Legislative Advocacy
Advocates for You and Your Business
GPAR is the legislative voice of the Philadelphia REALTOR® community in both City Hall and Harrisburg. We are effective advocates for our members because we build meaningful relationships with policy makers. Locally, we understand the city’s unique legislative process. Prior successes include getting REALTORS® back to work and made essential during the early months of the pandemic shutdown, passage of legislation to stop predatory home purchasing, house squatting, creating the nation’s largest land bank, which will improve neighborhoods and the housing market. We actively supported legislation to repurpose unused public schools, collect delinquent taxes, and the 10-year real estate tax abatement program. GPAR has also pushed back on increases to the local real estate transfer tax several times over the years. On the state level, we articulate our voice to the city’s delegation. We are seeking the passage of state legislation to create a first-time home buyer savings account program. Please visit the Policy Issues section to learn more about GPAR’s legislative work.
How We Advocate
GPAR’s legislative advocacy team works to develop, advance, and implement the local, state, and federal legislative objectives of the REALTOR® Association. We work with the Philadelphia City Council, the Pennsylvania State Legislature and the local and state executive branches to achieve these public policy objectives through lobbying, policy development, political field representatives, political communications, grassroots advocacy, and candidate support. GPAR has a full-time Government Affairs Director and two committees – Government Affairs Committee and REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) – working together to advocate for the association.
Lobbying
GPAR has developed relationships with members of City Council and the state legislature. These relationships help policymakers both understand and carry GPAR’s message on a range of important public policy issues affecting private property rights and operation of the real estate industry.
Policy Development
GPAR is actively involved in the analysis, formulation, and development of public policy affecting Philadelphia. The government affairs team maintains regular communication with lawmakers and their staff on important issues and developments affecting the real estate industry in the city. GPAR is also a proven contributor to better legislative outcomes as policy makers frequently draw up our valuable professional knowledge of the real estate industry.
Political Communications and Grassroots Advocacy
GPAR is known for its strong grassroots advocacy. We utilize the legislative and political expertise and involvement of REALTORS® to help advocate our public policy agenda. With the help of National Association REALTORS® (NAR) and Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® (PAR), GPAR keeps abreast of the latest policy developments and call REALTORS® into action on important legislative activity.
Government Affairs Committee
The Government Affairs Committee is composed of GPAR members who are experienced, understand the legislative process, especially on the local level, and how public policy can impact the real estate industry. This committee works closely with our Government Affairs Director to determine the key legislative priorities of GPAR.
REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC)
RPAC is a separate entity that raises money for the political activities of NAR, PAR and GPAR. RPAC disseminates contributions to congressional, state legislature, and city government candidates. On the federal level, RPAC is the nation’s largest direct contributor to candidates. The purpose of RPAC is clear: REALTORS® raise and spend money to elect candidates who understand and support their interests. The money to accomplish this comes from voluntary investments made by REALTORS®. These are not members’ dues; this is money given freely by REALTORS® in recognition of how important campaign fundraising is to the political process. RPAC doesn’t buy votes. RPAC enables REALTORS® to support candidates that support the issues that are important to their profession and livelihood.
Call to Action
GPAR calls on its members to act when the Philadelphia City Council, the Pennsylvania State Legislature or the United States Congress is considering legislation that affects the real estate industry. Simply by contacting your local, state, or national elected leaders through an e-mail or a phone call, you can ensure that private property rights are protected, your business remains strong, and that the voice of real estate is heard. GPAR members join and speak with one loud, powerful voice. GPAR will reach out to our members via email and social media as well as listing it on this page when a Call-to-Action is necessary. We encourage all our members to respond to Call-to-Action announcements by contacting their local or state leaders. For more information, please contact Brittney Baker Shurr, Director of Government & Public Affairs at brittney@gpar.org.
Legislative Directory
Let your REALTOR® voice be heard. Connect with your federal, state, and local representatives on issues affecting your business.
United States Senate
United States House of Representatives
Find your Congressperson here
Pennsylvania General Assembly
Find your Senator/Representative here
City of Philadelphia