Agenda Summary
National Association of REALTORS®
2009 Midyear Legislative Meetings
Marriott Wardman Park
Thurgood Marshall Ballroom, South, Mezzanine Level
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
10:00 AM - 12:01 PM

Chair: David Wluka (MA)
Vice Chair: Bob Snowden (WY)
Committee Liaison: Chris Polychron (AR)
Committee Executive: Bob McNamara (DC)

I. Call To Order
A. Introductions
B. Ownership and Conflict of Interest Disclosure

1. When NAR has an ownership interest in an entity and a member has an ownership interest* in that same entity, such member must disclose the existence of his or her ownership interest prior to speaking to a decision making body on any matter involving that entity.

2. If a member has personal knowledge that NAR is considering doing business with an entity in which a member has any financial interest**, or with an entity in which the member serves in a decision-making capacity*, or wit, then such member must disclose the existence of his or her financial interest or decision making role prior to speaking to a decision making body about the entity.

3. If a member has a financial interest in, or serves in a decision-making capacity for, any entity that the member knows is offering competing products and services as those offered by NAR, then such member must disclose the existence of his or her financial interest or decision-making role prior to speaking to a decision making body about an issue involving those competing products and services.

After making the necessary disclosure, a member may participate in the discussion and vote on the matter unless that member has a conflict of interest as defined below.

Conflict of Interest Policy

A member of any of NAR’s decision making bodies will be considered to have a conflict of interest whenever that member:

1. Is a principal, partner or corporate officer of a business providing products or services to NAR or in a business being considered as a provider of products or services (“Business:); or

2. Holds a seat on the board of directors of the Business unless the person’s only relationship to the Business is service on such board of directors as NAR’s representative; or

3. Holds an ownership interest of more than 1 percent of the Business.

Members with a conflict of interest must immediately disclose their interest at the outset of any discussions by a decision making body pertaining to the Business or any of its products or services. Such members may not participate in the discussion relating to that Business other than to respond to questions asked of them by other members of the body. Furthermore, no member with a conflict of interest may vote on any matter in which the member has a conflict of interest, including votes to block or alter the actions of the body in order to benefit the Business in which they have an interest.
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*Ownership interest is defined as the cumulative holdings of the member, the member’s spouse, children, siblings and to any trust, corporation or partnership in which any of the foregoing individuals is an officer or director, or owns, in the aggregate, at least 50% of the (a) beneficial interest (if a trust), (b) stock (if a corporation) or (c) partnership interests (if a partnership).

II. Approval of Previous Meeting's Minutes

III. Review of Committee Goals

1. The State and Local Issues Committee will review and update various "toolkits" starting with the Transportation Toolkit, followed by Public Schools and Smart Growth toolkits.
2. The Committee will monitor trends in infrastructure spending to assure these initiatives support Smart Growth principles.
3. The Committee will monitor and consider opportunities to expand REALTOR® participation in the School of the Future Design competition.
4. The Committee will identify and report emerging state and local issues from the regions we represent.
 
IV. Unfinished Business
A. Smart Growth Program Report
B. School of the Future Design Competition
1. Promotion Plan
2.. 8-minute video
3. 2009 Winners
C. Transportation Toolkit - on-line demo
D. Community and Political Affairs Resource Guide

V. New Business
A. Schools Toolkit Revision
B. Foreclosure Issues
C. NAR Strategic Plan

The Strategic Initiatives

1. Focus resources and services to ensure a continued and strong flow of
capital into the real estate financing marketplace
2. Strengthen the relationship between REALTORS® and consumers
3. Be the most comprehensive, reliable, and accessible source of real
estate information for REALTORS®
4. Strive to ensure the competency and professionalism of REALTORS®
5. Create THE leading interactive real estate site for REALTORS® and
consumers
6. Strengthen the relationships between the REALTOR® Organization and
REALTORS®
7. Promote and support public policies that advance the real estate
industry, private property rights and real property ownership for all

D. Regional Issues (general discussion)
E. RPAC Message

On behalf of President Charles McMillan:
Important Message about the future of our Industry

Do you care about the future of the real estate industry and our livelihood as real estate professionals? If your answer is yes, supporting the REALTORS Political Action Committee (RPAC) is a necessity. RPAC is the only PAC that exists for the sole purpose of protecting YOU and your business. If we do not invest in our trade and fight to keep unwarranted taxes and regulations at bay, no one else will.

Due in large part to RPAC, we now have a permanent ban on banking conglomerates from entering the real estate brokerage after an eight year fight in Congress. Another recent victory is the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit that does not require repayment. With our voices combined and collective strength, we can pass more favorable legislation and stave off onerous laws – but we need your help.

President-Elect Vicki Cox Golder, Fundraising Liaison John Harrison and I are challenging all NAR national committees to reach 100% RPAC Participation among its committee members. I encourage you to contribute at least your fair share goal amount of $15, and you may contribute up to $5,000. Please contribute what you can; we need you now more than ever in these tumultuous economic times. Vicki, John and I will recognize the committees that achieve this challenge at the Annual Convention in San Diego this November. Thank you for your consideration and dedication to the real estate industry.

Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may contribute more or less than the suggested amount. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of REALTORS® or any of its state associations or local boards will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 70% of each contribution is used by your state PAC to support state and local political candidates. Until your state PAC reaches its RPAC goal 30% is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a; after the state PAC reaches its RPAC goal it may elect to retain your entire contribution for use in supporting state and local candidates.

VI. Adjournment