We welcome proposals to study anti-displacement efforts not listed in the toolkit. 2024 proposals should focus on community ownership strategies that prevent small business displacement in gentrifying neighborhoods. We are particularly interested in examples of strategies that have worked for BIPOC and immigrant businesses and communities.
Community ownership is a long-term solution that allows community members and stakeholders to control commercial assets, land, and enterprises. It provides stability for small businesses and helps avoid commercial gentrification pressures, including rapid rent increases. Community ownership can be a catalyst for asset- and wealth-building in low-wealth communities, helping to promote community control and self-determination. Community ownership models support both individual and collective ownership.
Case studies should examine how community ownership strategies allow vulnerable small businesses to remain and thrive in their communities. They should offer lessons for combating commercial gentrification. Examples of potential topics include:
- Commercial Condominiums
- Commercial Cooperatives
- Community Land Trusts
- Commercial Property Acquisition Funds
- Community Investment Trusts