill-building and public education, organizing, advocacy and investment in this transformative model. See our member page.

GBCLTN activities

  • Monthly network meetings (third Thursday 1-3pm)

  • TOPA Coalition leadership and participation

  • Alternative Finance Working Group

  • Education Working Group

  • Solidarity Economy Initiative cohort member

  • Quarterly convenings or workshops for network members, residents, partners and the general public

We meet our mission by

  • Advocating for local and state policies that support the creation, expansion and stewardship of CLTs and community-controlled development on both public and private land. 

  • Leveraging public and private financing to support CLTs in property acquisition and site development for housing, commercial, agricultural and open space uses.

  • Demonstrating the range of uses for CLTs including anti-displacement, urban farming and other forms of economic development through our daily stewardship of CLT land.

  • Providing peer support and training around best practices among CLTs and emerging CLTs.

  • Creating and sharing a curriculum for popular education with resident members and boards to understand the CLT model and how it fits into existing housing advocacy and organizing.

For more information about the Greater Boston Community Land Trust Network or to join the network contact Minnie McMahon at Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, 617-442-9670 x8, gbcltn@dsni.org. 

GBCLTN is convened by Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative.