In 2024, the Houston Association of Realtors® (HAR) Governmental Affairs and Advocacy Department made significant strides in advancing the interests of real estate professionals and property owners across the region.

During this election year, the team was focused on supporting our elected officials and recommended candidates during their races. In contested races in the November election, HAR’s recommended candidates and propositions had a record of 46 victories and zero defeats with one candidate advancing to a runoff. During a pivotal year, we navigated the complexities of a dynamic political landscape, fostered strategic alliances, and championed important policies to protect the real estate industry.

January:

Mayor John Whitmire and all of Houston’s newly elected officials were sworn into office during an inauguration ceremony at Wortham Theater on January 2, 2024. That same night, members of HAR’s Executive Committee attended the inauguration party for Mayor Whitmire.

February:

HAR Leaders and the Governmental Affairs & Advocacy team spent time meeting with local elected officials to discuss important projects and topics, including meeting with Congressman Dan Crenshaw and meeting with Houston City Council Member Sallie Alcorn.

March:

HAR participated in the Greater Houston Partnership’s “Houston Day: Beyond the Bayou.” HAR Governmental Affairs Coordinator Mary Burnett and HAR Bay Area Political Affairs Advisory Leadership Chair Sarah Lernor attended a tour of the Houston Ship Channel and Johnson Space Center, hearing from leaders about the value of Houston’s industries.

April:

HAR hosted “H-TOWN Day,” a momentous occasion as it was the first H-Town Day since 2019 and also the first time the Houston Mayor and Harris County Judge had spoken at the same event.

Other speakers and panels we facilitated included Harris County District Attorney, Harris County District Clerk, Harris County Clerk, Houston Metro, and Houston Housing Authority.

May:

Thousands of REALTORS® from across the country met on Capitol Hill. In collaboration with Political Affairs and TREPAC Department, we organized and facilitated a Washington D.C. Fly-In with HAR Senior Staff, HAR Board Members, and other key advisory group members.

This nearly week-long event brought together a bipartisan group of the Houston Congressional Delegation who met with our members to discuss key policies that will impact the housing industry.

June:

The Governmental Affairs and Advocacy team collaborated with the Communications Department to host a press conference featuring Houston Mayor John Whitmire and Council Members, urging citizens to get flood insurance before hurricane season.

July:

  • The Governmental Affairs and Advocacy team spent the month of July focusing on the issue of short-term rentals in Houston.
  • Members of the GA team and GAAG committee attended the Houston City Council Quality of Life Meeting at City Hall, where more than 60 speakers discussed short-term rentals in Houston.
  • The GA team remains at the forefront of this critical issue.

August:

We hosted our Elected and Public Officials Reception at Tony’s. This event provided an opportunity for Greater Houston Area leaders to gather and network while discussing current and pressing issues affecting the Houston region.

September:

  • The GA team spent September diligently preparing for the November election.
  • The Governmental Affairs Advisory Group met with local leaders to discuss various measures on the ballot, including Dr. Tina Petersen, Director of the Harris County Flood Control District.

October:

The GA team met with elected officials and candidates in preparation for the November election, including Texas State Representative Gene Wu, Texas State Representative Ann Johnson, and Texas State Representative Will Metcalf.

November:

HAR held the third annual Housing Symposium! This sold-out event was a great success and included keynote speakers such as Houston City Controller Chris Hollins and Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia.

December:

The Governmental Affairs and Advocacy team is preparing for 2025! Looking ahead, your Houston Association of REALTORS® Governmental Affairs and Advocacy team will build on 2024 achievements by focusing on several key areas:

  • Encouraging more active participation from members.
  • Strengthening engagement with local communities.
  • Expanding educational programs on key governmental issues.

By focusing on these areas, HAR can continue to be a leading voice in the real estate industry and effectively represent its members’ interests. If you have any questions about an issue or would like to get involved, please send an email to govtaffairs@har.com.