In a rare tempest of the calendar, the 4,200-member New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORSĀ® found itself with precious little time to launch an independent expenditure campaign for Mayor Mitch Landrieu's re-election. This was thanks to an unlikely confluence of the date of its new trustees' installation and first PAC meeting, the Orleans Parish Election Day, and -- oh yes -- Mardi Gras. Landrieu (the brother of U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu, a longtime REALTORĀ® Champion, herself,) had worked tirelessly to improve the overall quality of life in the City of New Orleans and Orleans Parish, but was facing a tough...
To Defeat Rent Control Ballot Initiative in Asbury Park, New Jersey REALTORSĀ® 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 REALTORSĀ®, 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.
Greater Providence REALTORSĀ® Help Overturn New Property Tax Assessment Method
Barrington, R.I, a lovely coastal suburb of the state capital, full of higher-end homes and strong public schools, seems to have everything going for it. However, when property tax reassessments based on sale price suddenly superseded the customary three-year assessment schedule, the local REALTORSĀ® voiced strong opposition.
New York State Association Helps Elect One of its Own to State Senate
In the 2014 general election, the New York State Association of REALTORSĀ® (NYSAR) was bound and determined not to let its champion, a REALTORĀ® and homebuilder in New Yorkās Capital District, be defeated again in his bid for a state Senate seat. With the help of an Independent Expenditure Campaign that included direct mail, a Get-Out-the-Vote online video, Internet advertising and a door-to-door field effort, the 49,800-member association helped George Amedore (R) win this time ā by 11,000 votes.
Moses Creek REALTORSĀ® Put Out Fire Voicing Opposition to Proposed Fees for New Development
In Washington state, funding for fire safety is an unquestioned necessity. At the same time, thereās a statewide housing affordability crisis. Priorities collided when the City Council of Moses Creek proposed Fire Impact fees for all new development projects, adding a significant cost burden to much-needed new housing. With help from the REALTORĀ® Party, a Call for Action helped voice local opposition.
Greater Nashville Association Partners With Local Government to Breathe New Life to Tired Light-Industrial Area
The 3,000-member Greater Nashville Association of REALTORSĀ® is committed to making its communities healthy and livable. And, that includes putting resources behind their convictions. Most recently, they used a $10,000 Smart Growth Grant from NAR to support NashvilleNext, a three-year process to help the regionās most challenged communities. The Nashville REALTORSĀ® are working with the local government and national smart growth experts to breathe new life into Antioch, a suburban, light-industrial area, with an outdated mall and inadequate public transit.
NAR Report Outlines New, Tailored Policies to Address U.S. Housing Affordability Problems
Nationwide housing inventory is lower than itās been since the National Association of RealtorsĀ® began tracking this data in 1982.Ā To continue its work to address a problem that has long plagued American communities and has been worsened by COVID-19, NAR this week released new research arguing that the nationās affordability crisis will require policymakers to adopt a number of localized solutions. The paper, State and Local Policy Strategies to Advance Housing Affordability, recommends lawmakers pursue solutions through three key avenues: financial policy measures; policies aimed at increasing the supply of housing and zoning; and permitting policy reform.
Houston Association Partners With Mayor to Launch New App on City Website
The 24,000-member Houston Association of REALTORSĀ® (HAR) and the City of Houston jointly released Houston Living, a revolutionary new mobile app designed to give consumers instant access to information about city government, local events, real estate and more. Using a $25,000 Game Changer grant from NAR, the app connects the public to libraries, parks, schools, events, real estate listings, and city officials.
Northern Kentucky REALTORSĀ® Offer New Park Benches for Walking Trail
After hosting a successful, yet strenuous, walk-a-thon as part of its first annual Health Fair, the 835-member Northern Kentucky Association of REALTORSĀ® (NKAR) saw the need for some places to rest along the way. Not a group to rest on its laurels ā even after celebrating their 100-year anniversary this yearāNKAR used a Placemaking Micro-Grant from NAR, along with funds of their own, to pay for two REALTOR-branded park benches along the countyās new walking/bike trail
New Orleans REALTORSĀ® Bring Life Back to Beloved City Landmark With āBetter Blockā Redevelopment Project
When thousands of REALTORSĀ® descended on the Crescent City for NARās Annual Conference in November this year, the New Orleans Metropolitan Association of REALTORSĀ® decided to show them how a Better Block redevelopment project can make a difference in the still-recovering city. In an event featuring music, art and plenty of fun, the 4,400-member association showcased how they put a Smart Growth Grant to work to give hope to the desolate block that is home to the historic Dew Drop Inn. The event served as a kick-start for fundraising to revive the 70-year-old night club and hotel.