Participation: Monitors and reviews all local legislation (existing or proposed) that affects the real estate industry and, when necessary, and helps identify the most appropriate lobbying strategies. Issues coming before the committees should be relative to the day-to-day function of area REALTORS® and not specific to particular parties. In other words, broad issues such as zoning, signage, transportation, and impact fees are appropriate; specific projects or individual zoning changes are not. The Government Affairs Committee also actively monitors and reviews legislation that comes before the Maryland General Assembly, and remains active weekly throughout the annual Legislative Session.

RPAC: Members are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment to RPAC by contributing annually during the length of their term. Using the REALTOR® friendly criteria established by the Government Affairs Director and the Legislative Committee, the Committee will convene with the RPAC Committee to determine which local officials and/or candidates should be supported with RPAC funds. The Committees' vote(s) and level of financial support is reported to the Board of Directors. The Committee will also report to the Board of Directors regarding the expenditure of local RPAC funds for local “issues campaigns.”

Qualification Considerations: Committee members should have an informed perspective on the local political process and be willing to assist in a non-partisan manner with monitoring and, when necessary, lobbying local government officials regarding legislation that impacts upon the real estate industry. Members who have experience in planning or implementing “issues campaigns”, working on local or state political fundraising projects or who have personal connections with members of our local, state or national elected representatives would be an asset to the committee.