Community Development Advocacy

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

State and local REALTOR® associations can apply for grants in Housing Opportunity, Smart Growth, Placemaking, Rural Outreach, and Fair Housing to support advocacy, education, and engagement efforts.

Grant Levels:

Level 1: Up to $3,000 for speakers, classes, stakeholder meetings and temporary placemaking projects.
Level 2: Up to $7,500 for partnership-led initiatives and permanent placemaking projects.
Level 3: Up to $15,000 for broader community impact initiatives (Housing Opportunity & Smart Growth only).

Each association may receive one grant per level each year.

Applications: Open January 5 – October 15, 2026 (or until funds are fully committed).

In 2026, the 10% financial commitment requirement is waived under Right Tools, Right Now.

Find inspiration and ideas through the Community Outreach Grant Toolkits and Success Stories.

Strengthen Your Advocacy with these Resources

Land Use Initiative (LUI)

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.

Growth Management Fact Book

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.

Transforming Neighborhoods

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.

State & Local Growth Polling Program

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.

On Common Ground Magazine

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