Avanzando San Ysidro Community Land Trust

Rendering by Yellow Giraffe

Currently under construction in San Ysidro’s Historic Village, Casa Familiar’s Avanzando San Ysidro Community Land Trust (ASY-CLT) is a 103-unit affordable housing development that takes a long-term approach to housing affordability. Across two sites less than half a mile apart, the project combines affordable housing, community spaces, commercial uses, and climate resiliency features.

The development includes 46 apartments on Cypress Drive and 57 units near South Vista Avenue and Cottonwood Road. One-, two-, and three-bedroom homes will accommodate families and multigenerational households earning between 30% and 60% of the area median income.

Rendering by Yellow Giraffe of the Cypress Drive Site

Rendering by Yellow Giraffe of the Cottonwood and Vista Site

What sets Avanzando apart is its Community Land Trust (CLT) model. Rather than treating land and housing as a single asset that can be sold at market value, the model places the land in a trust for the long-term benefit of the community. At Avanzando, a resident-majority governing board will help oversee the properties, while ground leases and affordability requirements are intended to protect the homes from speculative resale and displacement.

The project also aims to create a pathway from renting to homeownership. Casa Familiar envisions opportunities for residents to build equity and generational wealth while maintaining long-term affordability. The structure and timing of any transition to homeownership will depend on the project’s funding requirements and applicable affordability restrictions.

The project received a $33.7 million grant through California’s Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities program, along with financing from tax credits, housing bonds, and a $4.12 million San Diego Housing Commission loan. It also benefits from San Diego’s Affordable Housing Permit Now Program, which establishes a 30-day permitting timeline for eligible 100% affordable housing developments.

Near the Beyer Boulevard Trolley Station, Avanzando is supported by transit and infrastructure improvements, including upgraded sidewalks and curb ramps, separated bike lanes, new bus shelters, and expanded weekend Blue Line service. Casa Familiar’s La Semilla Climate Resiliency Center within walking distance.

By combining affordable housing with a community land trust and transit access, Avanzando aims to keep San Ysidro residents rooted in their neighborhood as it changes.