November 2024 Advocacy Report

Here is your advocacy update for the month of November! The Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors® Advocacy Report goes out each month and is your one-stop-shop for everything related to Government Affairs throughout SPAAR's jurisdiction.

The Advocacy Report goings out to the entirety of SPAAR's membership. The Report go out monthly. If you're not receiving the advocacy report and would like to, email spaar@spaar.com.

If you have any questions or hear of local advocacy issues that affect the real estate industry, please contact SPAAR's Government Affairs Directors, Becky Wegscheid and Simon Opatz.

SPAAR's Election Update

SPAAR endorsed 21 candidates for local races during the 2024 election season, resulting in 15 of the endorsees winning their respective races.

Congratulations to the following:

• Peter Butler, Coon Rapids City Council
• Jake Cordes, Farmington City Council
• Mike Gamache, Anoka County Board of Commissioners
• Christopher Geisler, Coon Rapids City Council
• Julie Jeppson, Anoka County Board of Commissioners
• Elizabeth Kautz, Burnsville Mayor
• Ben Krull, Hugo City Council
• Kelly Miller, Ramsey County Board of Commissioners
• Ben Montzka, Chisago County Board of Commissioners
• Kari Niedfeldt-Thomas, New Brighton Mayor
• Justin Olsen, Cottage Grove City Council
• Mike Supina, Eagan City Council
• Jeanne Vint Frischman, New Brighton City Council
• Jeff Weaver, Anoka City Council
• Steve Wilson, Farmington City Council

Leading up to the election, SPAAR member volunteers worked with SPAAR's Government Affairs team to meet with and interview candidates whose work will include keeping Realtor® interests in mind during their tenure in local elected offices.

SPAAR Announces 2025 Key Communities Application

The Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors® is excited to announce the fifth year of the Key Communities Grant Program!

The purpose of the Advocacy Key Communities Program is to build strong ties between SPAAR Realtor® members and communities in SPAAR’s jurisdiction. With recent funding allocated from SPAAR’s Board of Directors and the Government Affairs Committee, SPAAR is excited to announce the fifth year of the program. Three communities will be chosen by the members of SPAAR’s Government Affairs Committee.

Some projects that have been done by cities within the Twin Cities Metro include:

• Community Banners along Coon Rapids Boulevard in Coon Rapids
• A Wayfinding Study in Farmington
• A Walkability Study in Faribault
• Hanging Flower Baskets on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul
• Placemaking Software in Centerville
• Diversity Banners in Burnsville
• A home improvement booklet in Blaine

When the cities have been chosen, SPAAR members and staff will work with community stakeholders in each city to determine a city-led program or project that will be funded with a grant of up to $1,500 and help identify other relevant grants available. The grant shall fund efforts related to homeownership, placemaking, walkability, etc.

For more information and to apply, visit The Saint Paul Area Association of Realtors® (SPAAR) Key Communities Grant Program application.

What is the Realtor® Political Action Committee (RPAC)?

The largest political action committee in the state to be recognized as nonpartisan, the Realtor® Political Action Committee (RPAC) exists exclusively to raise money for and contribute to candidates who support Realtor® issues.

Minnesota RPAC is governed by a board of trustees. Its composition is determined by Minnesota RPAC bylaws. Per the bylaws, the Board is composed of up to 23 members. Some trustees serve in their capacity as a leader in the National Association of Realtors®. Others are elected due to their role in local associations or as an “at-large” representative.

Learn more here on SPAAR's Website.

Advocacy Updates

To view your Advocacy Updates from the East, South, North, West Metro and Minnesota and Nationwide News, check out the Advocacy Updates blog.

Read Advocacy Updates

Member Updates

If you have an issue in your community that needs the attention of Realtors® or if you have interesting advocacy stories to share, please reach out to Vice President of Advocacy & Community Engagement Joe McKinley or Government Affairs Directors, Simon Opatz or Becky Wegscheid.

The work of the Realtor® Party relies on your investment in the Realtors® Political Action Committee (RPAC).

Click here to learn about RPAC's non-partisan advocacy for homeowners and the real estate industry.