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IMPAC will make an impact
New tool to address local concerns will benefit REALTORS® and property owners across the state.
IMPAC. It almost sounds like what it’s designed to do. The TAR Issues Mobilization Political Action Committee will help local associations make an impact on local issues that could affect property owners and real estate professionals.
At the Winter Meeting in February, the TAR executive board approved the IMPAC bylaws and procedures. The Issues Mobilization Committee, chaired by Barbara Russell, has already received the first request for assistance.
What is IMPAC?
The association created a fund (no member dues assessment or dues increase was required) designated for local issues. Any local association of REALTORS® in Texas may apply for funds to support or oppose a local measure or a proposed governmental action that could impact–positively or negatively–the real estate industry or the rights of private-property owners in Texas.
Issue mobilization campaigns will reach farther than simply bringing REALTOR® positions to the public and government officials in the city where they are waged. Often, when a measure is passed or defeated in one locality, it has a ripple effect across the state.
Who initiates a campaign?
Identifying, planning, and implementing these crucial local campaigns is the responsibility of each local board or association. The Texas Association of REALTORS® Issues Mobilization Committee will assist with funding those local entities whose applications are approved.
What qualifies for assistance?
Campaigns must meet the following general guidelines:
- Support for an issue must concur with TAR policy.
- Issues mobilization funds cannot be used for activities that either directly or indirectly endorse a candidate for public office.
- Funds cannot be used for issues or measures that favor one local board or association at the expense of another.
Any type of issue will be considered. The most significant factor considered in evaluating a request for funds or other assistance is the impact the issue or measure will have on the real estate industry or the rights of private property owners in Texas.
Some of the topics that surface on a regular basis have to do with environmental regulations, sign ordinances, ordinances that restrict growth, zoning requirement changes, local tax increases, and school bond issues.
REALTORS® are often the first to hear of these local issues that could impact the real estate industry or private-property rights. Often, the issues are the subjects of local media coverage, direct-mail solicitations from special interest groups, or the product of a municipality or county study-group report. When TAR is alerted about them early, IMPAC can react quickly and efficiently in the beginning stages of an issues campaign.
Past experience has shown that early action is the most effective way to impact an issue. Whatever the subject, these types of issues usually don’t stay hidden for long, and civic-minded REALTORS® on the local level are best positioned to take action quickly.
Who can apply?
The Issues Mobilization Committee realizes that a need for assistance might arise in an area that does not fall into any local board jurisdiction. In these cases, an individual or group of REALTORS® may submit a request for funds without obtaining approval from a local REALTOR® board or association.
A formal application must be submitted. To request an Issues Mobilization packet, contact the Texas Association of REALTORS® Governmental Affairs Department at 800/873-9155 or send an e-mail to govtaffairs@tar.org.
home current issue top 10 resources
Buyers & sellers,
visit www.texasrealestate.com.
REALTORS®, visit www.tar.org.
