Advocacy Priorities Front and Center in Anaheim
Thousands of REALTORS® gathered in Anaheim last week to Own the Moment at NAR NXT, The REALTOR® Experience. Attendees packed the room at Monday’s Advocacy Scoop to hear the latest on the association’s priorities and successes at the local, state, and national levels. Read more about what REALTOR® advocacy has achieved this year and what’s ahead.
What You Need to Know
NAR joined the Mortgage Bankers Association and the National Association of Home Builders in early October to send a letter to Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, declaring further rate increases could invite a recession. NAR has been proactive in raising awareness of the detrimental impacts of 23-year-high mortgage rates on an already strained housing market.
NAR hosted an Affordable Workforce Housing Symposium on October 10 in Columbus, Ohio. The CHIPS and Science Act has unleashed tremendous investment in the Columbus metro area, with the potential to create more than 3,000 new direct jobs and 7,000 construction jobs. The event included three panel discussions comprised of participants from federal agencies, local businesses, and community leaders on how to ensure this economic growth is sustainable for the region and its workforce.
NAR praised the White House’s Action to Create More Affordable Housing by Converting Commercial Properties to Residential Use when it released the plan at the end of October. “America is facing a more than $4 trillion underinvestment in housing that has left us short some 5.5 million homes,” said NAR President Tracy Kasper. “With many office buildings sitting empty, converting underused commercial space into multifamily housing is an innovative, tangible, and sensible solution that will also address housing affordability, which is currently at a historic low.”
NAR unveiled a state flood disclosure tracker in November, working with the Legal Research Center to conduct a complete, thorough, and accurate survey of existing disclosure requirements in all 50 states and D.C. The tracker aims to educate the public and Congress as it considers legislative proposals to reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
45M
As of October 31, RPAC fundraising reached 89% of its national goal with more than $45 million raised at all three levels of the association, and 120% of its federal disbursements allocation goal with nearly $12 million raised at the national level. RPAC has 9,625 Major Investors, 1,907 President’s Circle members, and a 35% participation rate.
The REALTOR® Party At Work
Don’t forget to bookmark NAR’s Washington Report for the latest policy updates.
Arizona REALTORS® Rally to Repeal Regressive Rental Tax
Arizona rental households had been paying an average of $51 per month in transaction privilege taxes, a burden that negatively affected the state’s property managers and renters alike. With housing affordability an increasing concern, Arizona REALTORS® redoubled their efforts to successfully repeal the tax with support from an Issues Mobilization Grant from the REALTOR® Party.
Royal Palm Coast REALTOR® Association Helps Members Learn to Serve Clients with Disabilities
A REALTOR® Party Fair Housing Grant helped the Royal Palm Coast REALTOR® Association conduct a symposium on serving clients with special needs. The event’s speakers – a REALTOR® focused on helping clients with disabilities and a builder specializing in barrier-free housing – shared what it means to offer proper standards of care to those whose abilities differ from their own.
Central South Dakota Board of REALTORS® Let the Dogs In
The Central South Dakota Board of REALTORS® used a REALTOR® Party Placemaking Grant to create a dog park for residents of Pierre and their furry friends.
Resources & Opportunities
Explore Fall 2023 On Common Ground Magazine: Zoning Innovation
Learn how land use controls, especially zoning, are changing to address housing demand, shifting demographics, and climate risk mitigation. A digital version is available via the OCG APP (Apple) (Google Play) and online. More than 35,000 copies will be distributed to state and local associations and elected officials.
On the list? If not, contact Hannah Dannenfelser or Hugh Morris.
You’re Invited: Community Outreach Webinar, Dec. 4th, 2-3 pm ET
Discover how to use Community Outreach grants and resources to advance your association’s community development and fair housing advocacy, engagement, and educational initiatives. Register today to gain valuable insight into funding levels, eligible expenses, application process, deadlines, and planning sessions.
Questions? Contact Christine Windle.
Advocacy Resource Guide
The Vote, Act, Invest Advocacy Resource Guide 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 Kathleen LaMarre. Requests for printed guides must be submitted two weeks prior to the event.
Share Your Volunteer Story to Inspire Lasting Impact
NAR is shining a spotlight on REALTORS® who take action and contribute to the greater good. Be proud of the important part you play and let REALTORS® Are Good Neighbors (RGN) celebrate you. Share your story, and your charity could be featured in RGN’s social media accounts.
L.E.A.D. Courses Enhance Your Leadership Impact
Whether you’re currently in a leadership role or aspire to be, the REALTOR® L.E.A.D. Courses will empower you with resources, strategies, and solutions to tackle the challenges of the future. Enroll now to position yourself strategically, leave a lasting legacy, and contribute positively to your association.
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