Public Representative
ABOUT US
Vision
Low-income residents of South Los Angeles neighborhoods have power to shape the development of housing, recreation and open space in a manner that promotes economic vitality and healthy environments.
Mission
T.R.U.S.T. South LA works with low-income community residents to transform the built environment and social conditions in South Los Angeles by: serving as a steward for community-controlled land; being a catalyst for values-driven, community-serving development; building awareness and community leadership in issues of housing, transportation and recreation; and creating programs and initiatives that encourage community building and economic opportunity.
“TRUST South LA is my extended family. I came here to know more about my community in South Central and to make a difference.”
– Araceli, Leadership Committee and TRUST Riderz member
Public Representative
Public Representative
Public Representative
Chair/Public Representative
Secretary/General Representative
Treasurer/General Representative
General Representative
Vice Chair/Lessee Representative
Team Members
Finance Director
Executive Director
Director of Social Impact and Community Organizing
Director of Climate Initiatives
Climate Outreach Specialist
Director of Development
Current Properties
History
T.R.U.S.T. South LA (founded in 2005 under the name Figueroa Corridor Community Land Trust) is a community-based initiative to stabilize the neighborhoods south of downtown Los Angeles, where increased property values and rents have pushed out many long-term residents. T.R.U.S.T South LA became part of a broad-based community and economic development strategy to combat the collision course between slum housing, escalating real estate values, gentrification, and displacement in Los Angeles’ Figueroa Corridor. The Land Trust was established as a democratic and permanent steward of land and land leases for affordable housing and other community needs, engaging in broad-based community planning, stabilizing property values for the long-term, promoting and preserving affordable housing, and building community capacity and control.
“TRUST means community and collaboration. They do empowerment, they help develop leadership capabilities, and they strengthen people’s willingness to engage in their community.”
– Emmanuel, Community Member
In response to these dual dynamics of displacement and disinvestment, T.R.U.S.T. South LA has sought to build community control over land, while preserving and promoting opportunities for working-class people to remain in their community. In addition, T.R.U.S.T. South LA assists in growing the capacity and power of local residents to participate in future decision-making and development of their neighborhoods. Founding partners Esperanza Community Housing Corporation, Strategic Actions of a Just Economy, and Abode Communities formulated an initial business plan, secured start up funds and equity for land acquisitions, and established a founding board. The organization began recruiting a membership base and growing grassroots leadership capacity in 2007.
Permanent control over the assets of T.R.U.S.T. South LA is ensured by its legal structure as a membership organization, with Regular Members restricted to low-income people who live or work in the land trust area. The first elections to move toward Members’ majority control of the Board of Directors were held in 2009, and subsequent rounds every spring since. Elected grassroots members currently comprise 80% of the Board, with representatives from organizational allies holding the other two seats. In addition to electing the majority of the Board of Directors, the Membership controls major decisions of the organization, including any change of organization’s governing documents, or sale of property.