You know the saying "All politics is local."

At GAAR, we really take that to heart. That is why we joined forces with the Commercial Association of REALTORS® New Mexico (CARNM) in 2006 to create the Real Estate Community Political Action Committee (RECPAC). RECPAC is your advocate for real estate-related issues in Central New Mexico.  

2016 was a big year for RECPAC and its local advocacy efforts in your interest.

Here are some of RECPAC's accomplishments from this year alone:

• Held several “Meet Your City Council Roundtables” – connecting REALTORS® to their City Councilors.  
   
• Held NAR’s “Smart Growth for the 21^st Century” class (4CE - Free) with an introduction to ABQ’s own Growth initiatives and zoning/sector plan development.  Mayor Berry addressed the group of over 150 members for about an hour and followed up with Q&A.
   
• RECPAC followed up with “Smart Growth 2.0”, an introduction to Albuquerque’s Comprehensive Zoning Plan (presented by the city’s ABC-Z Planning Team)
   
• Authored ordinance and engaged City Councilors in support of defining “reasonable fees” HOA/Condominium management companies can charge for sales disclosure documents within ABQ.  Passed 7-2 capping the fee at $200.00 to be paid at closing.  Ordinance currently in effect.
   
• Successfully lobbied the County Commission in support of keeping “Healthy Workforce” referendum off the Nov. 8^th ballot.  RECPAC is an integral part of a large coalition of trade associations and business groups in favor of reasonable policy and assuring that ALL stakeholders have a voice in making changes to employment law.
   
• Tracking legislative activity during special session.  Actively involved in authoring many upcoming legislative initiatives to include; Rooftop Solar disclosure, Tax Lightening reform, additional HOA/Condo Act reforms, Avoiding RE Transfer Tax, Legislative Ethics reform, protecting Owner Financing options, and many others.
   
• Formed a non-partisan alliance with The New Mexico Business Coalition to assure that “Pro Business, Pro Real Estate” candidates are elected while educating current elected officials about issues that will bring about better business policy for more economic development and growth.
   
• Constantly reminding policy makers about the importance of Home Ownership and Private Property Rights.
   
• Working with RPAC-NM, RECPAC to contribute $29,750 to forty-two local and state candidates from both parties. Candidates are selected based on RPAC-NM’s criteria of:
  ​– Candidates’ support for REALTOR® objectives and in particular support for private property rights;
  – Candidate’s electability;
  ​– Voting record (if applicable); 

  ​– Position in legislature (if applicable); 

  ​–  Candidate responsiveness to REALTOR® concerns at state and national level. 

  ​–  Input from individual REALTORS® is also considered in selecting candidates.

Moving foward in 2017, RECPAC will continue to work on your behalf on issues like ABQ's Healthy Workforce referendum, ongoing Smart Growth education, and more opportunties to connect you face-to-face with your elected officials.

So, when you see the RECPAC contribution on your dues billing, remember we can only be successful with your support.