Wisconsin REALTORS® Association: 2024: A Banner Year for WRA Advocacy

2024: A Banner Year for WRA Advocacy

 Nathan Conrad, WRA Director of Grassroots Political Advocacy and Engagement  |    January 06, 2025
Advocacy

The WRA achieved significant advocacy milestones in 2024. Key legislation was passed and signed into law that not only bolstered our industry but also protected current and future clients whom REALTORS® serve across Wisconsin.

When WRA members pay their dues, a portion of those fees supports long-term advocacy efforts at the national level. Specifically, $50 of each member’s dues goes toward advocacy initiatives carried out by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). These funds serve as the foundation for many NAR grant programs, which educate consumers about critical policy matters, mobilize members for calls to action, support REALTOR®-endorsed candidates, and expand advocacy influence nationwide.

With over 18,000 members, the WRA contributes more than $900,000 annually to NAR’s advocacy grant programs. In January 2024, we set an ambitious goal: to secure $1 million in grant funding from NAR to benefit Wisconsin.

We are proud to report that not only did we meet this goal, but we surpassed it in true REALTOR® style. Together, the WRA advocacy team, local association executives and government affairs directors brought in over $1.3 million in grant funding to Wisconsin in 2024.

How these grants made an impact

Grant funding was utilized to support a variety of initiatives that benefit both REALTORS® and the communities they serve. These efforts include:

  • Educational programs: Grants funded lunch-and-learn sessions to educate communities and REALTORS® about no- to low-interest loan programs administered by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA).
  • Statewide advocacy campaigns: A statewide “thank you” initiative recognized legislators who were instrumental in passing laws that allow property owners to address discriminatory covenants on their titles or deeds.
  • Consumer outreach: A $75,000 consumer advocacy outreach grant was used to educate Wisconsin residents on how to address discriminatory covenants. The Wisconsin REALTORS® Foundation also alleviated financial barriers by covering the $30 filing fee for property owners.

Local boards received housing opportunity grants to host seminars and events aimed at educating REALTORS®, elected officials and community members about WHEDA loan programs. These programs stemmed from the $525 million workforce and senior housing bill package passed and signed into law in 2023.

Additionally, the WRA and local associations secured over $700,000 in independent expenditure grants to increase visibility for REALTOR®-champion legislators and locally elected officials during a challenging election cycle.

Looking ahead to 2025

As we embark on 2025, our mission is clear: to build upon the successes of 2024 and continue expanding our sphere of influence. By leveraging all available advocacy assets, we aim to ensure that REALTOR® priorities remain at the forefront of policymaking — for the benefit of our members, clients and communities.

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