Want to see Main Street buzzing after dark again? Host Lindsay Darnell sits down with Acacia St. John of Forward Wayne County and Rebecca Gilliam of the Wayne County Foundation to talk about how the new Wayne County Land Trust is working to keep historic buildings in local hands, open the door for mixed use housing, and create a downtown that truly serves residents and small businesses.

The conversation dives into the real challenges Richmond has faced, including absentee ownership and long vacant storefronts, and why a community land trust offers a practical path forward. You will hear how early philanthropic support helped secure key properties, how each building will remain on the tax rolls, and how tools like historic tax credits and private investment will help sustain the vision long term. With most acquisitions complete, the focus now shifts to planning, design, and due diligence, with phased construction expected over the next few years alongside projects like Six at Main and ongoing downtown activation efforts.

This is about building a downtown people can live in, walk through, and enjoy every day. From upper floor apartments to locally owned shops and safer, more inviting streets, the goal is to create spaces shaped by the community. The episode also explores governance through the Foundation, safeguards for transparency, and a strong commitment to local contractors and suppliers. Most importantly, there is an open invitation for residents to share what they want to see fill these spaces, from cafés and bookstores to studios, gathering spots, and thoughtful design touches that make downtown feel alive.

If you care about the future of Richmond, now is the time to lean in.
 To learn more, visit waynecountyfoundation.org and forwardwaynecounty.org.