Many of the resources located in this Community and Political Affairs Division Resource Guide are part of the RIGHT TOOLS, RIGHT NOW Program.

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1 resource guide

2 ii In response to the needs of our members during this current economic market, the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) is making available over 300 valuable publications, education, services, resources and tools to members for FREE, at-cost or at significantly reduced pricing. NAR is here to assist you and your business with the RIGHT TOOLS, RIGHT NOW. The intent of the initiative is to put more NAR tools and resources into members hands to help them with their business Right Now. To accomplish this, NAR has made its robust roster of business-building resources more easily available by removing the financial barrier, thereby increasing the number of members who take advantage of these tools and information. Many of the resources located in this Community and Political Affairs Division Resource Guide are part of the RIGHT TOOLS, RIGHT NOW Program. Find out more about all of the RIGHT TOOLS, RIGHT NOW products and resources available at

3 iii AdvOCACy Broker Involvement Program The REALTOR Action Center Federal Political Coordinators and Fpc Conference Electoral Services Program DIVERSITY Leading With Diversity: A Business Imperative in a Changing World Fair Housing Resources Diversity Initiative Grants Diversity Toolkit Diversity Outreach HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grants Nar Foreclosure Prevention and Response Program Ambassadors for Cities Housing Opportunity Fund Grants Expanding Housing Opportunities Employer-Assisted Housing Class Housing Opportunity Toolkit Housing Opportunity Notes ISSUES Issues Mobilization Program State Issues Tracker Shared Gad Program Government Affairs Directors (Gad) Institute School of the Future Award Program Smart Growth, Public Education and Transportation Toolkits RPAC RPAC Direct Fundraising Outreach RPAC Major Donor Program President s Circle Program RPAC Major Donor Event-Based Fundraising Program RPAC Online Fundraising Program RPAC Education Outreach RPAC Conference Grants for States RPAC Fundraising Grants for Local Associations Customized Marketing Materials for State and Local Associations RPAC Fundraising Webinars Recognition Program SMART GROWTH Land Use Initiative Land Use Initiative Memo Database On Common Ground Magazine Smart Growth Grants Customized State Smart Growth Legislation Program State and Local Growth Polling Program Smart Growth E-News Quarterly Report STAFF ROSTER NOTES

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5 resource guide The Community & Political Affairs Division of the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) was developed to provide services that empower REALTORS and staff to be effective leaders, strengthen their communities and become more effective in their political advocacy. Our programs and initiatives help our members become experts on issues such as housing opportunity, smart growth and cultural diversity. Our issue resources keep our association staff up to date on the latest areas of law and policy that affect real estate, land use and property rights. Our grassroots programs mobilize our membership in support of issues important to real estate businesses. Our political programs promote the idea that we support those candidates that support the REALTOR party. This 2010 NAR Community & Political Affairs Resource Guide is your road map to discovering the NAR programs that your local or state association can use to become legislative and political leaders in your community. Feel free to contact the staff listed here to receive more information regarding any of our programming. Our mission is to help you develop your members and your association to take the next step in accomplishing your legislative, political or advocacy goals. Sincerely, Walter J. Witek Jr. Senior Vice President Community & Political Affairs

6 2 AdvOCACy www. realtoractioncenter.com The grassroots strength of state and local REALTOR associations is the building block toward meeting our goal to become the leading advocate for real estate issues at every level of government. The Community and Political Affairs Division of NAR has several programs to assist your association in their member advocacy programs. Broker Involvement Program The Broker Involvement Program provides broker-owners with a simple tool to rally their company s agents in bringing to Congress attention issues of concern to the REALTOR community. Broker-owners and managers are involved with their company s success, so it makes sense to be involved in the political process now more than ever with all the attention currently focused on our industry. Broker-owners make a difference. With the support of broker-owners, NAR can significantly increase our response rates to Calls for Action, thus influencing legislation that affects the real estate business. With the success of the Broker Program, NAR Call for Action response rates more than doubled over the last three years. The Broker Involvement Program offers: An effective method to increase our influence on important legislation that can affect you and your agents bottom line. A program that requires only a small amount of time with no cost involved and no software to purchase. The broker-owner receives a personalized message with the broker s name and company logo, along with the NAR Call for Action. This gives the broker-owner control and a position of leadership, making them the key source of information for their agents. With the broker s approval, NAR then sends the personalized message and NAR Call for Action to their agents and records the number of responses. Together we have the opportunity to bring a united REALTOR voice to members of Congress on issues of concern to the REALTOR and the real estate community. By the end of 2009, approximately 2,500 brokers enrolled in the program, influencing about 250,000 agents. WEB SITE CONTACT Ed Lawler at or elawler@realtors.org

