Governmental Affairs

Hub for Federal, State and Local Legislative issues, along with helpful local resources.

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RPAC

Learn more about the REALTOR® Political Action Committee: how to invest/investment levels, how to get involved and the benefits of being an investor.

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The Realtor Party

VOTE. ACT. INVEST. – What does it mean to you and your business?

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The REALTORS® Association of Lincoln is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the free enterprise system and the individual and collective rights to own real property as guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States and the State of Nebraska. To that end, we offer the benefits that our knowledge of real estate, our experience, and our technical resources bring to the public in general and to the governments that serve them. Because we are concerned with a number of issues facing our members and our community, the following statements of the principles underlying our policy recommendations is provided so that the public will better understand the specific positions on current issues.

The REALTORS® Association of Lincoln supports a future Growth Scenario which recognizes the need for future multi-directional growth. We understand the development of LPlan2040 is a work in progress and will continue to monitor the process. We would like to commend the Planning Department for their ongoing effort to consider input from local and state agencies, interest groups, private citizens and the LPlan2040 Advisory Committee in developing possible Growth Scenarios.

We believe homeownership serves as a cornerstone of our democratic system of government and deserves a preferred place in our system of values as it contributes to community responsibility; civic, economic, business and employment stability; and well being. Homeownership is vitally important to the American way of life. It benefits society as well as the communities in which homeowners reside.

We believe that the political stability and economic prosperity of Lincoln, NE and the State of Nebraska are dependent in large measure on the right of the individual to own real property and to exercise and enjoy the benefits of ownership. We strongly support the full and free responsible exercise of this right and oppose actions by governments, groups or individuals that diminish or deny it.

We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to live in safe and decent housing. These objectives can best be served by a healthy residential and commercial real estate market in an economic environment that fosters an ample supply and accessible financing.

We support efforts to stimulate the local construction industry because of its positive impact on the local economy. At the present time, new home permits are at their lowest point in 20 years. In good times, this industry provides valuable jobs for the community — not just those in construction trades, but in every related industry as well. Many times these jobs are stepping stones that allow individuals to learn a trade and eventually start businesses of their own. These are the types of benefits that are immeasurable in terms of creating job growth and providing new opportunities in our community. New construction benefits the entire local economy.

It’s a fact that each home buyer makes significant purchases related to their property and their lifestyle within six months of their home purchase. These additional purchases include appliances, furnishings, landscaping, electronics, home décor and even automobiles. Those purchases are all part of the positive economic benefit and the multiplier-effect that has a positive impact on the entire community and benefits all citizens. The residential construction industry accounts for over 20 percent of the local economy. Most of those jobs reside in the community and as construction-related jobs return to full-time status, a significant portion of the additional wages that are paid are spent in the city increasing local sales tax receipts. That spending also enables residents in other areas of the community to purchase additional goods and services, pay additional taxes, and support the growth of even more jobs.

We subscribe to the policy of fair housing; we believe that equal opportunity in housing can best be achieved through continued leadership; observance of law; education and mutual cooperation of the real estate industry and the public through a free and open housing market. No person should have their right to rent or purchase shelter of choice abridged because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, ancestry or marital status. Furthermore, local ordinances including land use and zoning regulations should not impede or inhibit the free and open market for real property for anyone in the above mentioned protected classes.

It is essential that growth management plans provide for the development of affordable housing, both owner-occupied and rental, to meet existing and forecasted housing demand. These objectives may be met through market-driven approaches that foster a wide-range of urban and rural housing choices at all price levels to suit a diverse population. We support programs that provide low cost housing and assistance to first-time home buyers.

We believe that growth should be encouraged as it is a stimulus to the economy, increases the tax base, provides places to live and work, and offers opportunities that would not otherwise exist. We also recognize the responsibility we have to educate and work with local, state and federal government officials in developing responsible growth planning that is equitable and which considers the divergent needs of transportation, housing, agriculture, commercial, industrial, and environmental concerns. We also believe in the importance of a solid infrastructure to support the growing population of Lincoln. We support growth measures that provide a variety of housing and commercial opportunities and choices. We believe that excessive growth management regulation can negatively affect property rights, distort real estate markets, and threaten affordable homeownership.

Quality of life is one of the most important issues facing our communities today. REALTORS® believe that the quality of life must be enhanced by balancing the needs for environmental conservation, economic progress, and private property rights.

The Association values and seeks a diverse membership. There are no barriers to full participation in the organization on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, ancestry or familial status. The Association encourages equal opportunity practices among its members.