Nonprofit leader brings expertise in financial inclusion, economic mobility, and partnerships to expand affordable homeownership across Wake County.
RALEIGH, N.C. Raleigh Area Land Trust (RALT) has named nonprofit and community leader Marquita Robertson its next executive director as the organization works to expand permanently affordable homeownership opportunities across Wake County.
Robertson will assume the role on Nov. 10, 2026, bringing extensive experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, strategic partnerships, and community engagement. She joins RALT at a period of growth as the organization advances new housing developments and works toward its goal of creating 100 permanently affordable homes.
“RALT’s work is about creating homeownership opportunities that last beyond a single family or a single generation,” said Doruk Onvural, president of RALT’s Board of Directors. “We want families to have the opportunity to build equity and stability while also protecting affordability for the families who come next. Marquita understands both the economic impact of homeownership and the partnerships it takes to make that opportunity possible at a larger scale. We are excited to have her lead RALT into this next phase of growth.”
RALT uses the community land trust model to make homeownership more attainable while preserving affordability over time. The organization retains ownership of the land while an income-qualified buyer purchases the home, allowing the homeowner to build equity, while resale requirements help keep the property affordable for future buyers.
That model is taking shape through projects including the Cottages of Idlewild near downtown Raleigh. The 18-home community includes 14 affordable homes for sale and four rental cottages, with home prices starting at $190,000. RALT says the development is part of its broader goal to create 100 permanently affordable homes.
“A home is more than a place to live. It is a foundation for financial stability, opportunity, and stronger communities,” Robertson said. “As Wake County grows, we must ensure homeownership remains within reach for the people who make our communities thrive. RALT’s community land trust model creates opportunities for families to build equity while preserving affordability for future generations. I’m excited to build on RALT’s strong foundation, strengthen partnerships, and expand access to affordable homeownership across Wake County.”
Robertson currently serves as executive director of The Collaborative, a statewide nonprofit focused on financial inclusion and economic opportunity across North Carolina. In that role, she has led initiatives bringing together financial institutions, nonprofits, government agencies and community partners to address barriers to economic mobility.
As executive director, Robertson will focus on expanding strategic partnerships, strengthening RALT’s long-term sustainability, increasing community awareness of the land trust model, and advancing the organization’s efforts to create more permanently affordable homes across Wake County.
About Raleigh Area Land Trust
Raleigh Area Land Trust creates and preserves permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for individuals and families in Raleigh and Wake County. Through the community land trust model, RALT separates ownership of the home from ownership of the land, helping reduce the cost of homeownership while allowing homeowners to build equity and ensuring homes remain affordable for future generations. RALT works with residents, public agencies, developers, financial institutions, and community partners to create lasting pathways to homeownership and strengthen neighborhood stability. For more information, visit ralt.org.
