WILLIAMSBURG— On April 22, Williamsburg Realtors hosted their Annual General Membership Meeting, bringing together members, community leaders, housing advocates, and business partners for a day focused on leadership updates, collaboration, and one of the region’s most pressing issues: affordable housing.
A highlight of the meeting was a compelling panel discussion titled “Community Land Trust:
JCC’s Answer to Affordable Housing,” which sparked meaningful dialogue around long‑term,
sustainable housing solutions for James City County. The panel featured Vaugn Poller,
Neighborhood Development Administrator of James City County, Erica Sims, an expert on
Community Land Trusts with HD Advisors, and Susan Gaston, Legislative Consultant for
Williamsburg REALTORS, who shared insights on how Community Land Trusts preserve
affordability, strengthen neighborhoods, and support equitable growth.
“Affordable housing is one of the most complex issues in the Greater Williamsburg Community, and conversations like these are essential to moving solutions forward,” said Alison Sakimura, 2026 Williamsburg Realtors President. “By bringing together local government, housing experts, and business partners, we are helping educate our community and advocate for innovative approaches that create long-term housing opportunities for families in James City County.”
Williamsburg Realtors says it was also honored to welcome special guests Elizabeth Ameling, CEO and Founder of Latisha’s House Foundation, and Amy Ritchie, Colonial Williamsburg Community Engagement Manager.
WAAR says that the success of the meeting was made possible through the creativity and dedication of the WAAR Member Engagement Committee and valued Business Partners, who facilitated lunch and created engaging “Travel Around the World” experiences that encouraged networking and connection throughout the day.
The association said with expert perspectives, meaningful dialogue, and strong member participation, the Annual General Membership Meeting underscored Williamsburg Realtors’ ongoing commitment to education, advocacy, and innovative approaches to community development and affordable housing.
For more information, visit waarealtor.com.
