Community Land Trusts: Developing a Theory of Change

I researched the Durham Community Land Trust’s theory of change in order to develop my own theory of change. Land is, and has always been, a significant source of economic, social, and political power. In the past four decades, the Durham Community Land Trust has become on of the most significant affordable housing organizations in the city, holding over 300 properties in seven neighborhoods. However, amidst this expansive growth, I wanted to understand how the organization balanced the need to generate revenue streams and address the dire need for affordable housing with the other core goals of the community land trust model— building community control of resources, developing leaders, and empowering residents. I concluded that for DCLT to reach its full potential of a community-building and stabilizing organization, I believe it needs to devote considerable effort to community organizing, or it risks devolving into a tactical model for affordable housing.