Why the REALTOR® Action Fund Matters More Than Ever
“Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn’t mean politics will not take an interest in you!” – Pericles, Athens – circa 440 BC
The REALTOR® Action Fund (RAF) is one of the most important investments REALTORS® can make in protecting homeownership, private property rights, and housing opportunities in our community. Every day, decisions are being made at City Hall, the County, Sacramento, and Washington, D.C. that directly affect property owners, housing providers, buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. From rent control proposals and transfer taxes to housing regulations, insurance challenges, development policies, and property rights issues, elected officials have an enormous impact on the future of housing.
This year presents a particularly significant opportunity in the City of Santa Barbara. Four City Council seats will be on the November ballot, creating a rare chance to shape the future direction of local housing policy. The decisions made by the next City Council will influence issues such as rent control, housing production, taxation, property rights, land use regulations, and the overall housing climate for years to come.
Simply put, elections have consequences. The policies we see today are the result of past elections. The policies we see tomorrow will be determined by the elections we help influence today. RAF is not about politics for politics' sake. It is about ensuring that REALTORS®, homeowners, housing providers, and future homebuyers have a voice in the decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods.
Why Invest in the REALTOR® Action Fund? Over the past year, REALTORS® have been on the front lines fighting some of the most significant housing policy proposals our community has seen in decades. We've worked to protect property rights and advocate for balanced housing solutions on issues including rent control, the rent freeze, transfer taxes, inclusionary housing requirements, short-term rental regulations, development impact fees, and other policies that affect homeowners, housing providers, and future homebuyers.
The REALTOR® Action Fund (RAF) provides the resources needed to support advocacy efforts and elect candidates who understand housing, homeownership, and the importance of maintaining a healthy real estate market. Your RAF investment is distributed across the local, state, and federal levels, helping ensure REALTORS® have a voice wherever decisions affecting real estate are made. From City Hall to Sacramento to Washington, D.C., these funds help support advocacy efforts and candidates who understand the importance of housing and private property rights.
For that reason, the suggested $150 RAF investment is often considered the true cost of doing business as a REALTOR®. It helps protect the industry, the clients you serve, and the property rights that are fundamental to homeownership and housing opportunity.
The challenges facing real estate aren't slowing down. Neither can we. Your RAF investment helps ensure REALTORS® have a seat at the table and a voice in shaping the future of housing.
> Learn more and contribute at the REALTOR® Action Center! <