Sticking Together: Community-Controlled Housing in New York City

Abstract

In New York City, ever-increasing housing costs and threats of displacement have led to a renewed interest in community-controlled housing—housing where community members are involved in the structuring, ownership, and regulation of their homes in order to control speculation and ensure permanent affordability. While this housing model is not new to New York, its recent resurgence calls for an understanding of its position within the city’s current housing ecosystem. This thesis investigates two types of community control—limited equity cooperatives and community land trusts—to understand what challenges and opportunities exist in initiating, sustaining, and growing this housing type. I find that, given market conditions in New York, a substantial amount of local government support is necessary for communities to gain control over their land and property. By understanding the current state of community-controlled housing, planners and policymakers can better serve city residents and support the growth of affordable housing.