Critical Conversations - Development Tract

Food for thought: Money talks, and ownership is key.



Organizing is effective in communities with strong efficacy, as they are less likely to be displaced at the rate of communities that don’t have it. However, efficacy alone is not enough.

The best strategy to resist gentrification is to be connected to your neighbors. Have tenant associations, Black associations, neighborhood associations, and community development corporations. Actively participate and continuously advocate for what you need. Leverage social media.

Have as many strategic partners in multiple areas as possible. One of the reasons community land trusts are successful is because they can leverage policy. A community land trust requires a board of directors split into three parts:

1. People from that local community
2. Stakeholders or allies from adjacent communities
3. Strategic partners — your economists, lawyers, business development professionals, policymakers, etc.

All of these people are on the same team, which is why they can mitigate issues that arise.

You have to think about the power of economics. We cannot forget that we live in a capitalist society. Money speaks louder than your words most of the time. Establish the A-team and make sure you pool your money together and protect yourself through models like real estate investment trusts (REITs) or other entities that provide ownership and protection.