GPAR Announces New Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy
Lexy McDowell officially joined the GPAR team this month. Lexy brings years of state and congressional campaign experience. Most recently she served on the Department of Aviation’s government affairs team, working with city, county, state, and federal stakeholders to secure grant funding and promote legislative priorities. She will be a valuable asset to the association and our members.
The Director of Government Affairs & Public Policy monitors political, legislative, and regulatory issues affecting the residential and commercial real estate industries, advises the general membership and volunteer leadership of GPAR concerning these matters, advocates the REALTOR® position to local, state, and federal government officials, and manages the operations of the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC).
Click here to learn more about Lexy McDowell
Contact Lexy at Lexy@gpar.org
The GPAR Key Contact Program
The Greater Philadelphia Association of Realtors® (GPAR) is seeking applicants to serve as Key Contacts. The Key Contact Program enhances legislative advocacy and grassroots efforts, through cultivation of meaningful relationships between local real estate practitioners and City Hall. The foundation of this network is the belief that by working together, as a team, REALTORS® can have a profound influence in shaping public policy.
Key Contacts are a resource, providing their designated city legislators with technical insight on issues pertaining to the real estate industry. Our goal is to have multiple Key Contacts for each elected official. Deadline to signup is March 31st!
City Hall
GPAR is monitoring proposed legislation that seeks to restrict apartment application fees, require payment of security deposit installments, and accelerate the construction of Accessory Dweller Units (ADUs). We have met with councilmembers and staff both individually and as part of the Pennsylvania Apartment Association consortium to understand intent and offer amendments.
- Additionally, GPAR attended the Mayor’s H.O.M.E. executive order signing last week, as well as participated in several stakeholder discussions regarding the adoption of 2021 Energy Code standards in building and construction.
- The Government Affairs Committee held its first meeting to discuss the aforementioned bills, and will continue to engage as hearing dates and votes and scheduled.
GPAR’s Key Contacts will serve as essential support and advocates for these types of initiatives. If interested, please consider signing up by March 31st!
State
Governor Shapiro is seeking input to address Pennsylvania’s Housing Needs.
On September 12, 2024, Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024- 03, directing the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), in collaboration with other agencies and stakeholders, to develop a comprehensive Housing Action Plan. The new plan will propose a strategy to help ease the burden of high housing costs in Pennsylvania by increasing the supply and preservation of housing.
Key Goals
- Assess and determine Commonwealth-wide, regional, and local housing needs.
- Identify goals with measurable outcomes, available resources, and other items DCED believes may be necessary for achieving the goals outlined in the Housing Action Plan.
- Identify, review, and assess the effectiveness of housing programs and resources offered by Commonwealth agencies.
- Provide recommendations for:
- state housing programs, investments, and policy making initiatives, and
- for leveraging best practices from the public and private sector to improve housing outcomes across the Commonwealth.
Fill out the Housing Action Plan Survey to share your thoughts and feedback on addressing housing affordability and availability in Pennsylvania.
Federal
NAR Files an Amicus Brief to Protect Property Owners From Excessive Regulations
NAR and its industry partners highlighted concerns that leaves property owners powerless to challenge excessive regulation and deters property owners from bringing meritorious takings claims to court. Further, the brief argues that a decades-old regulatory takings test incentivizes excessive regulation, which in turn exacerbates the affordable housing crisis.
FinCEN Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Reporting Rule back in Effect
In keeping with the Treasury’s commitment to reducing regulatory burden on businesses, FinCEN intends to initiative a process this year to revise BOI reporting rules to reduce burden for lower-risk entities, including many U.S. small businesses.
How Tax Reform Can Boost the American Dream
Video: policy forum discussing how 2025 tax reform could create pathways to homeownership for more Americans.
In NAR’s latest regularly scheduled podcast, hosts Shannon McGahn and Patrick Newton introduce the 119th Congress and discuss why change is the norm in Washington, D.C.. Episodes are available for streaming wherever you get your podcasts.
This report is submitted by Brittney Baker Shurr & Lexy McDowell.