The Maggie Walker Community Land Trust (MWCLT) is a nonprofit organization that develops and stewards permanently affordable homeownership opportunities that foster racially equitable communities. Established in 2016, the organization is grounded in a vision of Greater Richmond that is defined by healthy, inclusive, and affordable communities. MWCLT currently serves the City of Richmond and Chesterfield and Henrico Counties.
We recently caught up with Maggie Walker staff to ask them a few questions about their affordable housing work.
Q: Tell us a little bit about what you’ve been working on lately.
MWCLT is currently advancing a pipeline of more than 150+ permanently affordable homes across the Richmond region, with projects in various stages of predevelopment and construction. This work is focused on expanding access to homeownership for households earning 80% to 115% of [the] Area Median Income.
We are also excited to be preparing for our 10th Anniversary Jazz Brunch, our new signature fundraising event celebrating a decade of impact in creating permanently affordable homeownership opportunities. The event will bring together community leaders, partners, and supporters to honor our progress, uplift our mission, and support the continued growth of our work across the region.
Q: What do you believe to be the most rewarding or valuable part of your affordable housing work?
The most rewarding aspect of our work is seeing individuals and families – many of whom are first-generation homebuyers – successfully access and sustain homeownership. Through the community land trust model, we are not only helping families purchase homes but also ensuring those homes remain affordable for future generations.
It is especially meaningful to see working professionals – educators, healthcare workers, and public sector employees – able to live and thrive in the communities they serve. Knowing that our work contributes to long-term stability, wealth-building, and community preservation makes the impact deeply tangible.
Q: How has your VHA membership helped amplify your impact?
MWCLT’s engagement with the Virginia Housing Alliance has been a valuable part of our work, particularly in staying informed on housing policy and connecting with peers across the state. VHA provides important opportunities to better understand legislative developments and align our work within the broader affordable housing ecosystem.
Being part of this network strengthens our ability to advocate for and deliver permanently affordable homeownership solutions.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share about your organization’s work?
Our work at MWCLT is rooted in long-term impact. By removing land from the speculative market and stewarding homes in permanency, we are creating a sustainable model for affordability that addresses both current housing needs and future access.
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary this year, the Jazz Brunch represents both a milestone and an opportunity to engage the broader community in supporting permanently affordable housing. We invite partners and supporters to join us in this moment of reflection and momentum.
Connect with Maggie Walker Community Land Trust
Website: maggiewalkerclt.org
Email: info@mwclt.org
Instagram: @maggiewalker.clt
Facebook: @MWCLT