7 3 THE realtor ACTIon Center The REALTOR Action Center, is NAR s grassroots online communications system that allows REALTORS to stay informed about national, state or local legislative issues and to take action regarding public policy that is critical to the real estate industry. The REALTOR Action Center also allows local and state associations access to the same grassroots advocacy software that NAR uses. This tool can be used to target Calls for Action, communicate with association members and provide REALTORS the option to their law makers at the local or state government level. All of this is provided free of charge to REALTOR associations. WEB SITE CONTACT Claire McDonough at or cmcdonough@realtors.org FEDeral PolITICal CoorDInatorS and FPC ConFerenCE Federal Political Coordinators (FPCs) are REALTOR volunteers tasked with delivering important messages to their U.S. senator or representative on key issues affecting the real estate industry. They are responsible for representing the REALTOR Party by conducting grassroots activities in each congressional district that help to develop and maintain a relationship with their Member of Congress. At the beginning of each congressional term (every two years), the Federal Political Coordinator Conference provides NAR s new FPCs with political and policy training, as well as tools to make them effective advocates on behalf of the real estate industry. FPCs also have the opportunity to join NAR s Committee/Forum Policy Leadership and State Association Leadership to engage in discussions about NAR s federal policy objectives and advocacy initiatives. WEB SITE CONTACT Laura Vogel at or lvogel@realtors.org ELECtoral ServICES Program The Electoral Service Program (ESP) is designed to bring state-of-the-art campaign tools to REALTOR associations. NAR is able to offer a wide range of campaign services, including voter files, targeting, data storage and polling. Through the ESP, REALTOR associations will have access to names and address for all types of communication campaigns. The goal of the ESP is to be a onestop shop for all association campaign needs, including: Names and addresses for issue campaigns and state or local campaign independent expenditures; A list of unregistered voters who are REALTORS in your area; Updates on and storage of previous campaign names and addresses; Polling to see how the public feels about an issue or individual candidate. WEB SITE CONTACT David Watts at or dwatts@realtors.org

8 4 DIVERSITY www. realtor.org/diversity As America becomes more diverse, more Americans of every race and ethnicity set out to buy homes and property. REALTORS can help buyers of any cultural background achieve the American dream of homeownership. Knowing how to work effectively with diverse populations can help you build business success in today s multicultural real estate market. NAR s Equal Opportunity and Cultural Diversity program offers workshops, grants, partnerships and events for REALTORS. This section provides information and tools to help you connect with diverse groups and create business opportunities. Learn about the business case for diversity and inclusiveness, discover leadership opportunities and find out about fair housing and equal opportunity. LEADIng WITH DIverSITY: A BUSIneSS IMPeratIve IN A CHangIng WorlD This workshop for association executives, staff and member-leaders focuses on state and local associations who are interested in seeing their organization flourish as the world grows more diverse. The three-hour session guides you through the process of incorporating diversity initiatives into your association s business model, organizational policies and ultimately your strategic plan. WEB SITE CONTACT Kyle Lambert London at or klambert@realtors.org FAIR HOUSIng resources NAR offers a variety of programs, information and resources that support homeownership and fair housing. These include: The Fair Housing Focus. This publication features information on diversity courses, community outreach grants, fair housing DVDs, FHA mortgages and other homeownership information. Information on Fair Housing Month (April). This information resource promotes fair housing to REALTORS with activities, tools, courses and products. Fair Housing Online Tools. Visit for tools to help members meet their fair housing commitment. Products. Fair housing products, such as the Fair Housing Handbook, are available to purchase for state and local associations. These can be found at the REALTOR store ( by searching for fair housing. WEB SITE CONTACT Fred Underwood at or funderwood@realtors.org

