In This Issue
📅 Upcoming Events: All GAD Call (Feb 26), RPAC and the Law seminar (March 4) & Fair & Attainable Housing Ideas Forum (March 11) – Register now!
🏛️ Capitol Pulse: NAR strengthens relationships with the 119th Congress, relaunches the Congressional Real Estate Caucus, and advocates for key homeowner-friendly legislation.
💰 Grant Opportunities: Apply for Fair Housing Grants, Consumer Advocacy Grants, and Placemaking Grants to support local initiatives.
🎧 The Latest Advocacy Scoop Podcast: Live from Advocacy Week! Insights on the 119th Congress and why REALTORS® Party relationships matter.
Dates to Remember
- Feb 26: All GAD Call, 3 PM ET
- Mar 4: RPAC and the Law, 3 PM ET
- Mar 11: Fair & Attainable Housing Ideas Forum, 2 PM ET
Chair’s Letter
Happy February GAD Nation!
Earlier this month your GAD Advisory Group took the next big step in planning for Government Affairs Director Institute coming up in July. Sessions concepts are locked in, and fine-tuning has begun. I can’t sing enough praises for the AG and their efforts to put together an awesome program with exciting new features, a boost of professionalism, innovative tactics for RPAC and policymaking…and so much more. I can’t wait for the schedule to be revealed soon!
In the meantime, how are you doing? I’m really asking. How many of you answer this question with the generic, ‘good,’ ‘fine,’ or ‘ok’? If you could see me, I’m raising my hand too. Something I have been trying to be more intentional about is checking in on myself for real and being honest about what I find. When I do this, I feel more accountable to taking action to address challenges and take advantage of opportunities. The nature of our job is to serve our membership, to fight for our industry, and to strengthen our neighborhoods. This is important to us, right? It’s just as important to serve, stand up for, and strengthen each other and us. So, over the next several weeks I want to challenge everyone to simply take a moment to check in and remember, your matter and your wellbeing is important.
Advocacy Impact Video – See REALTORS® in Action!
Advocacy Impact! showcases how NAR’s federal advocacy is shaping policies, protecting property rights, and expanding housing access across the country. Powered by REALTORS® in communities nationwide, NAR’s advocacy efforts influence federal agencies, Congress, and even the Supreme Court to defend homeownership and the real estate industry.
With bold, bipartisan action, research-driven policies, and strong relationships in Washington, NAR continues to fight for the one-fifth of the American economy that real estate represents.
What You Need to Know
🏛️ Capitol Pulse: February Advocacy Update 🏛️
NAR’s Government Advocacy Team is strengthening relationships with the 119th Congress and Administration, ensuring REALTORS®’ priorities remain front and center.
Key Highlights:
- Congressional Real Estate Caucus Relaunch – Now at 52 members, up from just four at launch, focused on housing supply & affordability.
- Six Letters to Congress – Supporting key housing and labor nominees and homeowner-friendly legislation, including:
- Disaster Resiliency and Coverage Act – Advocating for pre-disaster mitigation grants and tax incentives.
- Home Repair Act – Supporting whole-home repair initiatives.
- Ongoing Engagement with the Administration – NAR is actively shaping housing policy in a rapidly evolving legislative environment.
Top 2025 Advocacy Priorities:
- Update tax laws & increase access to homeownership
- Expand housing supply & ensure professional representation
- Promote NAR research to inform policy
📖 Read the Washington Report for real-time policy updates!
Will Congress Extend Trump’s Tax Cuts?
Find out what Washington insiders are saying about the future of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in this month’s REALTOR® Magazine—featuring insights from NAR’s Policy Forum during Advocacy Week.
Attention GADs – Committee Application Season is Coming!
The 2026 NAR committee application website opens March 3 and closes May 15.
Helpful Links:
📌 Committee Application Website
📌 Appointment Timeline
📌 FAQs
📌 Appointment Policies
Virtual Events to Attend
All GAD Call | Wednesday, February 26, 3:00 PM ET
Join us on February 26 at 3 p.m. ET for the next All-GAD Zoom Call, where we’ll dive into Disaster Response and Recovery Advocacy. Learn how to prepare for and respond to natural disasters and other emergencies impacting housing and communities. 🔗Register Now!
RPAC and the Law | Tuesday, March 4, 3:00 PM ET
Join Darby Thorne, NAR’s Director of Political Compliance, and Michael Clark, NAR’s Director of RPAC Fundraising and Events, for an essential seminar on RPAC and the Law. 🔗 Register Today!
