New Hampshire REALTORS® had solid data refuting the concerns and misunderstandings that were impeding development of much needed housing in the state, but they knew no one was going to read lengthy documents. To get the correct and accurate information where it was needed, they produced and distributed a set of five-minute videos to educate consumers, legislators, and opinion makers.
Austin REALTORS® Leverages Multiple REALTOR® Party Grants in Support of Missing Middle Housing
With strong support from Austin REALTORS®, in 2023, the City of Austin approved the Home Options for Middle-income Empowerment (HOME) Resolution, initiating code amendments to reduce the minimum lot size to 2,500 square feet or less and allow for up to three residential dwelling units per lot. Backed by a variety of REALTOR® Party resources, the REALTORS® are maintaining the momentum toward increasing ‘missing middle’ housing.
Frederick County REALTORS® Maintain its Focus on Fair Housing
Undaunted by the forced cancellation of its annual Fair Housing Conference, the Frederick County Association of REALTORS® moved the message online in a colorful upbeat video highlighting the results of a Fair Housing Art Contest, complete with a mayoral proclamation.
New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania Associations Keep the Focus on Fair Housing at Annual Triple Play REALTORS® Convention
Who could resist a presentation called “Am I A Jerk at Work?” With the help of the Fair Housing Grant program from the REALTOR® Party, the state associations of New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania brought national speakers to their annual convention in Atlantic City to explore that question, and many more aspects of fair housing.
Oregon REALTORS® Host Annual Fair Housing Summit
Building on the success of its first Fair Housing Summit, which featured Richard Rothstein’s groundbreaking book, The Color of Law, Oregon REALTORS®’ second annual summit provided a deep dive into the history of fair housing and housing access in Oregon, how fair housing impacts business, and supporting fair housing in the community. The keynote address was again by Richard Rothstein, this time joined by his daughter, Leah Rothstein, in discussing their new book, Just Action: How to Challenge Segregation Enacted Under the Color of Law.
#FairHousingMakesUSStronger: Fair Housing Action Plan Announced
Yesterday, we, along with other members of NAR’s Leadership Team, met with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson, HUD’s Assistant Secretary of Fair Housing Anna Maria Farias, HUD General Counsel Paul Compton, and FHA Commissioner Brian Montgomery and other senior officials to discuss fair housing just hours after unanimously passing a new plan to tackle the issue. The meeting allowed us to reiterate our commitment to partnering with HUD to advance fair housing protections, and we agreed to work jointly on public service announcements and other proactive initiatives to communicate the importance of housing access...
Richmond REALTORS® Launch Housing Resource Line, Connecting Residents with Necessary Services
A new phone-based referral network for the Richmond region connects residents with services ranging from foreclosure prevention and elderly tax relief to stable rental housing and first-time mortgage providers. A Housing Opportunity Grant is supporting the program – and leveraging further funding from local foundations and jurisdictions.
With Help from the REALTOR® Party, Northwest Vermont REALTOR® Association Promotes Reforms to the Dated Land Use Policy Stifling Housing Production
REALTOR® Party polling helped the Northwest Vermont REALTOR® Association understand the disconnect between local perceptions about housing supply and affordability, and the impact of Act 250, the state’s longstanding land use regulation. With a Consumer Advocacy Outreach Grant, the association developed a campaign to clarify the issues: Unlock Housing Affordability Options for a Thriving Environment.
Wisconsin “Housing Works” Web Site Hits a Home Run
The Wisconsin Association and its partner, the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority teamed up to create — Wisconsin Housing Works — a web site devoted exclusively to workforce housing issues. The Wisconsin Association tapped NAR’s Employee-Assisted Housing (EAH) resources to develop this website, which informs and educates real estate professionals, lender partners, employers, and employees on the value of home ownership. The site lists EAH offerings in the state, describes how to create workforce housing programs and makes available training materials. The website is sparking calls from employers and municipalities for additional information on how they can create their...