Richmond LAND is Contra Costa’s First Community Land Trust

Why we adopted the community land trust model

Community Land Trusts (CLTs) have over 50 years of legacy in building community-rooted housing and development. CLTs align with our values: deep democracy, mutual benefit, and collective ownership.

Instead of treating land as a commodity, CLTs treat it as a commons — centering long-term community health, wealth, and well-being.

We’re part of a growing national movement that includes visionary CLTs like New Communities Inc., the civil rights-era origin of this model.

Photo Credit to NYC Community Land Trust Initiative

Photo Credit to NYC Community Land Trust Initiative

HOW COMMUNITY LAND TRUST WORK? Learn more about ground lease from Indianapolis Community Land Trust: https://youtu.be/MnSj-zH0glk?si=_2jiJzGO8NFQxm3d

How the Model Supports Collaboration

In a CLT, the land is held in trust, while buildings and improvements can be owned by residents, nonprofits, small businesses, or co-ops.

This structure creates opportunities for shared ownership, long-term affordability, and intentional use — shaped by community priorities.

It’s a tool to move from extraction to collective impact.

Credit: Communities Over Commodities: People Driven Alternatives to an Unjust Housing System, A Report by Homes For All Campaign of Right To The City Alliance, March 2018

Credit: Communities Over Commodities: People Driven Alternatives to an Unjust Housing System, A Report by Homes For All Campaign of Right To The City Alliance, March 2018