NAR Land-Use Initiative Program
The NC Association of REALTORS® is pleased to inform its membership that NAR is continuing to offer its Land-Use Initiative Program to aid state and local associations in their battles with zoning ordinances, anti-growth legislation and other mechanisms that negatively impact the real estate business.

As you know, North Carolina is experiencing tremendous pressures as a result of the protracted period of economic prosperity enjoyed by our state over the last decade. “Quality of life” has emerged as a topic that is being discussed at all levels of government.

The land-use and development regulations being proposed on behalf of various special interests in communities throughout the country are frequently passed without the benefit of a thorough and thoughtful look at the legal and economic fall-out. It takes time and expertise to analyze proposed regulations. Those are resources local and state REALTOR® organizations have not always had. Consequently, they are often forced to chase the issues, never really catching up.

The NAR Land-Use Initiative gives member associations access to the legal and technical expertise necessary to evaluate and quantify the implications of proposed legislation from a national perspective. It equips them to engage in the debate from a position of strength, while there are still choices to be made. Here is how the plan works:

When a land-use proposal is introduced, member associations forward the regulatory language and any other pertinent background information to NAR. Legislation that qualifies for analysis will be processed and forwarded to our vendor, Robinson & Cole LLP, a nationally known land use and real estate development law firm. The proposal will be analyzed, and advice will be provided to the state or local association. Proposals that would typically be appropriate for evaluation include local and state legislative or regulatory initiatives directly controlling the use and development of land such as, for example:

	Affordable housing requirements
	Comprehensive planning procedures
	Endangered species requirements
	Growth management plans and controls
	Development exactions, including impact fee ordinances
	Subdivision regulations
	Wetlands requirements; and/or
	Zoning enabling legislation or ordinances

We know that timing is critical. Once a proposal is forwarded by NAR to Robinson & Cole for analysis, the association will be contacted by an experienced Robinson & Cole attorney within three days for an initial discussion of the issues raised by the proposal and timely verbal advice based upon member needs. Where a written follow-up is appropriate, the association will receive it within 15 business days.

If you have a potential issue or questions about this exciting program, contact Cady Thomas at cthomas@ncrealtors.org.


Grassroots Toolkit
The purpose of this publication is to provide North Carolina Association of REALTORS® members with a valuable resource to help them get more involved in their local communities. Materials have been gathered from many sources including the National Association of REALTORS® and the Washington State Association of REALTORS®. Likewise, documents from likeminded trade associations have also been incorporated into this toolkit.

In the publication, you will find materials ranging from short issue summaries to tips on dealing with your local media. You will learn ways that both you as an individual and your local board or association can get more involved in the political process and have a greater impact on the policy decisions that affect your community. You will be provided with tips on how to organize and implement a “plan of action” to respond to specific issues that may arise in your community.

Legislative Day
Each year, NC REALTORS® members get the opportunity to let NC legislators know what is important to them during Legislative Day. The Association provides transportation from the Sheraton Capital Center in downtown Raleigh to take members to the legislative building. Our REALTOR Rally features a powerful lineup of Senators and Representatives who will provide insight into the current General Assembly session.