Community land trusts are gaining popularity as a tool for building and protecting affordable housing. Seattle residents are the latest to consider the option in the face of rapid gentrification and displacement.
"One of the more interesting developments in Seattle’s recent building boom has been the conversation among some residents of the Central District to attempt to organize in the face of displacement," reports Frank Chiachiere.
Chiachiere cites earlier coverage by Craig Hurd-Mckenney, who reported that a Public Development Authority or a land trust are "on the drawing board" as a possible tool for the community to use in mobilizing against displacement.
The article by Chiachiere goes on to describe land trusts for those who might not be aware of how they work, and he also interviews Erika Malone at Homestead, the largest land trust in Washington State. Chiachiere also notes the example of the community land trust that bought an the entire neighborhood of Dudley Street in Boston.
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