The REALTORS® of Puerto Rico are no strangers to challenge with a high unemployment rate at average and foreclosures up almost 90 percent since 2008. The 350-member association stepped up in a big way, successfully leading the fight to repeal a 10.5 percent tax on services that was going into effect.
Washington REALTORS® Support One of Their Own for County Council
For the 1,700-member Clark County Association of REALTORS® (CCAR) in southwest Washington state, supporting John Blom for County Council was a no-brainer. As REALTOR® Champions go, there could hardly be a more obvious choice—active in NAR, RPAC, CCAR and its Government Affairs Committee. When John decided to run for office, the REALTORS® were there to support him through the REALTOR® Party’s Independent Expenditure program.
Central Oregon Restores Balance to City Council with IE Program
When faced with the expected population boom in Bend, OR, the Central Oregon Association of REALTORS® knew it was crucial to restore balance in the city’s anti-growth City Council. Using the REALTOR® Party’s Independent Expenditure Program, the 1700 member association backed candidates who supported smart growth, fiscal responsibility, and sound solutions to the challenges our growing city faces…and won.
Quad Cities REALTORS® Put Their Marketing & Negotiation Skills to Work to Promote Schools
Since school quality plays such a large role in home buying decisions, the Quad Cities Area REALTOR® Association decided to put their marketing and negotiation skills to work to promote their area schools. They began by inviting major employers, mayors and school superintendents in the 23-community area to a conference to have a frank discussion about diversity, inclusion and steering. The conference resulted in plans to build a robust website featuring comprehensive information on each school that will help families make informed decisions about where they want to live.
Miami REALTORS® Create Better Block in West Coconut Grove
Teams of both YPNs and "Old PNs" (as they're affectionately known in Miami) came together with the University of Miami’s School of Architecture to revive a vacant lot in West Coconut Grove with a new weekly marketplace and a vibrant landmark mural celebrating the area's Bahamian immigrant culture.
Boise Regional REALTORS® Boost School District with Issues Mobilization Grant
In the fastest growing region in the fastest growing state in the nation, the public school facilities could not keep up with the booming student population. An Issues Mobilization campaign helped get a $95 million bond measure approved for new schools, school expansions, and the purchase of future school sites.
Greater Nashville REALTORS® Put Placemaking Grant to Work for Pedestrian Plaza
With vision, elbow grease, and a Placemaking Grant, Greater Nashville REALTORS® partnered with a local civic design organization to transform a dismal traffic triangle into a cheerful, safer pedestrian refuge.
Hawai’i REALTORS® Improve Public Education without Property Tax Surcharges
The REALTORS® of Hawai’i want high quality public education throughout their state, which suffers from extremely high teacher-turnover. This fall, they led the charge against a ballot measure that would allow for the creation of a property tax surcharge on residential investment properties to fund the Department of Education. And then they redoubled their focus on affordable housing.
Successful Florida REALTORS® Campaign Leads to Property Tax Limits on Non-Homestead Properties
In the fourth and final phase of a ten-year effort, the Florida REALTORS® were able to secure a permanent 10% cap on non-homestead property tax through an Issues Mobilization campaign supported by the REALTOR® Party. Had the limit not been approved by voters, 700,000 Florida property owners stood to be hit by a projected $627 million increase in additional property taxes annually.
Celebrating National Homeownership Month with Pride
June is National Homeownership and LGBT Pride Month. While we are recognizing the important relationship between homeownership and encouraging people to learn more about homeownership opportunities and financial management plans, it is equally important to celebrate gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people and all other sexual orientations and genders.