I have just learned about the possibility of creating a different kind of legal structure which includes a Private Membership Association and a special kind of faith-based non-profit. I am exploring these options because there is less control by the government. However, since I have done research on Community Land Trusts for the past 50 years and they seem to be working, I will present this option for now and share more options later as I learn more.

When I heard about the legal term, “Community Land Trust” or CLT, I was immediately drawn to the concept which you can read about below. In this legal structure, people can have “holdings” which is like having private property yet in a homeowner’s association where there are rules that protect the land, animals, people and all of life in the CLT. Boundaries are so important because people need to know that if they pour their energy into their little plot of land, they will receive the fruit of their labor. I used to believe that holding all things in common was the most Christian way of living. After diving deep into research and having experiences as well, I discovered that this way of living was not conducive to people blossoming and growing in the way that is best for the individuals. I will at some point write about my experience with dealing with the Bruderhof and learning about many people who left this community which has as one of its main tenets that they do not own anything.

I hope you will read this description and educate yourself about this way of stewarding land which has worked very well in both rural and urban environments. I have not yet been able to get a CLT put into place for various reasons, but it is definitely a high priority.

Here is a great website where you can learn all about Community Land Trusts. The history is fascinating. https://www.cltweb.org/resources/clt-timeline/ Changing the way we view private ownership may be of the most important things we can do to make a world where all of life can thrive. Let me reassure you–this has nothing to do with communism or socialism! So first, please read why this value is conservative based on AI’s research:

Community Land Trusts and Conservatism

Based on the provided search results, here are some points that suggest community land trusts (CLTs) align with conservative values:

1. Free market skepticism: CLTs intervene in the market by removing land from speculation, which can be seen as a conservative critique of government intervention in the economy. By stabilizing land prices and preventing displacement, CLTs promote a more predictable and stable market environment, which aligns with conservative concerns about market distortions.
2. Property rights: CLTs prioritize the rights of existing property owners and residents, ensuring that they have a say in the use of land and can benefit from its appreciation. This emphasis on property rights resonates with conservative values, which often prioritize individual property ownership and the protection of private property.
3. Local control: CLTs are community-based organizations, allowing local residents to have a direct say in the management and development of their neighborhoods. This decentralized approach to land management aligns with conservative principles of limited government and local autonomy.
4. Conservation of existing neighborhoods: CLTs focus on preserving and revitalizing existing neighborhoods, rather than promoting large-scale redevelopment or gentrification. This approach aligns with conservative concerns about preserving community character and preventing the erosion of traditional neighborhoods.
5. Fiscal responsibility: CLTs often rely on community-based funding models, reducing dependence on government grants and subsidies. This emphasis on fiscal responsibility and self-sufficiency is consistent with conservative values.
6. Protection of low- and moderate-income households: CLTs prioritize affordable housing and community stability, which benefits low- and moderate-income households. Conservatives often prioritize economic mobility and the protection of vulnerable populations, making CLTs’ focus on affordable housing a compatible goal.
7. Innovation and experimentation: CLTs have evolved as a response to market failures and community needs. Conservatives often value innovation and experimentation in addressing social and economic challenges, making CLTs’ adaptability and community-driven approach appealing.

It’s essential to note that these points do not imply that CLTs are exclusively conservative or that all conservatives support CLTs. Rather, they highlight areas of alignment between CLTs’ principles and conservative values, particularly in regards to market skepticism, property rights, local control, and fiscal responsibility.

AI generated most of what is written below. However, I made some changes

Based on the provided search results, here are some key benefits of rural community land trusts (CLTs) that contribute to making them an attractive option for living:

