Ashley Mireles-Guerrero’s dream of opening a bookstore in the Tower District has come true, thanks to the South Tower Community Land Trust. Her store, Judging By The Cover, is now the first commercial tenant of the trust’s newly acquired building.

Community Land Trusts

Community land trusts are non-profit organizations that allow community members to have a say in decisions about development and property use. The South Tower Community Land Trust was formed in 2022 to build on the momentum generated around the creation of Broadway Parque, a new park in the neighborhood.

The trust’s first commercial acquisition is the building that now houses Judging By The Cover. The trust’s offices will also be located in the same building, once renovations are complete. Mireles-Guerrero has joined the trust’s board, ensuring that the values of her business align with those of the trust.

The modern community land trust movement started with Black farmers in the rural south, who created a community land trust to acquire and protect farmland during the civil rights era. Today, there are over 225 community land trusts across the country, with most focusing on housing.

Local Impact

The South Tower Community Land Trust has already made a significant impact in the neighborhood. The trust has influenced development in the area, with the city council approving a new plan for the Tower District that includes more green space and fresh food access.

The trust has also sold its first home and has several more in the pipeline, including tiny homes slated for construction on a vacant lot. The trust’s focus on community-focused development has made it a natural fit for Mireles-Guerrero’s business, which prioritizes mutual aid and solidarity economics.

Original reporting: Fresnoland — read the source article.