Community Land Trusts have evolved over the last forty years, predominantly in the USA and the UK. There are many different types, however they generally have the following key features.

1. They are charitable trusts, or not for profit legal entities, with a Deed of Trust and a Purpose Statement to direct the Trusteees in protecting community values, and promoting community development within a defined area, district or region.
2. Sections of land and/or resources owned by the Trust are leased to individuals or groups for their exclusive use. These leases, and their conditions, protect the rights of the tenants for privacy and security, and protect the rights of the Trust in maintaining community values. Leases for house titles are frequently up to 99years, leases for land uses or businesses would usually be shorter.
3. The conditions under which leases can be sold are set within the 'ground' conditions of the lease. These preserve the affordability of the housing or resource use, and prevent market driven appreciation of values. These measures have the advantages of :
   • encouraging easier entry into trust properties for young people and those on low incomes;
   • encouraging capital investment in productive purposes rather than speculation;
   • encouraging a strong community economy
4. The governance of the Trust is performed by a board of Directors, who are chosen by a defined 'community'. This can vary depending on the nature of the Trust. Some will be exclusively representatives of tenants, others may include representatives of the wider community.
5. The trustees of the Community Land Trussing available funds to invest in development which furthers the goals of the community according to the Trust Deed and constitution.t are responsible for u

There are many examples around the world, with many different contexts and purposes.  Here are a few links for your information:

The Wye Community Land Trust
Cold Pond Community Land Trust
The National Community Land Trust Network
The Community Land Trust Model
E.F. Schumacher Society Link
Building a Sustainable Island Community
Land In Common
School Of Living

In addition Kay Baxter and Bob Corker, both as individuals, and as directors of the Koanga Institute are planning on setting up rural Community Land Trust, probably in the South Island area, in the near future.  (this will be the new home base for the Institute)

For more information on this, link to New Community Land Trust