Founded as the Figueroa Corridor Community Land Trust by Esperanza Community Housing Corporation, Strategic Actions for a Just Economy, and Abode Communities.
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.
2005
Launched grassroots leadership training and began recruiting a membership base of low-income residents living or working in the land trust area.
2007
Held first democratic elections for the Board of Directors—80% of seats reserved for low-income members, solidifying community control.
2009
Redeveloped Rolland Curtis Gardens into 140 units of permanently affordable housing with retail, open space, and a health clinic. This became a national model for CLT-led housing justice.
2012–2018
Expanded organizing and advocacy, including mobility justice campaigns, anti-displacement policy work, and resident-led planning for Slauson Avenue.
2014–2020
Completed a CLT acquisition in Pico-Union through LA County's CLT Pilot Program—preserving affordability and deepening roots in the region.
2022
Growing membership, acquiring new properties, co-leading citywide CLT advocacy, and building toward a vision of self-determined, culturally vibrant neighborhoods.
2023–Present