9 5 DIverSITY INITIatIve grants Local and state associations can apply for financial support to fund programs and activities that position REALTORS as leaders in our increasingly diverse communities. The Equal Opportunity-Cultural Diversity Committee (EO-CD) believes that providing resources to state and local associations is a key strategy in NAR s overall diversity program. Applications should support the strategies outlined in NAR s Diversity and Fair Housing and Cultural Diversity Strategic Plan. WEB SITE CONTACT Hugh Morris at or hmorris@realtors.org DIverSITY toolkit The Diversity Toolkit is an essential resource for state and local REALTOR associations seeking to understand, reach out to, partner with and provide services to consumers in today s increasingly diverse communities. The Diversity Toolkit has helped associations of all sizes join NAR in its commitment to diversifying its membership and welcoming professionals of different cultural backgrounds into its leadership ranks. WEB SITE CONTACT Hugh Morris at or hmorris@realtors.org DIverSITY OUtreaCH NAR, by way of its strategic plan, strives to provide a variety of methods and assistance for reaching out to members and consumers of all races and cultural backgrounds. Through agreements with outside, diverse real estate associations and the federal congressional caucuses, NAR has been able to form political relationships on local, state and federal levels, which effectively result in advancing policy on wide-ranging real estate issues. WEB SITE CONTACT Fred Underwood at or funderwood@realtors.org

10 6 HOUSING OPPORTUNITY www. realtor.org/ housingopportunity Now more than ever, American households struggle to meet their housing costs. NAR and its Housing Opportunity Program offer information, programs, training and tools that help REALTORS and REALTOR associations identify and advocate for housing opportunities in their communities so they can expand housing availability and ensure a broad range of housing options for all, in both the rental and homeownership sectors. Ira gribin WorkForCE HOUSIng grants To help stimulate REALTORS efforts to address the growing need for affordable workforce housing, NAR has established a one-time program to provide grants to state and territorial REALTOR associations or their housing foundations to support their workforce housing initiatives. The program, named for NAR 1989 President Ira Gribin, is running for a two-year period, 2009 to The Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grants Program provides grants of $50,000 and up to state REALTOR associations or foundations based on a sliding scale according to the association s member size. The grants are intended to support a broad range of workforce housing solutions. To that end, applications must address how the program submitted will impact workforce housing in that state. Applications must be coordinated and submitted by the state/territory foundation or association. Local housing foundations and associations are not eligible to apply directly, but are encouraged to work with their state or territory to participate. WEB SITE CONTACT Lora McCray at or iragribingrant@realtors.org NAR ForeCloSUre PreventIon and response Program The Foreclosure Prevention and Response (FPR) Program was created to aid REALTORS, their clients and the nation s communities in facing the challenges of the current real estate marketplace. Through this program NAR is providing grants to state and local REALTOR associations so they can develop coordinated plans of action to prevent foreclosures and respond to their adverse affects. In addition to grants, the program also provides an online toolkit, filled with information about educational opportunities and resources, government and private grant programs, community outreach programs and best practices related to foreclosure prevention and response. WEB SITE CONTACT Bill Gilmartin at or wgilmartin@realtors.org AMBASSADorS For CITIES NAR and the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) created the Ambassadors for Cities program, which brings together local REALTORS and mayors to increase home affordability and rental opportunities within a town or city. The goal of the Ambassadors program is to highlight successes in which REALTORS and cities have played significant roles. The initiative provides models that REALTORS and mayors can adopt in other cities. Each year, several highly successful local REALTOR associations and cities receive the Ambassadors for Cities designation and a $5,000 award to foster their initiatives. WEB SITE CONTACT Wendy Penn at or wpenn@realtors.org

