About
We are a community-owned and operated site based in Santa Ana, CA. La Colmena, is more than just a space — it’s where neighbors gathers. With urban farming, local businesses, and events led by the community, La Colmena is where we come together. Join us to build a healthier, stronger Santa Ana.
Who are the organizations leading this project?
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THRIVE Santa Ana has worked with local residents since 2016 to advocate, design, and build the city's first-ever community land project. With a focus on collective land ownership, THRIVE is empowering residents to have a stake in their neighborhood's future.
THRIVE has provided the foundational advocacy, design expertise, and community-driven strategies necessary to bring La Colmena to life.
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Cooperación Santa Ana (CSA) is a network of cooperatives and individuals committed to building a more equitable and sustainable future for Santa Ana. Our goal is to shift power and resources while dismantling systems of oppression through a shared economy and democratic decision-making.
Cooperación Santa Ana has been a driving force behind community empowerment and equity, contributing to the vision and development of La Colmena.
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CRECE Huertos Urbanos is dedicated to empowering the Santa Ana community through education and practical experience in creating and maintaining environmentally sustainable organic farms. Through CRECE, we aim to transform urban spaces into thriving, food-producing areas.
CRECE has played a critical role in supporting La Colmena’s vision of sustainable agriculture and growing the community's knowledge.
Learn More
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A cooperative is a collective owned and controlled by its members, who share the benefits and responsibilities equally. Unlike traditional businesses, where decisions are made by a small group of people, in a cooperative, every member has a voice and a vote. This model fosters equity, justice, and community well-being.
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Community Land Trusts (CLTs) are nonprofit organizations governed by a board composed of CLT residents, local community members, and public representatives. They provide long-lasting community assets and shared equity homeownership opportunities for families. CLTs develop projects ranging from rural and urban agriculture to affordable rental housing, commercial spaces, and the conservation of green spaces. However, the core of their mission is the creation of homes that remain permanently affordable, ensuring generational homeownership for low income families.
