REALTORS® in Maryland and Louisiana ran successful issue campaigns to stop local governments from using their power of eminent domain to seize underwater mortgages. The Maryland Association got a two-year moratorium on the practice while the state legislature studies the issue. The Louisiana Association got an all-out ban on the practice. These successful campaigns follow on the heels of NAR’s adoption of a policy strongly opposing use of eminent domain for this purpose.
Ohio REALTORS® Back Legislation to Overturn Unfair Property Valuation System
With help from an Issues Mobilization Grant from the REALTOR® Party, Ohio REALTORS® and a coalition of like-minded partners convinced lawmakers to reform the state’s property valuation system – one which, unique in the country, allowed third parties to challenge the value of another’s residential or commercial property for tax purposes.
Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® Sponsors Event at Museum Exhibit Revealing the History and Legacy of Redlining
Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® took advantage of a compelling exhibition at the local history museum to educate members about their city’s role in the practice of redlining, and the negative impacts still felt nationwide because of historic housing discrimination. At a private reception, REALTORS® toured the galleries, spoke with the curator, faced some hard truths, and resolved to learn more.
REALTORS® in Ottumwa, Iowa Help Bring Life Back to Their Downtown
With a Smart Growth Action Grant, money of their own, elbow grease and lots of enthusiasm, the South East Iowa Regional Board of REALTORS® partnered with the Better Block Foundation and other community leaders to host the Main Street Ottumwa Better Block Party, October 12-15. “Overnight, our quiet and struggling downtown commercial area became a place to come together to shop, to eat, to play games, to enjoy some music, and even dance!” The next steps are to transform what they learned from the weekend event into lasting improvements for Ottumwa’s downtown commercial area.
Calaveras County REALTORS® Force Repeal of High-Risk Energy Conservation Loan Program
Thanks to a timely Issues Mobilization campaign, northern California’s Calaveras County Association of REALTORS® was able to reverse authorization for a loan program that the FHA no longer insures. When it comes to financing energy conservation improvements, they stand behind more responsible, less risky options.
Missoula Organization of REALTORS® Uses Rural Outreach Grant to Promote Good Water Quality
In collaboration with the Bitterroot Valley Board of REALTORS®, the Missoula Organization of REALTORS® is helping to educate homeowners, builders, and everyone involved with the real estate industry about the new rules governing residential property wastewater systems in Ravalli County, Montana. Their campaign was supported by one of the REALTOR® Party’s new Rural Outreach Grants.
Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of REALTORS® Advocates for Wildfire Safety Measures, Demonstrating Voter Priorities Through Polling
Twice in the past four years, Thousand Oaks, California has experienced devastating wildfires. To mitigate the risk of future damage and loss, the local REALTOR® Association used polling and a Consumer Advocacy Grant from the REALTOR® Party to help convince officials that maintenance of the open space surrounding the city should be a priority.Â
GADFly Newsletter – August 2024
In This Issue Check out new resources available on written buyer agreements. NAR legislative priorities updated for August recess. New federal low dollar fundraising program launches Wednesday, August 21. Introducing Compliance Corner, to provide an overview of the most common compliance questions heard from GADs.
Voter Registration Program
The Voter Registration Program provides tools and services to help REALTOR® Associations increase the number of members who are registered to vote. Nearly 85 percent of REALTORS® are registered to vote, but we can do better. As REALTOR® Association professionals, you play a crucial role in helping to protect the interests of the real estate industry. By making sure that your members are registered to vote on key issues and races, we help to ensure that The Voice for Real Estate® is heard by legislators at the local, state and national levels. Voter Registration Resources Option 1: Mail, E-mail or Combined...