The Dayton Area Board of REALTORS® does much more than simply provide MLS and technology solutions for members. We are also member and consumer advocates for housing issues in the Dayton area. We regularly meet with city leaders, township trustees, and other government officials to discuss home ownership opportunities, counsel them on property issues, and support their pro-housing initiatives. At the state level, the Ohio Association of REALTORS® supports members through active engagement with legislators at the Ohio Statehouse, and NAR represents the membership for issues that have a nationwide impact.
Here’s a look at what we have been doing so far in 2017 on behalf of the membership and consumers:
- DABR Leadership spent time with Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley to discuss REALTORS® playing a role in community and business projects in the area. Also discussed with the Mayor was the launching of the Southern Ohio Global Alliance, and how the City of Dayton can play a part in this initiative as REALTORS® look to make a connection with local international cultural groups and businesses.
- Met with representatives of the Dayton Development Coalition to provide details of the Southern Ohio Global Alliance and other economic development projects in which the DDC is currently involved, including SELECTUSA. Follow up meetings are planned for the future.
Met with Congressman Warren Davidson to express REALTORS’® views regarding key issues, such as the mortgage interest deduction, 1031 like-kind exchanges, and the recent FHA home premiums decision by the Trump administration.
- Congressman Davidson expressed optimism for maintaining 1031 like-kind exchanges.
- In a follow up correspondence, DABR has been reassured that Chairman Brady (R-TX) has not included 1031 like-kind exchanges in his tax reform proposal that the House will likely consider.
- In a meeting with the Mayor and City Manager of Trotwood, along with representatives from Congressman Turner’s office, Trotwood laid out their vision for commercial properties owned by the city. Many projects have achieved great progress and look promising to Trotwood’s future.
- In various meetings across the area, municipalities have expressed the desire to include DABR in their planning sessions for future development.
Ohio Association of REALTORS® legislative news:
- At the January OAR Winter Conference, OAR Lobbyist Scott Williams provided members with a “State of the Capitol” presentation where he laid out the past year’s successes as well as issues that will be forthcoming in the new General Assembly. View the presentation
- Governor Kasich has just released his proposed budget, and the issue that has most concerned REALTORS® in previous budgets has been the base broadening of the sales and use tax. While it is too early to say that we have dodged that bullet completely, the budget as presented seems to spare the industry. OAR has a breakdown. Read more
- The Governor has also stated that some school districts will see an increase in funding and others will see a flat rate in funding from previous years. It is important to note that he also mentioned that districts that have seen a decrease in student population may see a reduction in State dollars as a recession looms. Read more
National Association of REALTORS® legislative news:
- At this moment NAR has not officially released their 2017 Congressional agenda, but monitoring tax reform will be a major part of their plan. Flood insurance will be back up as the current implementation is set to expire. NAR feels positive that a resolution that helps both REALTORS® and consumers can be reached. Key issues like Mortgage Interest Deduction and 1031 Like Kind Exchanges will be lobbied again. Naturally, NAR will be keeping an eye on the executive orders recently signed by President Trump regarding FHA loans.
The National Association of REALTORS® 2016 year in review details many of the legislative accomplishments. Read more
Further information regarding NAR’s legislative advocacy can be found at their policy page. Read more
If you have questions about anything related to DABR’s government affairs, please feel free to contact Tyler Warner, Government Affairs Director at twarner@dabr.com.
