Harris County Judge Ed Emmett discusses issues impacting the county with members of TAR’s Business Issues Subcommittee
On January 26, the Texas Association of REALTORS® (TAR) held its January 2012 Business Issues Subcommittee meeting at the offices of HAR. TAR’s Business Issues Subcommittee is comprised of REALTOR® volunteers from across the state of Texas who weigh issues of importance to the real estate industry and help steer TAR policy decisions.
Several officials from the Greater Houston area provided updates to subcommittee members on current issues impacting the real estate industry and overall Texas economy.
The meeting was held in the Board Room at HAR and led by subcommittee Chairman Dan Odom, President of Award Co. REALTORS® and Property Management in Fort Worth, and Vice Chairman Andy Hemmings of Coldwell Banker Southern Homes in Beaumont.
(l to r) TAR Director of Legislative Affairs Daniel Gonzales, Subcommittee Chairman Dan Odom, HCAD Chief Appraiser Jim Robinson, and Subcommittee Vice Chairman Andy Hemmings
HAR members participating in the January 26 meeting included 2012 TAR Chair-Elect Shad Bogany of ERA Bogany Properties; Ward Arendt of Marilyn Arendt Properties; Ray Holtzapple of Burrell, Holtzapple, Neal Properties; Becky Hill of RE/MAX Northwest; and Jim Cockrill of Coldwell Banker Commercial United.
Speakers included Harris County Judge Ed Emmett; Chief Appraiser for the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) Jim Robinson; and State Representative John Otto, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Committee in the Texas House of Representatives.
Judge Emmett provided an update on upcoming issues impacting county governments, including Texa’s most populous, Harris County. Issues included county rule making authority, municipal utility districts, transportation and aging infrastructure.
TAR Director of Legislative Affairs Daniel Gonzales (standing) introduces State Representative John Otto (second from left) to the TAR Business Issues Subcommittee
Chief Appraiser Robinson discussed HCAD policies, including improving the appraisal process, comptroller audits and state agency oversight jurisdiction.
State Representative John Otto provided a valuable update on the ongoing redistricting process and issues facing the next legislature. Issues impacting real estate included the state budget and taxation.
REALTOR® volunteers participating in the subcommittee meeting gained valuable insight into the 2013 legislative session and were grateful for each official taking time out of their busy schedules to engage members of the real estate industry.
