Starting a Community Land Trust in Tucson

The purpose of this report was to conduct research on shared equity models; particularly community land trusts so that the City of Tucson, Arizona could have guidance on how to initiate development of a community land trust. In addition to exploring shared equity models, the report looks at methods of marketing and funding community land trusts. Another section constructed from original research looks at four community land trusts located in cities with comparable population levels, poverty rates, and housing costs. These community land trusts included the Colorado Community Land Trust located in Denver, Colorado; the Portland Community Land Trust located in Portland, Oregon; Sawmill Community Land Trust located in Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Sabin Community Development Corporation located in Portland, Oregon. These community land trusts were surveyed to provide information on how well cities of similar demographic makeup have faired using the community land trust model. A further section provides information on the necessary steps for incorporating a community land trust as a nonprofit in the State of Arizona. An appendix contains information on developing articles of incorporation and bylaws for a community land trust.