Small towns and rural communities throughout the United States are looking for ways to strengthen their economies, provide better quality of life, and build on local assets. Many rural communities and small towns are facing challenges, including rapid growth at metropolitan edges, declining rural populations, and loss of open spaces and declining downtowns.[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text css=""]2026 marks an exciting new chapter — The National Association of REALTORS®’ long-standing Community Outreach program has a new name: Community Development Advocacy.
This rebrand reflects REALTORS®’ expanding leadership as trusted voices shaping stronger, more inclusive communities by championing state and local policies that advance housing, smart growth, and community development.
The new name, Community Development Advocacy, highlights the same powerful mission: to help REALTOR® associations advocate for sound policies, build partnerships, and create lasting local impact all with the same grants, resources, and support they’ve always relied on.
Take Action with a Community Development Advocacy Grant
Receive expert legislative analysis on proposed land-use measures—such as zoning changes, comprehensive plan updates, or ordinances—that may affect real estate and property rights. The program provides detailed memos and talking points to support your advocacy efforts.
Access the most comprehensive overview of modern growth management techniques—from cluster zoning and urban growth boundaries to parking reform and missing middle housing strategies. The Fact Book helps associations develop informed positions on local planning and development issues.
Partner with the Counselors of Real Estate® (CRE) Consulting Corps to address complex local challenges such as commercial disinvestment, housing gaps, brownfield reuse, or post-disaster recovery. Associations receive analysis, strategies, and actionable recommendations.
Collaborate with NAR’s public opinion research firm to survey 400+ local voters on growth-related issues. Use the findings to educate officials and influence public policy decisions in your community.
Access On Common Ground that fosters dialogue on smart growth among REALTORS®, elected officials, and planners. Associations can share digitally with stakeholders as an effective outreach tool.
Plan Your Next Steps
Schedule a Virtual Community Development Advocacy Planning Session Meet one-on-one with NAR staff via Zoom to brainstorm project ideas, understand available grants, and craft compelling applications that tackle your community’s housing, planning, and fair housing challenges.
Connect with the Community Development Advocacy Team
Christine Windle – Director, Community Outreach Housing Opportunity Grants, Land Use Initiative, Transforming Neighborhoods 📞 202-383-1135 | ✉️ cwindle@nar.realtor
Hugh Morris – Manager, Community Development and Growth Smart Growth Grants, State & Local Polling, Growth Management Fact Book, On Common Ground Magazine 📞 202-383-1278 | ✉️ hmorris@nar.realtor
Hannah Dannenfelser – Manager, Grants and Resources Fair Housing, Placemaking, and Rural Outreach Grants 📞 202-383-1132 | ✉️ hdannenfelser@nar.realtor
