Building Stability and Empowerment with Community Land Trusts and Tenant Protections

In Syracuse, we must reimagine housing to ensure stability, equity, and empowerment for all residents. My housing platform pairs the transformative potential of Community Land Trusts (CLTs) with the protections of a strong Good Cause Eviction policy. By integrating these two approaches, we can address the root causes of housing insecurity while creating a sustainable model tailored to the needs of our city.

The CLT model empowers communities by collectively owning and managing land, ensuring that housing remains permanently affordable and free from speculative pressures. This model not only prevents displacement but also gives residents a direct voice in shaping their neighborhoods. When combined with Good Cause Eviction protections, which safeguard tenants from unjust evictions and unreasonable rent increases, we create a comprehensive framework that addresses immediate housing needs while building long-term stability.

I envision a city where every resident—whether renting or owning—has the security to thrive. I will work to secure funding from local, state, and federal sources to launch CLT initiatives and strengthen tenant protections, ensuring Syracuse leads the way in creating an inclusive, community-driven housing system. Together, we can create a city where housing is a right, not a privilege.

Balanced Housing Solutions: Tenant Protections and Landlord Support

Our approach to Good Cause Eviction protections must be tailored to meet the unique needs of our community. To strike the right balance between safeguarding tenants and ensuring landlords can manage their properties responsibly, I propose a threshold-based model that activates Good Cause Eviction laws based on the number of properties owned or managed, or the total value of those properties. This approach focuses on holding larger landlords accountable while reducing the burden on small property owners.

To support landlords committed to maintaining affordable housing, we should offer incentives such as tax breaks and grants for property improvements. At the same time, clear rules and guidelines must be established to prevent misuse of these protections by both landlords and tenants. Our model will ensure fairness, protect tenant rights, and create an environment where property owners can thrive while contributing to a more stable and equitable housing market.