By Tyler Warner, DABR Director of Government Affairs
National Legislative News
The National Association of REALTORS® annual Legislative Meetings and Expo was held May 15-20th in Washington, D.C. The DABR leadership team represented the Dayton membership and had an opportunity to engage with elected leaders in both the House of Representatives and the United States Senate. Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman held a joint session with many Ohio associations in attendance, answering questions and listening to REALTOR® concerns. The following day, your leadership from DABR held dialogues with Representatives Warren Davidson and Mike Turner. We emphasized the importance of issues such as continuing the mortgage interest deduction and 1031 like-kind exchanges. We also stressed the importance of reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program.
Our elected officials listened attentively to DABR leadership as they discussed the issues affecting the real estate industry, and were genuinely receptive to the concerns presented. Congressman Turner made a point to express his stance in favor of 1031 like-kind exchanges and did not believe it would be placed in Congress’s crosshairs. Additionally, he offered his support of the mortgage interest deduction and emphasized his understanding on how critical a role it plays in encouraging home ownership.
Local Legislative News
Earlier this month, DABR’s CEO Andrew Sims was invited to speak to the Dayton Area Mayors and Managers Association. In his address to those officials, Sims encouraged more collaboration between municipal governments and private industries. More specifically, he highlighted how DABR could be used as a valuable resource to leaders in the community. In describing the ways in which DABR could be utilized, Sims pointed to the large amount of market and economic data the association had access to through the REALTORS® Property Resource (RPR).
City leaders seemed very responsive and expressed a desire to work with the board as they develop policies that benefit both industry and community. As the various officials exited the meeting, they were provided with market and economic data tailored specifically to their cities.
DABR sincerely appreciated the opportunity to meet with these community leaders, and we look forward to additional engagement with them. In the meantime, many area leaders have requested additional economic and marketing data from DABR, establishing REALTORS® as a go-to source for accurate housing information in the Miami Valley.