11 7 HOUSIng OPPortUNITY Fund grants Local and state REALTOR associations can request financial support for programs and activities that create housing opportunities for area residents. The grants, for up to $5,000, can be used for activities such as housing symposiums, home buyer resource Web sites and guides, counseling services, financial literacy efforts, home buyer fairs, down payment assistance programs, public opinion surveys or other housing-related programs. WEB SITE CONTACT Wendy Penn at or EXPanDIng HOUSIng OPPortUNITIES NAR s Expanding Housing Opportunities course is a new six-hour course designed to educate REALTORS on the range of affordable housing opportunities and clients seeking them. The course increases REALTORS knowledge and understanding of how affordability impacts the housing market, their clients, their business and their community and helps REALTORS analyze affordable financing options. It also teaches REALTORS how to better leverage partnerships and resources to expand housing opportunities through workforce housing initiatives, green building concepts and advocacy to benefit the REALTORS, their clients and their communities. WEB SITE CONTACT Lora McCray at or lmccray@realtors.org EMPloYer-ASSISteD HOUSIng ClaSS The Employer-Assisted Housing class (formerly Home From Work ) is an innovative course that trains REALTORS to promote workforce housing in their communities through an employer-based benefit called employer-assisted housing (EAH). The class, which was updated in 2009, incorporates information, role playing excercises and tools to teach REALTORS how to reach out to local employers to help them establish an EAH benefit program. The class gives an overview of the various types of EAH benefit plans and the associated benefits for the REALTOR, employer and community. It highlights three common types of benefits: home buyer workshops conducted by REALTORS and their team at the employer s place of business; one-on-one home buyer counseling for employees provided by local nonprofits; and financial assistance to purchase a home using funds provided by the employer and leveraged with local, state and federal programs. With the EAH class, employers, REALTORS and their teams can help make a real difference for working families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to purchase a home. WEB SITE CONTACT Holly Moskerintz at or eah@realtors.org HOUSIng OPPortUNITY toolkit The Housing Opportunity Toolkit is an online resource for REALTORS and REALTOR association staff. The toolkit serves as a how to guide for playing a more active role in creating and sustaining affordable housing opportunities. The toolkit provides instructions for carrying out housing opportunity events, tips for applying for grants, best practices on a variety of topics and more. WEB SITE CONTACT Wendy Penn at or wpenn@realtors.org HOUSIng OPPortUNITY notes Housing Opportunity Notes is an e-newsletter that is distributed monthly and includes updates and news on housing opportunities at both NAR and around the nation. Current sections include NAR s Housing Opportunity Program News & Updates; Legislative & Regulatory News; Housing & Economic Indicators; Housing Opportunity in the News; and Conferences, Events & Trainings. Notes also highlights a new housing opportunity program and partner each month. WEB SITE CONTACT Holly Moskerintz at or hmoskerintz@realtors.org

