Search Results for: call for action

When the 4,000-member San Francisco Association of REALTORS® (SFAR,) learned about an additional transfer tax proposed for many of the city's multi-unit properties, it launched into action. With the help of an Issues Mobilization Grant from NAR, the association successfully got the proposal defeated. One key to SFAR's campaign was its outreach to the city's Chinese-speaking community, which constitutes a full third of the population.

The 495-member Greater South Bend-Mishawaka Association of REALTORS® took the lead in breathing new life into a largely Hispanic local neighborhood.  With a Smart Growth Grant, funds of its own, and lots of community engagement, they hosted a Better Block Weekend last October that transformed an under-used area into a new streetscape with bike lanes, wider sidewalks, landscaping and lighting.  The lively event with street vendors and music helped residents envision a new future for the area and set the stage for permanent improvements.

When a seat opened up on the San Jose, CA City Council last January, the 5,000-member Santa Clara County Association of REALTORS® saw an opportunity to elect a candidate who would stand up for their issues. This was especially important with a number of significant property-rights issues looming on the horizon. With an Independent Expenditure grant from NAR and political action funds of their own, they helped their candidate win a decisive victory in the June election.

When small businesses and second home owners became targets for major tax hikes in their state, Washington REALTORS® jumped into action. Through a multi-faceted campaign called “Recover Washington” the 17,500-member association was able to defeat a 20 percent increase in the gross receipts tax paid by REALTORS®, as well as a 7 percent capital gains tax on investment properties and second homes.

What started as two people talking about how to spend $2,200 to improve the atmosphere of a bleak urban space, resulted in a vibrant public arts project that is now valued at $50,000, attracted a visit from a Supreme Court Justice, and, most importantly, has spurred pride and positive engagement in its neighborhood.

The Texas Association of REALTORS® pulled all the stops to ensure that Proposition 1 would pass. The ballot measure amended the state constitution, increasing the homestead exemption and banning real estate transfer tax on all real estate sales. The Issues Mobilization Program, targeted outreach and a comprehensive website helped the 100,000-member association educate its members and the public on the ballot measure, ensure its success.

The Atlanta Board of REALTORS®’ Annual Chili Cook Off for RPAC has become a sellout, staple event for its 5,700 members. Local sponsors, a DJ and funds from a RPAC Fundraising Grant added additional flavor to a spicy event that raised more than $20,000.

A Diversity Initiative Grant helped the Middle Georgia Association of REALTORS® bring elected officials, community leaders, homeowners and potential homebuyers together to create partnerships to address the communities most basic needs and brainstorm affordable housing solutions to a county facing a nearly 23.5% poverty level.

Instead of each local association individual advocacy and consumer outreach plans, North Carolina REALTORS®, the state association, used a Game Changer Grant to create a strong single program called “NC REALTORS®: The Smart Move” to promote public understanding of the value of using a REALTOR®, and to position REALTORS® as the premier real estate advocacy resource and a key community partner.

Facebook Live, webinars, text and e-newsletters, oh my! The Texas Association of REALTORS® have found advocacy success using social media and online communications, engaging the association’s 114,000 members in the legislative process and establishing association personal as legislative experts.