NVAR Public and Government Affairs Efforts Highlight Issues, Support Candidates

The NVAR Public and Government Affairs department hosted numerous events in 2014 aimed at informing and engaging our members. Because the success of the government affairs program relies on individual Realtor® participation, there are many ways for you to learn about the issues, meet with your elected officials, and participate in establishing NVAR’s lobbying priorities.

In December the Public Policy Committee invited Delegate Mark Keam (D-35) to discuss the upcoming 2015 state legislative session. The Public Policy Committee meets monthly to discuss current issues and recommend policy positions to NVAR’s Board of Directors. The committee regularly invites elected officials and policy experts to address issues affecting the industry or the region.  Other invited guests in 2014 included state Delegates Marcus Simon (D-53), Scott Surovell (D-44), Alfonso Lopez (D-49) and Jackson Miller (R-50). Local invited officials included Fairfax County Supervisors Jeff McKay (D-Lee), John Cook (R-Braddock) and Penny Gross (D -Mason).

"...there are many ways for you to learn about the issues, meet with your elected officials, and participate in establishing NVAR’s lobbying priorities."

NVAR offers several additional opportunities to meet with elected officials. For example, the Northern Virginia/Realtors® Political Action Committee (NV/RPAC) hosted a December luncheon for Delegate Thomas “Tag” Greason (R-32). NV/RPAC helps elect and keep Realtor®-friendly candidates in office.  One way NV/RPAC supports candidates is by hosting such events at NVAR’s Fairfax Headquarters.  These informal gatherings provide an opportunity for NV/RPAC  to contribute to the candidate’s campaign while also creating an opportunity for NVAR members and staff to discuss issues with the candidate.

For another chance to meet your state elected officials, join fellow NVAR members on the annual Legislative Trip for a day of lobbying in Richmond. This year’s trip is right around the corner on January 28. See the announcement on page 20.
 
In addition to meeting state and local elected officials, NVAR regularly schedules Policy Forums, open to all members, on topics of interest in the region. From real estate sign regulations to the latest redevelopment proposals, we want you to be informed. 

One Public Policy Forum held on October 30 focused on redevelopment plans in the Seven Corners area and the controversial, and now canceled, Columbia Pike street car project.  Realtors® heard from Jay Fisette (D), Chairman of the Arlington County Board and Barbara Byron, Director of the Office of Community Revitalization, while also enjoying lunch and networking opportunities. 

NVAR will continue to provide excellent opportunities for participating in the Government Affairs program in the coming year.  For questions, or to learn more about how to get involved, contact NVAR’s Government Affairs staff at 703.207.3201. You may also email Mary Beth Coya, Senior Vice President, Public & Government Affairs at mbcoya@nvar.com or Josh Veverka, Government Affairs Director at jveverka@nvar.com.

Josh Veverka is the NVAR Government Affairs Director.