12 8 ISSUES The Community and Political Affairs Division can expertly help state and local REALTOR associations deal with issues or concerns that occur in their communities through the programs listed below. ISSUES mobilization Program The Issues Mobilization Program provides financial and technical assistance to REALTOR associations that plan to engage in the public debate about issues that affect the real estate industry. Whether a ballot initiative, legislative issue or a proposed regulation, communicating the REALTOR position to targeted lawmakers, and voters, can win the argument and significantly enhance the influence of a REALTOR association. Issues Mobilization Program funds may be used to conduct an economic study or public opinion poll that serve as a lobbying tool or for targeted public communications to help win a full-scale issue campaign. As an added benefit, the voter files and targeting tools available through the Electoral Services Program are now an integral part of any issue campaign funded by the Issues Mobilization Program. These combined resources can help achieve the goal to advocate pro-real estate industry public policy and the ability of REALTORS to conduct their business. WEB SITE CONTACT Lisa Friday Scott at or lscott@realtors.org CONTACT David Watts at or dwatts@realtor.org State ISSUES tracker NAR tracks and analyzes the laws of all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the three U.S. territories for 19 core real estate issues on a yearly basis. In addition, six emerging issues that affect real estate, such as eminent domain, minimum service laws, and the sale of real estate by banks, are monitored on a monthly basis for any regulatory or legislative changes in the states. All of this information is placed in an interactive searchable database that permits the user to make comparisons among different state approaches to an issue and includes citations of the particular state law addressing each issue. WEB SITE CONTACT Bob McNamara at or bmcnamara@realtors.org SHareD gad Program Through the NAR Shared Government Affairs Directors (GAD) Program, NAR enhances the professionalism of local and state REALTOR associations looking for new ideas on how to hire a government affairs director. NAR will help interested REALTOR associations assess their needs for a GAD, determine member expectations for a GAD, and facilitate discussions about combining resources among local and state association partners to increase an association s ability to effectively represent its REALTOR membership. The Shared GAD Program can even help you review resumes and interview candidates. WEB SITE CONTACT Gerry Allen at or gallen@realtors.org

13 9 GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS DIreCtorS (gad) INSTITUte The NAR GAD Institute is an annual event to promote the education, networking and professional development of state and local REALTOR association government affairs directors. The Institute provides a forum for GADs to hear from nationally recognized speakers and other GADs on a variety of topics of interest to government affairs professionals. ISSUES WEB SITE CONTACT Gerry Allen at or gallen@realtors.org SCHool OF THE FUTUre AWarD Program The National Association of REALTORS is a sponsor of the School of the Future Design Competition, a highlight of School Building Week. Middle school students from around the country redesign their school spaces to enhance learning, save energy, preserve resources and make connections to the surrounding community. The program provides several opportunities for REALTORS and state and local REALTOR associations to become involved. WEB SITE CONTACT Bob McNamara at or bmcnamara@realtors.org Smart growth, PUBLIC EDUCatIon and transportation toolkits NAR has created three different toolkits to help state and local REALTOR associations become more involved in issues affecting their local areas. Each toolkit contains an in-depth description of the issue as well as case studies on how other REALTOR associations have addressed these issues. WEB SITE FOR TRANSPORTATION TOOLKIT: WEB SITE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS TOOLKIT: WEB SITE FOR SMART GROWTH TOOLKIT: CONTACT Bob McNamara at or bmcnamara@realtors.org

14 10 RPAC www. realtoractioncenter.com/rpac The REALTORS Political Action Committee (RPAC) gives REALTORS a powerful voice to help develop, advance and implement federal legislative objectives that affect the real estate business and the ownership and operation of real estate. RPAC supports pro-realtor candidates running for public office. It does not matter if the candidate is part of the Republican or Democratic Party as long as they are part of the REALTOR Party. At NAR, the RPAC team is proactive with direct fundraising efforts and education-based programs. RPAC DIreCT FUNDraISIng OUtreaCH RPAC Major Donor Program RPAC s Major Donor Program consists of an elite and passionate group of REALTOR contributors who partner with NAR to shape the political future for the real estate industry. Members of the Major Donor Program are eligible to participate in the NAR Recognition Program, with specific benefits and accolades that acknowledge their support of RPAC. With a minimum annual investment of $1,000, there are three levels within the RPAC Major Donor Program: Sterling R, Crystal R and Golden R. NAR affiliates and state or local associations that make a corporate contribution to RPAC will also be recognized at these various contributor levels. WEB SITE CONTACT Mike Sanzi at or msanzi@realtors.org President s Circle Program The President s Circle is an influential group of REALTORS who contribute directly to REALTOR - friendly candidates at the federal level in response to requests from the RPAC Trustees. The legal limit any PAC can give a Member of Congress is $10,000. The President s Circle Program allows REALTORS to contribute beyond RPAC dollars and capture the attention of Capitol Hill. Being an RPAC Major Donor is a prerequisite for participating in the President s Circle Program. In addition to a greater voice for REALTORS in the federal legislative process, President s Circle members enjoy exclusive benefits through the Recognition Program, beyond what they already receive as an RPAC Major Donor. WEB SITE CONTACT Brooke Roth at or broth@realtors.org RPAC Major Donor Event-Based Fundraising Program NAR s Major Donor Event-Based Fundraising Program is a hands-on initiative that provides an innovative approach to emphasizing the value of RPAC in an exclusive and customized setting. In collaboration with state and local associations and state leadership, NAR works to identify REALTORS willing to support RPAC as Major Donors and host personalized events designed to explain the connection between legislative successes and RPAC contributions. NAR staff is qualified to provide detailed structural support, handle all event logistics and supply all of the assistance necessary to produce a

