To prevent an extreme proposition that would curtail development in Los Angeles, the REALTORSĀ® of Beverly Hills/Greater Los Angeles used the power of the REALTORĀ® Party's Land Use Initiative and Issues Mobilization Grant programs. These resources and an unlikely partnership helped defeat the measure and secure housing opportunities across the city.
Heartland Associationās (IL) Land Use Analysis Guides Local Development Ordinance
The 1,000-member Heartland REALTORĀ® Organization had its work cut out for it when the first draft of the suburban and rural districtās Unified Development Ordinance was first released. Leveraging the REALTORĀ® Partyās Land Use Initiative and its past relationship with the county's Planning & Development Committee Chairman, the association provided an objective review of the ordinance, which was used to draft an ordinance that preserved responsible development rights, streamlined processes and limited regulatory burdensāa win for all parties.
Two Local Missouri Associations Help Communities Pass Much-Needed School Bonds
In the spring election season, Southeast Missouri REALTORSĀ® and the Mark Twain Association of REALTORSĀ® both used Issues Mobilization grants to improve neighborhoods by improving school facilities. Through energetic campaigns, they convinced the public to approve ballot initiatives that will fund major school improvements in the coming years.
Job Growth Creates Housing Opportunity
Itās the kind of āproblemā that most cities wouldnāt mind having: companies like Amazon, IKEA and Mars Candy opening or expanding facilities within city limits. Joliet, Illinois is experiencing impressive job growth, and is seeking to convert commuters and renters into local homeowners with a new down payment assistance program, the help of Three Rivers Association of REALTORSĀ® and a Housing Opportunity Grant.
REALTORSĀ® Leverage Housing Opportunity Grant to Promote Affordable Housing in Bellingham, Washington
In light of all thatās been learned about racial bias in the past year, the Greater Syracuse Association has been working hard to raise awareness of how the issue is at play in the real estate industry. Using a Fair Housing Grant from the REALTORĀ® Party, it presented Bill Dedman, the lead investigator on the Newsday āTesting the Divideā exposĆ©, as a guest speaker at a seminar for members.
Pacific Southwest Association Contributes to Award-Winning Handbook for City of San Diego
A Smart Growth Grant from the REALTORĀ® Party helped the Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORSĀ® take part in creating a Companion Unit Handbook explaining the nuts and bolts of Accessory Dwelling Units. The one-stop resource for homeowners has earned kudos from the mayor and the Urban Design Award from the San Diego Section of the American Planning Association.
Coastal Association of REALTORSĀ® (MD) Uses Housing Opportunity Grant to Promote K-12 Financial Literacy
On Marylandās Eastern Shore, the Coastal Association of REALTORSĀ® is working to equip the next generation with the critical thinking, collaboration, and financial planning skills that are essential for any communityās economic viability. With support from a Housing Opportunity Grant, it has established a three-year partnership with Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore, hosting a mock storefront in the JA Biztown and JA Finance Park programs for young students in nine area counties.
Correcting the Record
American real estate is the envy of the world. Itās a shining example of the potential of our free market system and a defining feature of our collective embrace of the āunalienable Rightsā set forth by Thomas Jefferson some 250 years ago. Considering the fight being waged against our members in some corners of the country, though, you wouldnāt always know thatās the case.
Advocacy Everywhere
Advocacy Everywhere is designed to expand the influence of the National Association of REALTORSĀ® and REALTORĀ® Associations on public policy at the local, state and federal level and to increase REALTORĀ® and consumer participation in calls for action (CFA).