We’re Always Fighting for YOU

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

We’re Always Fighting for YOU!

Fighting for REALTORS® and property owners is our top priority at CAR.

CAR’s skilled and dedicated Government Affairs team is out working for you every day, whether tracking bills, lobbying at the capitol, or fostering relationships with lawmakers and regulators in order to defeat damaging initiatives and champion new solutions for REALTORS® and all Coloradans.

Did You Know CAR Kept Real Estate OPEN in 2020?

In March 2020, Governor Polis issued a Stay-at-Home order and real estate transactions are deemed not essential. Within 24 hours, CAR’s advocacy worked to have the Stay-at-Home order amended to include real estate transactions as essential.

In April, as a direct result of CAR’s advocacy with the Governor, Attorney General, and the Division of Real Estate, other essential services such as real estate appraisals, closings, home inspections, and final walk throughs were considered essential. In May, CAR signed onto a stakeholder letter to Governor Polis and Joint Budget Committee to request eligible use of Covid-19 relief funds to be spent for housing assistance.

In May, CAR worked closely with the Division of Real Estate on it’s Safer-at-Home guidance to all real estate licensees, ensuring REALTOR® voices mattered.

In June, as a direct result of CAR’s Advocacy, Governor Polis allowed to REALTORS® to resume responsible open houses.

In June, CAR’s four-year effort to allow for remote notarization came to an end as the Colorado legislature approved Senate Bill 96, sending it to Governor Polis for his signature.

In November, CAR penned a letter to Governor Polis detailing the essential nature of real estate and its overall impact on Colorado’s Economy and Covid-19 recovery.

CAR’s Work Never Stops. That’s Why in 2021:

CAR continues to work with NAR to secure rental/housing provider assistance in the face of extended eviction moratoriums in an effort to avoid a spiraling crisis for housing providers and tenants.

CAR joined forces with Habitat for Humanity of Colorado to pass a package of legislation designed to help improve the state’s long-term homeownership scenario and economic growth by addressing issues of housing affordability and access. Working with the support of a broad range of housing industry and related service organizations, CAR’s Century of

Opportunity bill package focused on improving Colorado’s homeownership opportunities through financial education, credit building recommendations, improving state reporting, and incentivizing best practices and program implementation for affordable housing at the local level.

When Colorado’s policymakers introduced a proposal to allow for inclusionary zoning practices, and in the process open the door to rent control at the local level, CAR successfully amended the bill to clarify that a local government cannot enact rent control policies on existing units. As REALTORS® know, our state struggles to find sufficient housing inventory to meet consumer’s growing needs. Rent control only hurts our ability to address housing needs and would deter the building of affordable units, which closes the window of opportunity to homeownership.

Despite the challenges created by the pandemic, CAR created opportunities for REALTORS® to connect with their elected officials by hosting virtual hill visits with members of Congress.

In addition, CAR’s LPC tracked and took a position on 96 bills that would have had an impact on the lives of REALTORS®.

Every year, we will navigate a new legislative session and regulatory climate and will continue to fight for the real estate industry. We will fight any tax that makes real estate transfer more expensive. We will fight any tax on real estate commissions. We will fight any form of housing growth caps or rent limits. We will fight any legislation that hinders the rights of property owners and creates barriers for small businesses in Colorado to succeed.

How Can You Do Your Part? Apply for CAR’s Legislative Policy Committee or Political Action Committee

You can play a major role in shaping Colorado’s future. When you serve on CAR’s Legislative Policy Committee or Political Action Committee, you are the voice for over 29,000 REALTORS® across the state, which is critical to assure our industry has a seat at the policy table. The experience and expertise you bring to the table cannot be replaced and is vital to identifying REALTOR® Champions and taking action on legislation that impact Colorado communities.

Click here to apply for CAR’s 2022 LPC or CARPAC and let your voice be heard on behalf of Colorado REALTORS®.

Consider Investing in RPAC

CAR’s advocacy is successful thanks to the support of Colorado REALTORS®. The REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) is one of the strongest bi-partisan advocacy organizations in the nation. For more than 50 years, RPAC enables us to advocate for REALTOR® interests at all three levels of Government. Through voluntary investments made by REALTORS® and affiliates, REALTORS® are a united force and have a seat at the policy table to support REALTOR® Champions, fair housing policies, and issues important to real estate and small business. Consider investing today.