Residents of Kittitas County in central Washington State were threatened with a 100% increase in their real estate taxes, and denied a vote on the matter, to boot. The REALTORS® gave them a voice through Advocacy Everywhere, and the County Commissioners heard it loud and clear.
Three North Carolina Communities Jumpstart Revitalization with Mainstreet Downtown Assessments Supported by the REALTOR® Party
Using Smart Growth grants from the REALTOR® Party, the McDowell Board of REALTORS®, the Yancey Association of REALTORS®, and the High Country Association of REALTORS®, all in western North Carolina, commissioned assessments of small town centers with an eye toward sustainable residential and commercial growth.
To Defeat Rent Control Ballot Initiative in Asbury Park, New Jersey REALTORS® Target Voters with Issues Mobilization Campaign
When a ballot initiative in Asbury Park, New Jersey threatened to override a recently adopted rent control ordinance supported by the REALTORS®, the state association launched a campaign to rally voters to preserve the original, less restrictive legislation. They prevailed with nearly a two-to-one margin, sparing smaller landlords with buildings of fewer than five units from the burdens of rent control.
Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® Leverages Issues Mobilization Grant to Help Struggling Town Shore Up Infrastructure
When a small, incorporated town within the Oklahoma City limits was being left behind by the surrounding competitive real estate market, the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® used an Issues Mobilization Grant from the REALTOR® Party to help secure two new bond packages to improve drainage, streets, sidewalks, and parks.
Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® Uses Advocacy Everywhere to Dissuade City Council from Imposing Real Estate Transfer Tax
When the City of Hercules, CA threatened to establish a Real Estate Transfer Tax to help pay for services and maintenance, members of the Contra Costa Association of REALTORS® raised their voices in opposition. The REALTOR® Party’s Advocacy Everywhere program helped to get the message across.
Southeast Alaska Board of REALTORS® Mobilizes to Overturn Mandatory Disclosure of Sales Price
Supported by polling and an Issues Mobilization Grant from the REALTOR® Party, the Southeast Alaska Board of REALTORS® pushed back against a 2020 Juneau ordinance that required the public disclosure of real estate sales prices, including financing and other deeds of sale. It was the thin end of the wedge, they believed, leading to transfer taxes on real estate.
Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® Advocate and Advertise in Opposition to Point-of-Sale Inspection Mandate
A Consumer Advocacy Outreach Grant from the REALTOR® Party helped the Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® mount a campaign against the point-of-sale inspections required in two dozen jurisdictions in the region. Featuring a prominent insert in two top local magazines, it raised awareness about how the mandate is a barrier to homeownership and a detriment to local housing markets.
Strengthening Ties at All Levels of Government
Rent control initiatives are sweeping the country, further limiting housing supply and exacerbating affordability issues. REALTORS® know sound rental policies are crucial to addressing America’s housing crisis.
GADFly Newsletter – December 2023
DATES TO REMEMBER Dec 14 RPAC State & Local Individual Year-end Transmittal Deadline Jan 2 Community Outreach Grants Open Jan 9 Issues Mobilization App Deadline for Jan. 16 Meeting Jan 9 Consumer Advocacy Outreach Advisory Board Meeting Feb 1 Deadline for 2026 GAD Institute Site Applications Feb 9 Transforming Neighborhoods Program Deadline Feb 22-23 New AE/GAD Orientation (DC) Mar 1 Deadline for 2027 GAD Institute Site Applications WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW Next Thursday: RPAC State & Local Fundraising Transmittal Deadline! The year-end transmittal deadline is Thursday, December 14, 2023. This is the final deadline for individuals to be recognized as NAR Major...
REALTOR® Party Ramps Up for 2024
Hundreds of REALTORS® kicked off December in St. Louis at the REALTOR® Party Training Conference, preparing to advocate for property ownership on behalf of clients and communities in 2024.