Advocacy Resources 
 Qualified Opportunity Zones Resources
The Qualified Opportunity Zone (QOZ) Program is a hot topic of conversation around the country, as the first round of proposed rules (released in October 2018) has allowed investors and developers to being engaging in it. The program provide tax benefits for investing in designated under-served communities (QOZs) and it has potential to be especially positive for real estate. NAR has multiple resources for GADs and interested members on the program and the rules that have been proposed so far:
REALTORS® Legislative Meetings' Hill Visits
During the 2019 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, NAR cleared the schedule on Wednesday, May 15* between the hours of 2:00 pm and 4:30 pm for Capitol Hill visits. We want to see YOU and your members on the Hill Wednesday afternoon!
*State associations may schedule meetings with their Congressional delegation outside this time frame due to Congressional schedules.
And the President’s Cup and Triple Crown Winners are…
Congratulations to the 17 states that won the President’s Cup and the 24 states that won the Triple Crown! These awards reflect the hard work of association staff and leaders like yourselves who have met their state’s RPAC and advocacy goals. The year-end 2018 President's Cup Report and 2018 Triple Crown Report are now available.
Update Your Information in NAR’s GAD Directory
Are you a new Government Affairs Director, serving your association in a government affairs or REALTOR® Party capacity, or do you have a new staffer who is? Please add (or remove) any contact information in the GAD Directory. Help us keep this list accurate and up to date. Thanks!
2018 Fourth Quarter Report: Land Use Initiative
A total of 13 requests were processed and approved during the 4th quarter of 2018. Short term rental type regulations continue to be a top issue reviewed under the Land Use Initiative. Other issues of note are zoning regulations that enable property inspections. For example, in Greensboro, N.C., the city is looking to reduce blight by inspections, whereas San Antonio is seeking additional authority for inspections of Senior Housing. Inclusionary Zoning measures were introduced in two cities — New Orleans and Longmont, CO. A Transit-oriented Development (TOD) proposal was reviewed from Rochester, MN. For more information, contact Adriann Murawski.
State Legislative Monitor
At least eight states (AZ, CA, MS, NE, NH, NJ, SC, TN) have introduced legislation related to affordable housing although the legislation in South Carolina would enable voluntary inclusionary zoning for locals. Bills have been introduced in 14 states regarding real estate licensing laws with varying goals. One example is a bill in Washington that would prohibit dual agency representation in commercial real estate transactions. At least nine states (CT, IN, IA, MO, ND, OK, OR, SC, UT) have introduced legislation regarding the misrepresentation of service animals. At least four states (HI, OR, TX, VA) have introduced legislation related to seller disclosure requirements for flood hazard areas or sea level rise. A “Homeowners bill of rights” piece of legislation was introduced in Wyoming which proposes to “amend the Constitution to require voter approval before any mill levy, property tax assessment percentage, tax on real estate transactions, or tax on real estate services can be imposed or increased.” For more information, contact Adriann Murawski.
Advocacy Everywhere
In 44 states, legislative sessions have convened, which means GAD Nation has reached its busiest season! NAR has many resources to help alleviate the stress as you start or continue your legislative efforts especially when it comes to engaging REALTORS® and consumers in advocacy. Is your state or local association thinking of launching a Call for Action (CFA) to compliment your direct lobbying efforts? Advocacy Everywhere is here to help, and is a full service provider to quickly mobilize advocates to support your legislative campaigns. Contact Melissa Horn to start planning your next CFA today!
REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts
More than 190,000 REALTORS® across the country use REALTOR® Party Mobile Alerts (RPMA) to receive a text message when a Call for Action (CFA) is launched, enabling them to take action within minutes from their mobile device. Timing is everything when it comes to a fast vote on legislative campaigns, so RPMA has become a top resource for associations looking to launch a CFA quickly. Help us surpass the 200,000 mark, and get a head start on state association goals to recruit more subscribers by encouraging REALTORS® to sign up! Between now and March 31, NAR is also running a gift card contest for REALTORS® who sign up for RPMA to be entered into a drawing to win a $250 Amazon gift card.
Meritorious Service Nomination Now OPEN
We are now accepting nominations from your state for the 2018 Meritorious Service Award. The deadline for submissions is March 8, 2019. Each year, NAR recognizes two outstanding Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) for their exceptional service to NAR with this esteemed award. These recipients are the best of the best of our FPCs, those who truly believe in and advocate on behalf of the REALTOR® Party. Recipients meet a rigorous set of criteria that set them apart from other FPCs. See a list of former MSA award winners and criteria for receiving the award. For more information about the MSA award and application process, contact Victoria Givens at 202-383-1021.
REALTOR® Party Grant Updates
$70,000 Awarded to Two State Associations for Consumer Advocacy Campaigns
Alabama and Missouri were awarded monies for first time homebuyer education/promotion campaigns from the new Consumer Advocacy Outreach grant. This year, state and local associations can apply for monies (up to $35,000) to create consumer advocacy activities in their communities that advance public policies that strengthen the real estate market, promote property ownership, and build strong communities leading to a healthy economy. States and locals are required to have “skin in the game” of at least 10%. For more information, contact Erin Murphy at 202-383-1079.
NEW REALTOR® Party Conference Grant
In early January 2019, the previously known RPAC Conference Grant transitioned into the NEW REALTOR® Party Conference Grant. This new grant can be found within the Programs & Grants section, under the Member & Consumer Mobilization tab on the REALTOR® Party website. Only states and regional groups qualify for this grant to host their own REALTOR® Party Conference in an effort to educate members and further the mission of the REALTOR® Party and RPAC. For more information, contact Vanessa Lopez at call 202-383-7509.
