Advocacy News
SPAAR advocates for you and your business.
Our Government Affairs team works to make sure both REALTORS® and homeowners are represented in government.
In addition, the Government Affairs Committee works to expand the Association’s sphere of influence in local, regional, state and national public policy areas focusing on issues affecting communities throughout the Association’s jurisdiction.
SPAAR announces its 2023 endorsed candidates
Earlier this fall, some SPAAR members, as well as staff members, held candidate interviews.
SPAAR’s fall book club pick is Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America!
SPAAR’s Fall Book Club is fast approaching! Beginning on Thursday, October 5, at 8am via Zoom, and every Thursday through October, interested SPAAR members will be meeting virtually to discuss Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America.
SPAAR seeks candidate endorsement volunteers
SPAAR has begun its 2023 candidate endorsement process and the advocacy team is looking for volunteers for candidate interviews.
SPAAR’s first-ever Nonprofit Fair to take place on September 27
Join SPAAR for its first-ever Nonprofit Fair and special event to meet and connect with local housing-related nonprofits.
NAR announces new Call for Action; seeking comments through July 31
On July 11, NAR announced a Call for Action (CFA) regarding the impact of tenant protections on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac backed multi-family properties.
Compliance sought for St. Paul’s smoking disclosure ordinance
The Non-Smokers Association is seeking compliance about the changes made for smoking disclosure in St. Paul that have been in effect since January 1, 2022. Since the effective date 18 months ago, there have been approximately 500 sales of condos and townhomes in St. Paul, yet very few disclosures in comparison to the number of properties.
SPAAR and the City of Woodbury discuss the city’s Down Payment Assistance program
SPAAR and the City of Woodbury are working together to share information about a Down Payment Assistance program.
FHFA rescinded its proposed LLPA changes
On May 10, 2023, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) rescinded its proposed loan level pricing adjustment (LLPA) upfront fee on borrowers with debt-to-income ratios greater than 40 percent that was slated to go into effect August 1.