15 11 RPAC successful event. During these NAR-sponsored events, attendees get a special legislative briefing from REALTOR staff, have the opportunity to ask questions about RPAC, and receive a comprehensive explanation of RPAC Major Donor benefits. The events are 100 percent NAR-sponsored, and 70 percent of all proceeds go directly to the state or local REALTOR association. This program has resulted in thousands of RPAC dollars raised nationwide and numerous new Major Donors. WEB SITE CONTACT Shannon Wright at or swright@realtors.org CONTACT Christopher Nave at or cnave@realtors.org RPAC Online Fundraising Program An integral part of the NAR REALTOR PAC Management Tool, the robust Online Fundraising Program works proactively in collaboration with state and local associations and brokers to promote the overall presence of RPAC efforts and increase grassroots-level donations nationwide. NAR provides resources to state and local association staff in the way of training and technical assistance, as well as strategy development and marketing outreach. WEB SITE CONTACT Peter Kelly at or pkelly@realtors.org RPAC EDUCatIon OUtreaCH RPAC Conference Grants for States The RPAC Conference Grants help state associations increase their RPAC fundraising receipts and RPAC participation. Each state can apply for as much as $0.10 per member. States with less than 50,000 members can apply for up to $5,000. NAR will provide help with sample fundraising manuals, fundraising plans, conference agendas and PowerPoint presentations, as well as recommendations on professional fundraising trainers and consultants to speak at your conference. This program is limited to states with election laws that do not ban use of corporate political contributions for use in fundraising. WEB SITE CONTACT Shannon Burke at or sburke@realtors.org RPAC Fundraising Grants for Local Associations The RPAC Fundraising Grants help local associations increase their RPAC fundraising receipts and RPAC participation. Local associations may apply for grants of up to $5,000 to be used for fundraising purposes, such as a special fundraising event (auction, Miss RPAC contest, etc.); fundraising video or DVD production and distribution; distribution of fundraising materials; or RPAC messaging for new member orientations. This program is limited to states with election laws that do not ban use of corporate political contributions for use in fundraising. WEB SITE CONTACT Shannon Burke at or sburke@realtors.org

16 12 Customized Marketing Materials for State and Local Associations NAR provides marketing materials for state and local associations to be used for donor education and/or solicitation purposes. This includes creation of customized RPAC brochures or dues billing inserts using your logo, donor clubs and state and local issues. Choosing from 13 template options, National RPAC will pay for the design, printing and delivery to your office of enough materials for every member in your association, plus an additional 20 percent for new members and special events. This program is limited to states with election laws that do not ban use of corporate political contributions for use in fundraising. WEB SITE CONTACT Shannon Burke at or RPAC Fundraising Webinars The RPAC Fundraising Webinar Series is designed to help REALTOR volunteers, as well as state and local association staff, acquire practical RPAC training skills without leaving their office. The majority of the interactive webinars are hosted by NAR s former Senior Political Representative and now fundraising consultant, Jane Saunders. Webinars are scheduled twice a month, and topics include: Getting Started; Legal Information; The 1/3 Rule; Financial Tracking; and Fundraising Special Events. WEB SITE CONTACT Kristen Daugherty at or kdaugherty@realtors.org Recognition Program The NAR Recognition Program provides special accolades to our most valued group of investors, the RPAC Major Donors and President s Circle members, through a compilation of benefits that are exclusive to this elite group of supporters. Through the Recognition Program, we are able to provide tangible and meaningful thanks for their investment in RPAC. Some of the program benefits for Major Donors include recognition pins and plaques, invitations to private receptions at NAR meetings and conferences, recognition in printed and online NAR materials and raffles to various events. In addition to the previously listed benefits, President s Circle members also receive regular exclusive webinars and newsletters, special invitations to various events, VIP seating at NAR concerts and access to headquarter hotels at national meetings. Program benefits for state and local associations include invitation for two guests to attend Major Donor receptions and various awards given out at the annual State Awards Ceremony. WEB SITE CONTACT Kirsten Ott at or kott@realtors.org