1. Affordable Housing: CLTs separate the ownership of land from the ownership of homes, allowing for more affordable housing options. This reduces the size of mortgages and monthly payments, making it more accessible to low- and moderate-income families.
2. Permanent Affordability: CLTs ensure that homes remain permanently affordable, as the land is held in trust and leased to homeowners. This means that homes cannot be sold to speculative investors or converted to market-rate rentals, preserving the community’s affordability.
3. Community Control: CLTs are governed by a board of residents, community members, and public representatives, ensuring that decision-making power remains with the community. This fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among residents.
4. Sustainable Development: CLTs promote sustainable community development by focusing on long-term, community-led initiatives. This approach helps to preserve rural character, protect natural resources, and support local businesses.
5. Resistance to Gentrification: By limiting sales to low- and moderate-income families and restricting resale prices, CLTs help prevent gentrification and displacement of long-time residents.
6. Wealth Building: CLTs allow homeowners to build equity in their homes, while also retaining the land as a community asset. This can help families accumulate wealth over time and create a sense of security.
7. Preservation of Rural Land: CLTs can protect rural land from development and preserve natural habitats, agricultural land, and scenic areas.
8. Community Engagement: CLTs often involve community members in decision-making processes, fostering a sense of community and social cohesion.
9. Inclusive and Equitable: CLTs prioritize inclusivity and equity by targeting low- and moderate-income families and providing affordable housing options.
10. Long-Term Commitment: CLTs are designed to operate in perpetuity, ensuring that the community’s affordable housing and land-use goals are protected for generations to come.

While no single approach is perfect, rural community land trusts offer a unique combination of affordability, community control, sustainability, and equity, making them an attractive option for those seeking a more inclusive and resilient rural living experience.

A Community Land Trust (CLT) is a nonprofit organization that holds land for the benefit of a community, rather than individual owners. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

Key Components:

1. Land Acquisition: The CLT purchases a parcel of land, typically from a private seller or through government programs.
2. Land Lease: The CLT leases the land to homeowners or renters for a designated period, usually 99 years.
3. Homeownership: Homebuyers purchase the house or building on the leased land from the CLT or a third-party seller, but the CLT retains ownership of the land.
4. Affordability: The CLT ensures that the land lease and resale formula are designed to maintain affordability for future homeowners, preventing gentrification and preserving community character.

How It Works:

1. Initial Purchase: The CLT acquires the land and people can build on it.
2. Homebuyer Selection: The CLT selects a qualified homebuyer,
3. Land Lease: The CLT leases the land to the homebuyer for a fixed term (e.g., 99 years).
4. Homeownership: The homebuyer purchases the house or building from the CLT or a third-party seller, but the CLT retains ownership of the land. In the case of Wilberforce Village, people will initially be building their own home.
5. Resale Formula: The CLT establishes a resale formula to ensure that the home remains affordable for future buyers. This formula typically limits the sale price to a percentage of the original purchase price, preventing rapid appreciation and ensuring that the home remains affordable.
6. CLT Oversight: The CLT monitors the property and ensures that the home is well-maintained and complies with community standards. Keep in mind that this is not like a home owners association where the home owners have no say in the rules or changes in the rules. The rules are like healthy boundaries in a relationship that create the space for healthy relationships between the land and people. People know what to expect when they lease the land, and any changes in the CC and R’s require input from residents. See an explanation of CC and R’s below.
7. Recapture: If the homeowner defaults on the mortgage or sells the property, the CLT has the right to recapture the land and re-sell it to another qualified buyer, maintaining the affordability and community character.

CC and R Meaning

Based on the provided search results, a CC&R (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions) is a legal document that outlines the rules and regulations governing a community, typically a homeowners’ association (HOA) or condominium association (COA). It is a binding contract between the association and property owners, detailing what can and cannot be done with respect to property use, maintenance, and appearance.

This all sounds very official and many people do not like having restrictions. However, as vegans, we have many specific needs. Also, living in a village, having rules about pets, noise, how many trees are cut down, are necessary in order for us to live harmoniously. You can look at these CC and R’s as being like a river that needs the banks in order for the river to flow.

Here are some key points about CC&Rs:

1. Covenants: These are rules that govern the use of property, such as restrictions on exterior modifications, noise levels, or pet ownership.
2. Conditions: These are requirements or standards that must be met, such as maintaining a certain level of property maintenance or adhering to architectural guidelines.
3. Restrictions: These are limitations on specific activities or uses, such as prohibiting commercial activities or limiting the number of occupants.

CC&Rs are designed to:

• Maintain property values by ensuring consistent standards of appearance and maintenance
• Promote a sense of community by establishing common rules and expectations
• Provide a framework for resolving disputes and enforcing compliance

In essence, CC&Rs serve as a “Bill of Rights” for homeowners, outlining their responsibilities and obligations within the community. Violations of CC&Rs can result in penalties, fines, or even foreclosure.

It’s essential for homeowners to review and understand the CC&Rs before purchasing a property, as they can significantly impact daily life and property ownership.