The Ralph and Goldy Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies

Los Angeles County is in the midst of a housing crisis. The Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Action identified community land trusts as one method to address the need for affordable housing for low- and moderate- income residents. This research examined current community land trust feasibility in Los Angeles County in consideration of the existing affordable housing funding and housing market environment. The research finds that community land trusts face significant funding gaps when trying to build or acquire housing for low- and moderate-income households. The one feasible option for community land trusts is new construction of large apartment buildings adjacent to transit, which qualifies the project for additional state funding. The research points to the need for additional funding directed towards CLTs for new construction projects and the creation of a pool of funding for CLTs to acquire existing housing in Los Angeles County.