NAR 2019 Legislative Conference Wrap-up
May 16, 2019
By: Guest Author, Vice President of Political Operations, Anthony Reedy
This week, nearly 10,000 REALTORS® from around the United States converged on Washington, D.C. for the annual NAR Legislative Meetings & Trade Show. The conference’s packed agenda included governance meetings, educational session, inspirational speakers, RPAC celebrations, and Capitol Hill Visits.
Thousands of REALTORS® traversed Capitol Hill on Wednesday and Thursday, carrying information packets with the classic R® logo, to spread that message with Members of Congress. The advocacy message also included a push for a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program with much needed reforms, finalizing the rules for Qualified Opportunity Zones with an extended application deadline, and passing a law to codify Fair Housing protections for the LGBTQ community.
The overarching theme of the week was a focus on the REALTORS® “That’s Who We R®” campaign, a new public relations effort to remind consumers and policy makers about the value of REALTORS® to the consumer and the community.
The work of 1.3 million REALTORS® across the country drives approximately one-fifth of our nation’s gross domestic product, boosting local economies and providing a path to prosperity for families.
NAR celebrated REALTORS® who have invested much in these advocacy efforts that the RPAC Awards and Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. NAR recognized a dozen Virginia REALTORS® who reached either $50,000 or $25,000 in lifetime giving to RPAC. The Virginia Inductees who reached this milestone in 2018 are:
$50,000 RPAC Hall of Fame Level
Tom Jefferson – Richmond
$25,000 RPAC Hall of Fame Level
Robert Dawson – Lynchburg
Claire Forcier-Rowe – Short Pump
Lynn Grimsley – Newport News
Margaret Handley – McLean
Shane McCullar – Alexandria
Susan Mekenney – Springfield
Denise Ramey – Charlottesville
Zinta Rodgers-Rickert – Chantilly
Karen Smith – Richmond
Suzy Stone – Fredericksburg
Mack Strickland – Chester
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