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Goals
- Protect our ability to do business.
- Promote the REALTORS® image.
- Promote the message that REALTORS® are the voice for real estate.
- Participate in political campaigns.
- Support the REALTORS® Action Fund.
Action
- Track real estate legislation at the federal, state and local level.
- Monitor real estate-related regulations and keep members informed.
- Interview and support candidates for elected office.
- Sponsor Local Government Relations Council.
- Facilitate involvement in political campaigns.
- Participate in the REALTORS® Action Fund.
Members Make a Difference
- Volunteering in local and state elections.
- Fundraising.
- Identifying - Crystal Ball - Issues.
Who is my state representative?
Simply enter your zip code in the box below and press go!
Where do my political contribution dollars go?
All political contributions go directly to one of the political action funds (PACs). The Bay East Association has two funds, the BORPAC, which supports candidates and the IMPAC, which supports/opposes issues. The state Association, CAR, also has two political action funds that are supported by member contributions. There is a state IMPAC, similar to the local as far as what the funds are used for, and CREPAC, which is similar to the local BORPAC and supports state candidates to legislature. At the National level, there are similar PACs. There are programs for contributions from $49 to $5,000. How the contributions are allocated to the various funds is dependent on the level of contribution. The local association is responsible for interviewing candidates for city, county, and state positions to identify the candidates whose philosophy towards real estate related issues best parallels that of organized real estate.
What elements are important to the success of a Government Affairs program?
There are several areas that are important when evaluating the success of a government affairs program.
- Issues Tracking and Evaluation - It is important to follow the issues and decisions being made at all levels of government regarding real estate and land use that will affect our members and protect their ability to do business.
- Education - The more understanding members have of changes in the laws, the better members will be professionally.
- Member Mobilization - When an important issue arises that will have a particularly positive or negative affect on real estate, it is essential that the members are informed and act. Individual members contacting their government officials on an issue has a strong impact.
- Developing Partnerships - Coalition building is a valuable tool in working with individual officials or other organizations. Most issues have many perspectives that need to be considered to reach the appropriate balance for a community. We strive to be recognized as the voice of organized real estate. Relationships that are built on an ongoing basis allow everyone to approach difficult issues with a common trust.
- Fund Raising - To be able to support or oppose important issues or candidates takes money. The money raised through our political fund raising is used through the PACs to accomplish our goals as stated above.
