Raleigh Area Land Trust Welcomes New Board Members Nicole Bennett and Doruk Onvural
[Raleigh, NC – September 12, 2024] – Raleigh Area Land Trust (RALT), a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing permanently affordable homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers in Wake County, is excited to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors: Nicole Bennett and Doruk Onvural. Both individuals bring extensive experience and a deep commitment to supporting equitable and sustainable development in the Raleigh area.
Nicole Bennett, AICP, leads equity strategy at VHB and strongly advocates for integrating equity into all planning and design processes from visioning through implementation. With nearly thirty years of experience in Raleigh, she has been vital in shaping local planning policies that promote inclusive growth.
Doruk Onvural, an Associate at Klein Hornig LLP, specializes in advising nonprofit and for-profit developers on affordable housing and real estate transactions nationwide. His expertise includes projects financed through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Historic Tax Credits, and other critical funding sources.
"Joining the Raleigh Area Land Trust Board of Directors is an incredible opportunity to further my commitment to equitable development. Having lived in Raleigh for nearly three decades and witnessed its tremendous growth, all residents must have access to safe, affordable housing. I look forward to working with the talented team at RALT to ensure that Raleigh remains a city where everyone can thrive," Bennett shared.
"As the child of immigrants who settled in Raleigh in the early eighties and as a North Carolinian who spent the first twenty-one years of his life here, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to the community that gave me and my family so much," said Onvural.
RALT remains steadfast in bridging the homeownership gap by creating and preserving affordable housing for low- to moderate-income families. Through its shared equity model, RALT ensures long-term affordability across generations, providing stability for families and strengthening communities.
RALT Executive Director Kevin Campbell expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments: "We are thrilled to welcome Doruk Onvural and Nicole Bennett to our Board of Directors. Their unique perspectives and dedication to equitable development align perfectly with RALT's mission. We look forward to their contributions as we continue our work to provide affordable housing solutions for the Raleigh community."
As RALT continues to expand its impact, the organization is committed to deepening its engagement with supporters and community members. Through ongoing outreach and awareness initiatives, RALT aims to provide even more individuals and families with the opportunity to achieve affordable homeownership.
For more information about Doruk Onvural and Nicole Bennett or how you can support Raleigh Area Land Trust and its affordable housing initiatives, please visit https://www.ralt.org.
About Raleigh Area Land Trust
Raleigh Area Land Trust (RALT) is a leading nonprofit organization committed to creating and preserving affordable housing options for Wake County residents. By fostering strategic partnerships and engaging with the community, RALT develops sustainable housing solutions that promote equity and opportunity for all individuals and families. With a bold goal of constructing 100 homes over the next five years, RALT addresses the urgent need for accessible housing in our growing community.