Building Affordability With Community Land Trusts

Our League recently sponsored an educational seminar and community discussion focusing on the potential for Community Land Trusts (CLTs) in St. Petersburg. Dayna Lazarus, a technical expert with the Florida Housing Coalition, provided a comprehensive overview and surprising insights into how CLTs are being successfully implemented across Florida and the nation.

Recognized by the Florida Legislature as a preferred strategy for using public land on behalf of community residents, CLTs are governed by nonprofit boards, ensuring long-term stewardship and community oversight of land use. This structure places development decisions in the hands of residents, local businesses, and community leaders.

Land designated as a CLT remains in community ownership while being leased to private and nonprofit developers. These developers can build structures for a range of uses, including single-family homes, multifamily housing, and commercial spaces. Designed to preserve affordability over time, CLT ground leases are long-term, often exceeding 15 years. Importantly, CLTs also create pathways to homeownership, allowing residents to build equity when they sell, rather than remaining perpetual renters.

The opportunity is significant. The City of St. Petersburg owns approximately 80 acres at the Historic Gas Plant site – one of the largest public land assets available for redevelopment. A portion of this land could be dedicated to one or more CLTs, ensuring that future development delivers lasting affordability, community control, and shared economic benefit.

Your League’s Community Centered Development Action Team will work with other community leaders to advance this approach as part of St. Petersburg’s long-term development strategy. Thanks to our co-sponsor, Faith in Florida, and to the USFSP business school for hosting us. Click here to learn more about CLTs. Email us stay informed about our work on this topic.

Dayna Lazarus of the Florida Housing Coalition, Robin Davidov of the League of Women Voters of the St. Petersburg Area, and Jameka Anna Williams of Faith in Florida