17 13 SMART GROWTH www. realtor.org/smartgrowth Keeping a community attractive, livable and functioning well is a complex task. Who better to be stewards of their community than REALTORS? Whether your community is grappling with transportation and land use issues, crowded schools or open space, or working to bring vacant properties back to productive use, NAR s Smart Growth Program has resources to help you and your association plant seeds that will pay dividends for years to come. LAND USE INITIatIve NAR s land use initiative helps state and local REALTOR associations conduct public policy advocacy regarding land use issues. Upon request, NAR will provide expert analysis of the legal, planning, economic and environmental issues surrounding legislative and regulatory land use proposals. WEB SITE CONTACT Bob McNamara at or bmcnamara@realtors.org LAND USE INITIatIve memo DataBASE The NAR Land Use Initiative Memo Database includes over 500 legislative proposals that have been received and commented on by the Land Use Initiative in a searchable database format. You can research how other areas have dealt with land use and growth issues. The database can be searched by state, issue, date or keyword. WEB SITE CONTACT Bob McNamara at or bmcnamara@realtors.org SMART GROWTH ON Common ground magazine On Common Ground is published twice each year and is distributed free of charge. The publication presents a wide range of views on Smart Growth issues, with the goal of encouraging a dialogue among REALTORS, elected officials and other interested citizens. Local and state associations can receive bulk copies of the magazine or provide an address list to have copies of the magazine delivered directly to individuals. WEB SITE CONTACT Joe Molinaro at or jmolinaro@realtors.org Smart growth grants To increase the effectiveness of local association efforts in creating livable communities, NAR has established a grant program to fund programs and activities that position REALTORS as leaders in improving their communities by advancing smart growth and green building policies. The grants are awarded twice a year and can be used for activities such as a smart growth conference or speaker series to educate members and local elected officials on the concepts of smart growth, development of a community vision through a community planning workshop or joining a coalition that is working toward a similar community vision. WEB SITE CONTACT Hugh Morris at or hmorris@realtors.org

18 14 CUStomIZED State Smart growth legislation Program The Customized State Smart Growth Legislation Program provides assistance to state REALTOR associations that wish to take the lead in writing and introducing legislation to help the state better address the challenges of growth and improve local communities. NAR will offer, at a reduced rate to the state association, the services of respected land use law firm, Robinson & Cole, to draft state legislation on Smart Growth issues. Examples might include new zoning enabling legislation, requirements for local planning, changes in subdivision law or open space protection. These proposals must be related to land use and smart growth and should involve issues that can gain support from a constituency beyond REALTORS. WEB SITE CONTACT Bob McNamara at or bmcnamara@realtors.org State and local growth PollIng Program The NAR State and Local Growth Polling Program enables state and local REALTOR associations to conduct polling on growth-related issues in their areas. The program introduces state and local associations to NAR-affiliated public opinion firms in order to perform a survey on the opinions of the local or state residents concerning growth. The surveys can be used as powerful tools to get the attention of government officials on the perceived needs of your community or to develop messages for advocacy campaigns. The cost varies depending on the detail of the poll as well as which public opinion firm. NAR will pay 50 percent of the cost of the surveys conducted by any local or state REALTOR associations using this program. WEB SITE CONTACT Hugh Morris at or hmorris@realtors.org Smart growth E-neWS QUarterlY report The Smart Growth e-news Quarterly Report is a service of NAR that provides information and status on growth-related initiatives at the state and local levels. The report is updated four times per year and can be searched by state. WEB SITE CONTACT Bob McNamara at or bmcnamara@realtors.org

