As RPAC celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, Mississippi REALTORS® raises the bar for RPAC investment. During its Winter Meetings this year, the small state association hosted a lively Drawdown and Lip Sync event supported by a REALTOR® Party grant — and collected more than $83,000 for RPAC.
Utah REALTORS® School Lawmakers on Best Practices for Education Funding
With support from an Issues Mobilization Grant, the Utah Association of REALTORS® was able to convince state lawmakers that impact fees imposed on new development were not a rational source of funding for local schools – and would actually exacerbate the affordable housing crisis. Sustainable growth, the REALTORS® argue, will come from smart regional planning.
Pennsylvania REALTORS® Lobby Governor to Resume Responsible In-Person Real Estate Business
Across Pennsylvania, the pandemic shut-down was leaving housing consumers in dire straits, and real estate professionals unable to provide any in-person service. With 48 other states allowing at least some form of in-person real-estate business during the lockdown, the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® worked tirelessly to convince a reluctant governor that housing is essential business.
Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® Calls Members to Speak Out Against Unfair Tactics by City Council
When the Santa Barbara City Council was working on a tenant relocation ordinance, it quietly attempted to increase the mandated payment amount after the window for public discussion had closed. The Santa Barbara Association of REALTORS® turned to Advocacy Everywhere to let the Council know just how its members – and members of the voting public – felt about transparency in government.
Wisconsin REALTORS® Association Leverages Consumer Advocacy Outreach Grant to Communicate Statewide Need for Workforce Housing
The Wisconsin REALTORS® Association had a compelling report on the need for affordable workforce housing; a new collaborative grant from the REALTOR® Party is helping to get the information out at the local level, where the zoning and budget decisions are made.
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.
Leveraging Study of Local Homestead Tax Exemption Policies, San Antonio Board of REALTORS® Brings About Dual Tax Relief for Homeowners
The National Association of REALTORS®’ recent Housing Affordability Study inspired the San Antonio Board to commission one of its own on a local level, with help from an Issues Mobilization Grant from the REALTOR® Party. It used the resulting analysis of area Homestead Tax Exemption policies to convince city and county legislators to maximize tax relief for over-burdened homeowners.
Grants
The REALTOR® Party provides the following grants to state and local associations to help create, promote and sustain a vote, act and invest culture of advocacy. Broker Involvement Grants Consumer Advocacy Outreach Grant Diversity Initiative Grants Housing Opportunity Program Grants Independent Expenditures Issues Mobilization Phone-a-Friend for RPAC Grant Placemaking Grants REALTOR Party Conference Grants (For state associations) RPAC Fundraising Grants (For state and local associations) RPAC Major Investor Event Fundraising Smart Growth Action Grants
REALTOR® Party News Alert: Chicago Voters Reject Transfer Tax After Advocacy Blitz
The ballots have been counted, and thanks to an uphill fight led by the Illinois REALTORS® and supported by NAR, voters soundly defeated a detrimental real estate transfer tax proposal in Chicago.
Fair Housing Month @ Home
Each April, REALTORS® observe the anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act with events featuring speakers, training, and fellowship as we educate ourselves about the past and recommit to expanding equal housing opportunity in the future. In the coming week, NAR will roll out a Fair Housing Month toolkit tailored to observe the occasion from home