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Government Affairs

Mission

To review, organize and implement advocacy regarding legislative issues which affect the real estate industry, the profession, or private property rights and recommend specific positions to the Board of Directors. To motivate members to become more actively involved in a wide variety of political activities and to educate members as to the need for involvement and advocacy. To establish political action task forces designed to focus on local issues.

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Government Affairs Education & Events

1. Legislative Issues - The Berkshire, Massachusetts and National Associations set the legislative agendas each year and react to issues the surface in all levels of government. This committee remains focused on understanding the issues and keeping the REALTOR membership aware of them as well. They also work on various calls-to-action for mobilization of membership response to our elected officials.

2. Day on Beacon Hill - The committee arranges a unique opportunity to convey our thoughts directly to our Governor, legislators and policymakers on Beacon Hill. By participating in this event, we strengthen the REALTOR® voice in promoting critical issues affecting our business.

3. Day on Capital Hill - State and local association leadership delegations travel to Washington DC each May to meet with our respective regional NAR Lobbyist, NAR Chief Lobbyist Jerry Giovinnelli and government affairs staff members. After a full briefing on the issues, the REALTOR® delegation, usually the CEO, President, President Elect and MLS President head to Capital Hill for meetings with Members of Congress.

4. Our Legislators - The Government Affairs Committee informs the membership about our legislators actions pertaining to land use issues and encourages registration at local, state and national advocacy programs.

5. REALTOR® Political Action (RPAC)- The committee is charged to promoting and demonstrating the power and impact the REALTOR Political Action committee has nationwide and how Berkshire Real estate is better for the advocacy we receive for our contributions.

6. REALTOR® Victories - The committee is responsible for the many 'wins' we've achieved in the past and works to remind the membership how well we fight for their business interests as well as private property rights.

7. Tips for Advocacy - Demonstrating how we can make a difference in our local and regional government affairs issues, the committee works to insure that the Berkshires are prepared and poised to be part of the solutions to local issues.

Committee Member Responsibilities:

• Meet regularly and review information received from MAR, NAR and local sources and report information to local Board of Directors.

• Establish a mechanism to communicate issues and Board positions and results to the membership in a timely manner. Increase member awareness of how the political system functions and how REALTORS® as individuals can impact the system.

• Insure REALTOR® representation at city/town meetings.

• Review city/town newspapers for news concerning legislation affective the real estate industry (ex. lead paint, transfer tax, etc.)

• Establish working relationships with local government officials.

• Support local, state and national 'Calls for Action'.

• Assess current and pending legislation and its potential impact on the real estate industry.

• Recommend positions for the consideration of the Board of Directors.

• Provide direction and facilitate the decision making process on legislative and regulatory matter.

• Whenever necessary, call members to action in response to Board positions to issues brought forth by MAR and NAR.

• Educate the public on real estate related local government issues and establish a system to utilize members of the public with real estate interests to contact legislators.

• Contribute to the REALTOR Political Action Committee

Chairperson’s Responsibilities:

• Schedule meetings as needed to create a schedule of events in six (6) month intervals. Create agenda for meeting and set / convey committee goals.

• Ensure member understanding of critical issues, through the use of various marketing tools, such as flyers, website, e-Newsletter updates, personal phone calls, office announcements etc...

• Work with the staff to promote events and meetings related to local, state and national legislative matters.

• Furnish reports of committee activity to the Board of Directors.

• Coordinate all activities in the legislative and legal arena

• Work with staff for dissemination of any information that affect the interests of private property owners or potential owners, or to advertise or announce any open forums held in the interests of those individuals.

• To serve on the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® Government Affairs Committee as the Berkshire County Representative