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The National Association of REALTORS® is hosting its first-ever Advocacy Week in the nation’s capital, combining four of its annual gatherings in one: REALTOR® Party training, Public Policy Coordinating Committee meeting, Federal Political Coordinator training and the Policy Forum.
In a video message, NAR President Kevin Sears says that by combining the four events, previously having taken place over two months, “we’ll strengthen our relationships across all advocacy groups.”
Advocacy Week will take place in the heart of Washington, and NAR anticipates nearly 1,300 people will attend.
The event coincides with the presidential inauguration and the beginning of a new session of Congress. NAR says it's an optimal time to bring advocacy leaders together as thousands of congressional staffers, lawmakers and executive branch appointees return from the holidays.
Those who attend the two-day REALTOR® Party training will learn about NAR’s advocacy objectives, resources and key messages. The Public Policy Coordinating Committee will tackle its routine agenda of refining policies on legislative and regulatory issues and overseeing NAR advocacy functions. Meanwhile, new and returning Federal Political Coordinators will undergo boot camp training on how to engage with congressional members.
Virginia agent Chandra Patterson, ABR, CRS, with Berkshire Hathaway RW Towne Realty, looks forward to getting together with her fellow FPCs.
“Whether you've been in [the FPC program] for two years, four years or however long, we all could use refreshers,” she says.
Patterson is one of 535 volunteers, one for every member of Congress, each serving as a voice and face of real estate to federal lawmakers. FPCs engage with their assigned member of Congress and advocate on behalf of all REALTORS® and the REALTOR® Party.
Patterson is the program’s advisory board chair and has built a relationship with Rep. Bobby Scott over the 17 years she’s volunteered as an FPC.
At advocacy week, she says new FPCs will learn more about their roles as advocates, understand the “dos and don’ts” when meeting with members of Congress and understand how to go through the proper channels, especially if they’re already socially connected with their members of Congress.
“Your conversation is going to be more intentional because you're there for a mission and a purpose on behalf of the National Association of REALTORS®,” Patterson says.
As the trainings and committee work wind down Friday morning, the Policy Forum will fire up. This year’s theme centers on tax reform, including provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that expire at the end of 2025.
Forum attendees will learn how tax reform—highlighted in January’s episode of the “Advocacy Scoop” podcast—can be leveraged to prioritize homeownership.
The forum is the ultimate Washington insider’s housing policy event. In previous years, speakers included think tank fellows, professors, administration officials, U.S. senators and CEOs.
Attendees typically are members of Congress, Capitol Hill and federal agency staffers and leaders from housing trade groups.
The forum is an opportunity for NAR to advocate for key legislation. Last year's event underscored the need for legislation making housing more accessible and highlighted several bipartisan bills like the More Homes on the Market Act and Neighborhood Homes Investment Act.
