Diverse Voices Crucial to Lasting Policy Solutions
Business Insider published an article last week with a provocative title: “The housing shortage is the root of all of America’s problems.” NAR has been shouting this from the rooftops for several years and advocating for solutions that can turn the tide. To make lasting change, we must ensure our policy positions, leadership, and programming include diverse voices and perspectives. Read more about the resources available to your association through NAR and the REALTOR® Party to advance these efforts.
What You Need to Know
In response to the Biden Administration’s tenant-centered action plan, NAR expressed concerns that expanding the federal government’s role in rental policy can drive housing providers out of the market, making rental housing more expensive, and place an undue burden on mom-and-pop housing providers, which provide more than 40 percent of all rental housing in America. NAR continues to encourage the Administration to examine how it can address the root causes of rental affordability – namely, affordable housing supply.
READ MORE
NAR has joined a coalition of 17 organizations in filing a lawsuit to stop the Environmental Protection Agency’s and Army Corps of Engineers’ (the Agencies) final Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule from going into effect in March. The rule as written will put property owners at constant risk of any sometimes-wet feature on their property being deemed WOTUS by the Agencies using vague and unpredictable standards – making normal business activities in that area not only subject to substantial regulatory burdens but also to criminal and civil penalties.
READ MORE
2023 is off to a strong start for RPAC! As of January 31, RPAC has reached 30% of its national fundraising goal, with more than $14.8 million raised at all three levels of the association, and 21% of its federal disbursements allocation goal, with over $2.1 million raised at the national level. RPAC currently has 646 Major Investors and a 20% participation rate.
Mark your calendar: NAR’s consumer ad campaign will release the next iteration of That’s Who We R advertising on February 22. This wave of TV and radio ads are some of the campaign’s most ambitious work yet.
READ MORE
The REALTOR® Party At Work
Don’t forget to bookmark NAR’s Washington Report for the latest policy updates.
Columbus REALTORS® Explore Tiny Homes as an Affordable Housing Solution
Exploring ways to mitigate the serious shortage of affordable housing in central Ohio, Columbus REALTORS® are thinking outside the box. With the help of a Housing Opportunity grant from the REALTOR® Party, they convened a panel of experts to discuss tiny homes as an affordable and efficient housing alternative – including an on-site tiny house for participants to tour.
READ More
Florida REALTORS® Work to Defeat Rent Control
Unable to wait for a legal ruling to keep an unconstitutional rent control measure off the ballot, Florida REALTORS® launched a major campaign using a REALTOR® Party Issues Mobilization grant to discourage Orange County voters from accepting the measure. The effort targeted the county’s renters and homeowners and demonstrated that REALTORS® are prepared to fight the issue statewide.
READ More
La Zona Lights Up San Antonio
Working with placemaking organization Centro San Antonio, and with assistance from a REALTOR® Party Placemaking grant, the San Antonio Board of REALTORS® created a buzzworthy “speakeasy” alley activation – La Zona. The project transformed a long-abandoned block into a vibrant new gathering space that comes to life with performance art, sculpture, music, and hyper-local offerings from area creators.
READ MORE
Long Island Board of REALTORS® Educates Public about New York’s Latest Protected Class: Source of Income
In 2019, New York State fair housing law added source of income as a newly protected class. Leveraging its ties to brokers, agents, property managers, and the public, the Long Island Board of REALTORS® launched an energetic campaign with multiple resources to help landlords and tenants understand the requirements of the new law affecting rentals. A mega-board Fair Housing grant from the REALTOR® Party boosted the campaign from planning stage to reality.
READ MORE
Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® Jumpstarts Neighborhood Revitalization
Through the REALTOR® Party’s new Transforming Neighborhoods program, the Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® welcomed a team of experts from the Counselors of Real Estate® Consulting Corps to study the potential of two severely dilapidated neighborhoods, with an eye toward housing and economic development. The team’s in-depth report will provide a roadmap for bringing these neighborhoods back to life.
READ MORE
Resources & Opportunities
Tackle Top-of-Mind Industry Issues
Interested in addressing such challenges as commercial disinvestment, housing gaps, brownfield reuse, and natural disaster response? Apply by February 17 through Transforming Neighborhoods for your association to receive expert analysis, plans, and actionable recommendations from the Counselors of Real Estate® Consulting Corps. Listen to the recording of a recent informational webinar to learn more about the program, application process, and insights from past participants.
Questions? Contact Christine Windle at 202-383-1135 or Samantha DeKoven.
Fair Housing Month is Around the Corner!
Make plans to use Fair Housing grants up to $7,500 to support fair housing month! Need ideas and inspiration? Access NAR’s Fair Housing Toolkit detailing how grants can support a variety of initiatives to uphold fair housing laws and strengthen REALTORS®’ commitment to equal professional service and being leaders of diverse, inclusive communities.
Questions? Contact Catherine Mesick at 202-383-7512.
LEARN MORE
Take Action with a Community Outreach Grant
You’re an advocate for change, and NAR’s Community Outreach Grants provide the resources to move your association’s agenda forward. Five grants with funding levels up to $15,000 help associations act on the issues that matter most. Check out our revamped page on the REALTOR® Party website and watch this Community Outreach video to learn how these grants and resources help REALTOR® associations build stronger communities.
Questions? Contact Christine Windle at 202-383-1135.
LEARN MORE
Create More Livable Communities
Apply for Smart Growth grants up to $15,000 to plan and advocate for policies and strategies that advance mixed-use development, higher densities, improved affordability, walkability, and access to transit. Visit REALTOR® Party Success Stories and search “Smart Growth” for examples.
Questions? Contact Hugh Morris at 202-383-1278.
Launching Soon: 2023 President’s Circle Program
The 2023 President’s Circle Program will launch at the end of January. If you would like to sign up for President’s Circle or have any questions, please contact Avery Walker.
LEARN MORE
Advocacy Resource Guide
The Advocacy Resource Guide –Vote, Act, and Invest, REALTOR® Party – includes resources and tools that can help associations reach their advocacy goals and meet Core Standards requirements. State and local REALTOR® association staff can request printed copies for events and conferences by contacting Ted Wright. Requests for printed guides must be submitted two weeks prior to the event.
LEARN MORE
Business Depends on an Accurate Economic Census
Every five years, the U.S. Census Bureau’s Economic Census surveys millions of businesses to measure the nation’s economy – yet many don’t respond. Results guide business decisions and policies that affect every industry and community. Historically, real estate employers are among those who underrepresent their economic impact. If you receive the Economic Census, make sure your business counts. Reply online by March 15.
New Podcast: Serving a Diverse Clientele Raises Your Credibility
Join Drive with NAR’s brand-new host, Marki Lemons Rhyal, for a discussion with Julia Lashay Israel, head of inclusion and belonging at Keller Williams Realty International, and 2022 NAR Fair Housing Champion Rafael Perez about the business opportunities you miss when you don’t serve diverse communities.
LEARN MORE
Community, Opportunity, Unity. Let’s Advance Fair Housing for All.
Fair Housing is a commitment to honest and impartial professional service. Check yourself and help protect against fair housing violations through continued education. NAR’s ACT! Fair Housing Plan provides fair housing trainings and resources to help you prevent discrimination in real estate.
LEARN MORE
Excel in Business with an Exclusive Web Address
Dot com addresses are commonplace, but only REALTORS® can own a .realtor™ web address that speaks volumes about what sets you apart from other agents. When you secure your personalized .realtor™ web address, you also get a FREE website to build your online brand and your business in minutes. Get started at get.realtor!
LEARN MORE
Post a comment