2019 Community Outreach Grants Available
REALTOR® Party Community Outreach grants — Placemaking, Smart Growth, Housing Opportunity & Diversity — are up and running. All grants offer a level 1 (up to $1,500) and level 2 (up to $5,000). Associations must commit 10% of the amount approved, and may receive one grant per level each year. Application deadlines are the 15th of each month through September. We encourage you to contact staff before submitting an application if you are not sure the project meets the grant criteria:
Educational Opportunities
NAR’s Candidate & Issue Campaign Training (CICT) Certificate Course – FIVE SEATS AVAILABLE
Planning to support a local candidate or issue in 2019? If so, join us for NAR’s Candidate & Issue Campaign Training certificate course. This hybrid webinar/in-person course consists of a 10-part, monthly webinar series leading to an intensive, in-person, 1.5 day training April 10 – 11 at the NAR building in Chicago. Monthly webinars are free of charge and open to all association staff members. However, space is limited for the full CICT certificate course –five seats remain so register soon! The full certificate course is $99. Visit our website for program details and to register. For more information, contact Kyle Lambert London and John Winston.
NAR’s Candidate & Issues Campaign Training Webinar Series Continues
These webinars are open to all, however are required for those registered for the Candidate and Issue Training Certificate Course
February 5, 2019 – 12:00 PM EST
Maximizing Member Mobilization and Consumer Outreach
Speakers: Erin Murphy and Melissa Horn, NAR
Register for Webinar
February 19, 2019 – 12:00 PM EST
Choosing REALTOR® Champions and Candidate Trainings
Speakers: Kyle Lambert London and John Winston, NAR
Register for Webinar
February 26, 2019 – 12:00 PM EST
Understanding Digital Media Buying
Speaker: Drew Brighton, Target Smart
Register for Webinar
RPAC News
Feb. 4: State & Local RPAC Chair Webinar
Please help spread the word to your association’s RPAC Chair! RPAC Fundraising Liaison Leigh Brown will discuss RPAC fundraising basics and best practices, including how to ask colleagues to invest, increase participation, and recruit Major Investors. This interactive webinar will also review fundraising laws, including who we can ask to invest in RPAC and social media posts related to RPAC. The webinar will be held Monday, February 4 at 1:00 PM EST. State and local RPAC Chairs can register here. Click here for a video promoting the webinar. For more information, contact Liz Demorest at 202-383-1061.
Feb. 27: Fundraising Training Webinar: Corporate Ally Program
Exciting changes are coming to the Corporate Ally Program this year! Beginning in 2019, the revitalized Corporate Ally Program will count toward your fundraising goals for receipts and Major Investors. The Corporate Ally Program will also be rolling out an improved benefits and recognition structure. Please join 2019 Corporate Investor Council Chair Kaki Lybbert, Lauren Facemire, NAR’s Director of RPAC Fundraising, and Jon Waclawski, NAR’s Political Compliance Counsel, on Wednesday, February 27 at 3:00 PM EST for a webinar that will address everything you need to know about these improvements, as well as how and who you can solicit for Corporate Ally Program contributions. Click here to register.
For more information, contact Liz Demorest at 202-383-1061.
2019 RPAC Fundraising Goals
The 2019 RPAC Fundraising Goals are now available on REALTORParty.realtor! Associations must meet or exceed these goals to achieve the 2019 Triple Crown and President’s Cup Awards. For more information, contact Lauren Facemire at 202-383-1080.
2019 President’s Circle Launch
The President's Circle launched its first round for 2019 on January 17, featuring the National Party Committees (with credit to your favorite Member of Congress) OR FPCs' direct contribution to their respective Member of Congress. The deadline for President’s Circle members to invest their first $500 is May 31, 2019. For more information, contact Avery Walker at 202-383-1268.
Celebrating 50th Anniversary of RPAC
Please join us in celebrating RPAC’s milestone anniversary throughout 2019! Check out the 50th Anniversary webpage for graphics, sample social media posts, and more to use in your association’s celebration. Be sure to follow the online posting guidelines when you share posts, and use the hashtag #RPAC50.
NAR’s Economic Outlook
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Homeownership Part of “American Dream”; Housing Costs Deterrent for Non-Owners - Among those polled, approximately 75% of non-homeowners reported that homeownership is part of their American Dream; 43% said cost was why they didn't yet own a home. |
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State-by-State Economic Impact of Real Estate Activity - These reports outline the total economic impact of real estate related industries on the state economy, such as home construction costs, remodeling, real estate brokerage, mortgage lending and title insurance. |
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Infographic: Existing-Home Sales - Total existing-home sales decreased 6.4% from November to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.99M in December. Current housing numbers are partly a result of higher interest rates during much of 2018. |
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Remodeling Impact: D.I.Y. - Homeowners and renters remodel, redesign, and restructure their home for a variety of reasons. This report takes a deep dive into the differences between remodeling when hiring a professional compared to individuals who “do it yourself” (D.I.Y.). |
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REALTORS® Confidence Index - REALTORS® report “interest rate” and “low inventory” as the major issues affecting transactions in December 2018. |
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For more information on NAR’s Economic Outlook, contact Meredith Dunn at 202-383-1207. |
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