📌 What to Expect:
Overview of common political finance & compliance questions
Key dos and don’ts for RPAC fundraising
Live Q&A opportunity with NAR experts
Fair & Attainable Housing Ideas Forum Returns | March 11, 2 PM ET
Join this interactive session for local and state REALTOR® association staff on March 11 at 2 PM EST to exchange insights, gather feedback, and explore NAR grant opportunities to advance fair and attainable housing. 🔗Register now!
Questions? Contact Hannah Dannenfelser.
Compliance Corner
Hard Dollars vs. Soft Dollars
The phrases “hard dollars” and “soft dollars” are frequently used in political and fundraising contexts, but their meanings and differences are not always clear. Here’s a breakdown:
Hard Dollars
- Personal contributions made by individuals to federal candidates and PACs
- Example: Donations made by individual REALTORS® to RPAC
- Must be made using personal funds (personal checks or credit cards)
Soft Dollars
- Contributions made by corporations, organizations, and state/local associations
- Cannot be donated directly to federal candidates or PACs
- Used for independent expenditures and issue advocacy
- Some states allow corporate contributions to state-level PACs and local candidates
In Summary:
- Hard dollars = Direct contributions to federal candidates
- Soft dollars = Used for broader campaign support (issue-based advocacy, independent expenditures)
Questions? Contact Darby Thorne, Director of Political Compliance.
Compliance Corner is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any matter.
#ICYMI
REALTOR® Party News – February 2025
The Latest Advocacy Scoop Podcast – Live from Advocacy Week!
Introducing the 119th Congress: With 72 new legislators in office, NAR’s advocacy team is ready for action. In this episode, taped live during NAR’s inaugural Advocacy Week conference, Shannon and Patrick discuss why change is the norm in Washington – and why the REALTORS® Party model remains crucial. No matter who’s in control, REALTORS® Party relationships ensure that NAR has a voice in Congress.
Washington Report
- CFPB Suspends All Work Activity
- NAR Recommends Confirmation of FHFA Director Nominee Bill Pulte
- NAR Comments on Effectiveness of State Appraiser and Appraisal Management Company Regulatory Programs
- Acting Director Pauses Work at CFPB
NAR Grants and Resources
Fair Housing Month is Coming – Secure Your Grant!
Apply for Fair Housing Grants of up to $7,500 to support your association’s initiatives. Need inspiration? Check out NAR’s Fair Housing Toolkit for strategies to enhance fair housing efforts and strengthen REALTORS®’ commitment to equal professional service and inclusive communities.
Questions? Contact Hannah Dannenfelser.
Boost Your Advocacy Impact with Advocacy Everywhere!
Looking to mobilize members quickly on key issues? Advocacy Everywhere provides the tools and concierge support you need to launch effective state and local Calls for Action. From customized messaging to seamless execution, our team is here to help amplify your advocacy efforts.
Ready to take action? Contact Jami Sims today to get started!
Educate Your Community on Real Estate Policy – Apply for a Consumer Advocacy Grant!
Apply now for a Consumer Advocacy Outreach Grant to secure up to $25,000 (with a 15% cost-share) for engaging consumers on public policy issues affecting homeownership and property rights. The Consumer Advocacy Outreach Advisory Board reviews applications on March 4, May 6, and June 2, with submissions due one week prior.
Questions? Contact Erin Murphy (202-383-1079)
Plan a Placemaking Project for REALTORS® Are Good Neighbors Volunteer Days!
Enhance your community and showcase REALTOR® pride by applying for a $7,500 Placemaking Grant to create vibrant public spaces. Need inspiration? Check out the Placemaking Video, Toolkit or Spaces to Places for ideas!
Questions? Contact Hannah Dannenfelser.
REALTOR® Party Success Stories
Each month, state and local associations that achieved an advocacy win with the help of a REALTOR® Party grant or resources are highlighted in the REALTOR® Party Success Stories. December’s success stories include:
- REALTOR® Association of Central Massachusetts Hosts Fair Housing Trivia Night to Reach More Members and Colleagues with Essential Education
- East Tennessee Association of REALTORS® Taps Land Use Initiative Program to Defeat Proposed Down-zoning in Knoxville
- A New Park, A New Chapter: Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS® join forces on Elmwood Park revamp
Upcoming NAR Events
Check out the list of events here to save the date for upcoming conferences.
2025 AEI | Denver, CO
April 1 – 4, 2025 | Registration is open.
REALTORS® Legislative Meetings (RLM) | Washington, D.C.
May 31 – June 5 | Registration opens March 5, Noon CT.
2025 GAD Institute | Charleston, SC
July 22 – 25, 2025 | Registration opens in May.
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