19 15 Management and Administration Walt Witek Senior Vice President Becky DeVaughn Senior Executive Assistant Gerry Allen Communications Manager Rick Miller Managing Director, Advocacy Joe Molinaro, Managing Director, Smart Growth and Housing Opportunity Michael Sanzi, Managing Director, RPAC Fundraising Tim Ryan Chief of Staff Hilary Woodward Communications Representative STAFF ROSTER STAFF ROSTER Program Specialties Cultural Diversity/Fair Housing Kyle Lambert London Education Manager Fred Underwood Director, Diversity Electoral Service/Issues Mobilization Lisa Friday Scott Manager, Public Policy David Watts Electoral Services Representative Housing Opportunity Lora McCray Manager, Housing Opportunity Program Holly Moskerintz Community & Political Affairs Representative Wendy Penn Housing Opportunity Program Representative

20 16 Political Programs Ed Lawler Director, Broker Involvement Program Claire McDonough Grassroots Representative Erin Murphy Broker Online Campaign Manager Laura Vogel Manager, Federal Member Advocacy Jackie Zaporowski Broker Client Services & Database Manager RPAC Program Shannon Burke Major Donor Program Coordinator Kristen Daugherty Major Donor Program Coordinator Peter Kelly RPAC Online Fundraising Director Christopher Nave, RPAC Major Donor Fundraising Representative Kirsten Ott RPAC Fundraising Coordinator Brooke Roth Manager, RPAC Fundraising Shannon Wright, Major Donor Fundraising Representative Smart Growth/Green Building Hugh Morris Smart Growth/Community Outreach Representative Bob McNamara Senior Smart Growth Representative

21 Are you interested in finding out more about any of the programs listed in the 2010 Community and Political Affairs Resource Guide? Simply check the box next to the program you are interested in and fax or a copy of this page back to the NAR Community and Political Affairs division. We will make sure that one of our staff members contacts you to answer your questions and get you the information you need to make the REALTORS in your area leaders in their communities. You can also fill this form out online at ADVOCACY Broker Involvement Program Federal Political Coordinators and FPC Conference CULTURAL DIVERSITY Leading With Diversity Diversity Initiative Grants Diversity Outreach HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Ira Gribin Workforce Housing Grants Ambassadors for Cities Expanding Housing Opportunities Housing Opportunity Toolkit The REALTOR Action Center Electoral Services Program Fair Housing Resources Diversity Toolkit NAR Foreclosure Prevention & Response Program Housing Opportunity Fund Grants Employer-Assisted Housing Class Housing Opportunity Notes more info ISSUES Issues Mobilization Program State Issues Tracker Shared GAD Program Government Affairs Directors (GAD) Institute School of the Future Award Program Smart Growth, Public Education and Transportation Toolkits RPAC Major Donor Program President s Circle Program RPAC Fundraising Grants RPAC Major Donor Event-Based for Local Associations Fundraising Program RPAC Online Fundraising Program RPAC Conference Grants for States RPAC Fundraising Webinars Recognition Program Customized Marketing Materials for State and Local Associations SMART GROWTH/GREEN BUILDING Land Use Initiative Land Use Initiative Memo Database On Common Ground Magazine Smart Growth Grants State and Local Growth Polling Program Smart Growth E-News Quarterly Report Customized State Smart Growth Legislation Program For more information on any of these programs, please fax or this sheet to: Gerry Allen, Communications Manager, Community & Political Affairs Division Fax gallen@realtors.org NAME ASSOCIATION PHONE/

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