Scope & Accountability
Pathway to Equity exists to design and support resident-owned housing systems—not to own, control, or operate housing over the long term. This page explains our role, our limits, and how we remain accountable to communities and partners.
Our Role
Pathway to Equity acts as a time-limited, structural partner.
We design ownership, governance, and affordability frameworks; align partners; and support early implementation so resident-owned systems can function independently.
Our work is focused on setup, transition, and handoff—not permanent involvement.
What We Do Not Do
To avoid conflicts of interest and mission drift, Pathway to Equity does not:
- Own housing or land
- Act as a property manager or housing operator
- Hold permanent control over governance or assets
- Make decisions on behalf of residents
- Replace local Community Land Trusts or long-term stewards
Decision-Making Boundaries
Resident-owned housing works only when residents govern.
Pathway to Equity does not retain decision-making authority once resident governance structures are established. Long-term decisions rest with residents and designated local stewards, not with Pathway to Equity.
Transition & Exit
Each engagement includes a defined scope, timeline, and exit plan.
Once governance, financing, and stewardship systems are operational and resident-led, Pathway to Equity formally transitions out of its role. We do not remain embedded beyond the early implementation phase.
Public Accountability
Pathway to Equity operates through:
- Clearly scoped advisory agreements
- Public or quasi-public contracts
- Transparent roles and responsibilities
Our accountability is to the long-term integrity of resident ownership, not organizational expansion.
Why This Matters
Permanent affordability and resident ownership require clear boundaries.
These guardrails ensure that Pathway to Equity supports community control without becoming another layer of permanent authority.
