The Affordable Housing Trust Fund meeting held on May 14, 2025, in Revere, Massachusetts, focused on exploring innovative solutions to the city's housing challenges, particularly through the concept of a Community Land Trust (CLT). Laura Christopher from Mass Development introduced the meeting, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in addressing housing needs in the Shirley Avenue neighborhood.

Christopher highlighted the Transformative Development Initiative (TDI), a program aimed at fostering neighborhood improvements through partnerships with local organizations, including Mass General and Women Encouraging Empowerment. She noted that the TDI could provide technical assistance to explore various housing strategies, including the potential establishment of a CLT in Revere.

Harry Smith, a consultant with extensive experience in community organizing and land trusts, followed Christopher's introduction. He explained that a CLT is a community-based organization governed by local residents, which holds land rights and collaborates with developers to create affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families. Smith shared examples of successful CLTs in the Boston area, such as the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, which has developed homes and community spaces in Roxbury and Dorchester.

The meeting aimed to initiate a collaborative process involving housing advocates, city officials, and community members to assess the feasibility of a CLT in Revere. Smith emphasized that the goal is not to impose a specific solution but to engage the community in discussions about the best approaches to meet local housing needs.

As the meeting concluded, participants were encouraged to contribute their insights and experiences, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of how a CLT could serve as a viable option for enhancing affordable housing in Revere. This initiative aligns with broader community goals of creating livable neighborhoods and addressing the pressing need for affordable housing solutions.