Building Better Communities Timeline
1986
Housing Opportunities Committee (formerly, Housing Needs Committee, Housing Opportunity Committee)
To monitor, oversee and measure results of NAR’s housing opportunity programs and initiatives; to provide strategic direction on housing opportunity initiatives and to propose or develop new programs; to disseminate information on housing opportunity programs and encourage Realtors’ participation and collaboration through state and local initiatives; and to analyze, monitor and recommend policy on housing opportunity issues which are not within the authority of other NAR committees.
1998
Organizations: EPA Smart Growth Network
The Smart Growth Network (SGN), launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1996, is a coalition of public, private, and civic organizationsn including planning agencies, developers, environmental groups, and NAR
1999
Land Use Initiative
The Smart Growth Network (SGN), launched by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 1996, is a coalition of public, private, and civic organizations including planning agencies, developers, environmental groups, and NAR.
Land Use Initiative
Offers free expert analysis and talking points to REALTOR associations on state and local proposals that affect property rights such as zoning, rental regulations, impact fees, transfer taxes, and more.
Smart Growth PAG
The real estate industry’s concerns about effective land use planning, quality of life issues and the increased number of state, local and federal proposals related to growth management and livability, led NAR President Sharon A. Millett to appoint a Presidential Advisory Group to examine the issues. The Charge of the PAG was to: 1) Determine the impact of smart growth initiatives on real estate; 2) Develop guiding principles on local, state, and federal measures dealing with smart growth for incorporation into NAR policy;Develop strategies to strengthen the REALTOR® organization’s involvement in smart growth issues
2002
On Common Ground
Published twice a year (May and November), On Common Ground presents a wide range of views on smart growth issues to encourage dialogue among REALTORS, elected officials, and other stakeholders
2003
Smart Growth Advisory Board
Oversee smart growth initiatives and advise NAR on trends and policies that help REALTOR® associations promote well-planned, sustainable communities through balanced housing, transportation, and development efforts
2005
Smart Growth Grant
Smart Growth Grants support state and local REALTOR association’s efforts to advance programs, policies and initiatives aligned with one or more of the 10 Smart Growth Principles.
2009
State and Local Growth Polling
In partnership with NAR’s polling firm, provides REALTOR associations the ability to survey public opinion on growth issue. REALTOR associations can poll 400 local voters to inform and influence state and local officials with community insights.
2010
Housing Opportunity
Grant
Housing Opportunity Grants empower REALTOR Associations to advance affordable housing through improved systems, programs, and policies positioning REALTORS as community leaders in expanding housing access
Expanding Housing Opportunities Class
Expanding Housing Opportunities (EHO) is a course designed to educate real estate professionals on the range of affordable housing opportunities and clients seeking them
Expanding Housing Opportunities Class
The Employer-Assisted Housing (EAH) class is a unique opportunity to expand your business by working with local employers so that they can help their employees become homeowners or afford a home close to work.
2011
Smart Growth 21st Century Class
A four-hour educational program to help REALTORS and related civic leaders better understand and advocate for smart growth development in their communities
Community & Transportation Preferences Survey
A “national” poll of residents in the 50 largest Metropolitan Statistical Areas on issues regarding issues of community design, housing, and interest in walkable communities
2012
Placemaking Grant
Placemaking Grants support REALTOR association-led projects that transform underused spaces into vibrant public places. The goal is to strengthen community ties, build relationships with public officials, and boost local economic development. Funding may also support improvements to existing public spaces, such as benches, signage, or playground equipment.
2016
Fair Housing Grant
Fair Housing grants support state and local REALTOR association activities that promote partnerships with community organizations to create or improve systems, programs, and policies that advance fair housing and homeownership opportunities.
2017
Mega Board Community Outreach
Grant Established in 2018 as a result of the Future of REALTOR Party PAG’s approval, this program enables our largest local associations (15,000+) to propose comprehensive community outreach strategies without the need for individual applications for Fair Housing, Housing Opportunity, Smart Growth, and Placemaking grants.
2019
Transforming Neighborhoods
Through Transforming Neighborhoods, NAR partners with The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) Consulting Corps to deliver strategic analysis and recommendations for community revitalization, corridor redevelopment, adaptive reuse, and disaster recovery, working alongside local REALTOR associations and key stakeholders.
2023
Smart Growth Tours
Elevated quality and impact of Smart Growth tours at NAR conferences in collaboration with local associations, expanded visibility across NAR channels.
2024
Fair & Attainable Housing Ideas
Forum The Fair & Attainable Housing Ideas Forum was a virtual, interactive session hosted by NAR (with editions in September 2024 and March 2025) designed to help REALTOR association staff develop actionable strategies to promote equitable homeownership. Featuring a 45-minute training followed by breakout discussions, it enabled participants to brainstorm, receive real time feedback, and learn from peers successful fair housing and affordability initiatives while highlighting NAR grants, fair housing training programs, and community partnership models to support local impact.
2025
Smart Growth Learning Labs
Conducted in April 2025, was a webinar designed to help REALTOR associations lead on land use, housing, and community design by leveraging NAR grants, sharing successful strategies, and aligning local efforts with NAR smart growth and placemaking resources.
2026
Grant and Resource Totals
Advocacy resources for state and local REALTOR associations designed to enhance engagement and influence in community development and fair housing initiatives through targeted grants, strategic assessments, legislative analysis, growth polling and issue insight.