The REALTOR Party- Dues Increase for Advocacy Purposes

The new “REALTOR© PARTY –

Real Estate Resources from the National Association of Realtors ©

 

The National Association of Realtors© (NAR) recently rolled out a new program called “The REALTOR® PARTY”.  For those of you who noticed, and perhaps wondered about the $40.00 per member increase in dues, the increase funds this endeavor.  The initiative is a two-year $80 million campaign through which more than 50% of the NAR budget would be allocated to political advocacy; two-thirds of those funds would be returned back to state and local REALTOR® associations to support local and state candidates, issue campaigns, and other local and state political advocacy efforts.

On its website (http://www.realtoractioncenter.com/realtor-party/) the NAR addressed some FAQ’s as follows; Why Did NAR Create the REALTOR^® Party Political Survival Initiative?  In January of 2010, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Citizens United vs. the Federal Election Commission. The ruling states that corporate dollars – so-called soft dollars -- can be used to fund independent expenditure campaigns. 

This not only changes the way elections are financed at the national level, but it also overturns rulings that only allowed hard-dollars – those funds specifically allocated for political purposes – to be used in 23 states. This means political fundraising as we have known it for the past 100 years just shifted dramatically.  Corporate funds/dues can now be used to shape opinions about candidates in ALL 50 states

It is a game changer of gigantic proportions. It is as if the goal posts on a 100 yard football field were expanded to now cover 140 yards.

In order for “The Voice for Real Estate” to have the impact it has had for the past 100 years in terms of political advocacy, the REALTOR^® organization is stepping up its game.  No one has spoken with more power or more passionately about protecting private property rights and fighting for opening the door to the American Dream of Home Ownership than the REALTOR^® Family.

To maintain and grow our political power in this new landscape, NAR launched the REALTOR^® Party Political Survival Initiative.  The REALTOR^® Party Political Survival Initiative did not just happen overnight.

What does the REALTOR^® Party Political Survival Initiative mean for members?

The proposal is for a dedicated dues increase of $40.00 for each of the remaining years of the current budget.  There are two remaining years in the current budget cycle.

The increase would take effect in the 2012 budget year.  Because it is “dedicated” to this initiative, it would be used exclusively to fund political advocacy efforts.  After two years, the initiative will be re-examined for quantifiable results.

NAR has already contributed funds to this initiative out of its operating budget.

But it’s not enough to undertake the initiative at a level that would give it a best chance for success, so additional funding is needed. The increased dollars will be dedicated solely to advocacy purposes as outlined by the Political Survival Initiative.  If this is dues increase is approved, 50% of NAR budget would be devoted to political advocacy, which consistently ranks among members as the #1 benefit they receive from NAR. 

 

What are the benefits of the Political Survival Initiative?

The most powerful benefit is it will keep the REALTOR^® organization as one of the most influential advocacy groups in America.

There are monumental issues coming down the pike that will affect members in their daily businesses, such as the future of mortgage finance and keeping housing affordable in America.  We must have the power to shape this pivotal moment for the American Dream of Home Ownership.  Most importantly, these dollars will be available to state associations and local boards.

 

2/3rds of the dollars raised will be returned back to states to be used in support of local candidates and issue campaigns, and for other political advocacy needs -- to help shape the opinions of candidates on real estate-related issues as they work their way up as elected leaders. It will combine NAR funds with state/local funds to increase our political power It will create early relationships with state and local lawmakers/policymakers.  It will shape the political make-up of state or local governing bodies. NAR President Ron Phipps often comments that “now is our time.”

With this initiative, REALTORS^® are seizing the moment for home ownership.

We are doing this NOT ONLY because of the Citizens Supreme Court decision, but because our core competency is our grass roots advocacy; it’s where we need to be investing today so our future advocacy efforts will be successful tomorrow.

We need to be grooming our "REALTOR^® Champions" at the state / local levels now, before some of them progress to become elected leaders at the federal level.

The political press in Washington has already noted the emerging clout of the REALTOR^® Party.  A recent article in Politico said: “REALTORS^®… are going to want to be politically effective, and a large measure of their influence is that they are present everywhere.”  Now is our time to seize the day.

How can Maine use these funds?

To ensure that each and every REALTOR^® Association has the opportunity to implement a successful community initiative in 2012, NAR is supplying a wide range of services and tools.  One of these services is the NAR’s Smart Growth Action Grant program, available to support REALTOR® association efforts to implement programs and activities that position REALTORS® as leaders in improving their communities by advancing smart growth principles.

The Maine Commercial Association of Realtors (MCAR) was presented with a concept for a land-use study on the effect of proximity to rail transit on property values.  NAR surveys and studies have, over the past few decades have lent support to transit-oriented development (TOD) initiatives, and that the benefits of TOD can best be realized through denser, mixed-use development and infill of sites fairly close to rail stations. 

MCAR board member from Fishman Realty Group, Tony Donovan has proposed funding an assessment of the land-uses, ownership and potential impacts of passenger rail for property near a commuter rail station in a number of Maine towns.  Resources from the University of Southern Maine, Grow Smart Maine, regional MPO’s and town governments in the region have been identified for the purposes of this study.

The MCAR will apply for funding of $15,000 to be matched by individual donations and a fund-raising campaign by stakeholders.  MCAR and local Realtor® Boards may participate to the extent they wish to be involved, but otherwise are under no obligation to contribute costs or other resources. The final report will be available for all members and general public dissemination.

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