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.
City Hall
City Council held the first stated meeting of the new year on January 23, 2025. Here’s what we’re monitoring.
- Bill 250041 Authorizing the Zoning Board of Adjustment to condition zoning approval upon provision of affordable housing, under certain terms and conditions
- Bill 250042 Modifying restrictions with respect to accessory dwelling units, and making conforming technical changes, all under certain terms and conditions
- Bill 250043 Defining affordable housing projects and establishing specific application and permitting procedures for such projects
- Bill 250044 Amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, “Landlord and Tenant,” to establish requirements related to security deposits for residential rentals and establishing remedies for violations
- Bill 250045 Amending Chapter 9-800 of The Philadelphia Code, “Landlord and Tenant,” to establish requirements related to fees charged by landlords to individuals applying for residential tenancy
Property Tax Freeze Program Deadline Extended The Parker Administration has extended the deadline for the Low-Income Real Estate Tax Freeze. The 2025 deadline is now February 28, 2025. The Low-Income Tax Freeze prevents increases to Real Estate Tax bills for vulnerable homeowners, even if the property’s assessed value or the tax rate increases. Applicants must own and live the property as a primary residence to be eligible. Based on state guidelines, participants cannot exceed a total yearly gross income of $33,500 for a single person or $41,500 for a married couple. More information available here.
State
Pennsylvania General Assembly Begins New Legislative Session – The 2025-2026 legislative session officially began on January 7, 2025, as lawmakers took their oaths of office. Families and supporters of legislators gathered at the capitol to witness 252 members of the assembly vow to uphold the constitution. Leaders of both parties came together and achieved goals of electing a speaker and passing a rules package. Rep. Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia) retained her speakership, and a rules package was amended and passed.
- Department of State Requires Annual Reports for PA Business Entities
- PA Statewide Wholesaling Legislation Takes Effect [webinar recap]
- PAR Supports HB 30, Amending PA Appraiser Licensing Requirements
Federal
Federal Funding Pause Rescinded – The White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, that it is rescinding the January 27, 2025, memorandum which paused certain federal grant and loan programs. NAR is continuing to work with federal agencies and Congress to track new executive orders and their impact on the real estate industry.
Telemarketing: FCC One-to-One Consent Rule – Under a new Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule which took effect January 27, 2025, agents and brokers promoting real estate services must obtain consent directly from the consumer, known as 1-to-1 consent, before using an automatic telephone dialing system (ATDS) or sending artificial or prerecorded voice messages. Learn about the new FCC rule and how it affects agents and brokers promoting real estate services here .
- Senate Holds Confirmation Hearing for HUD Nominee
- Real Estate Caucus Relaunches in New Congress
- Enforcement of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA)
This report is submitted by Brittney Baker Shurr.