With housing affordability, inventory constraints and property rights issues continuing to shape policy discussions across the country, more than 250 government affairs directors gathered in Columbus, Ohio, this week for the GAD Institute.
What Is a GAD?
GADs play an essential role in helping REALTOR® associations engage in the legislative and regulatory process. Working at the state and local level, GADs help translate the advocacy priorities of their association members into action and serve as a conduit between members, policymakers and community stakeholders. While the role varies by association, GADs typically have responsibility in five areas:
- Government affairs
- Legislative and regulatory advocacy
- Political affairs
- REALTOR® Political Action Committee (RPAC) fundraising
- Campaigns
In those capacities, they help ensure members have a voice in discussions that affect housing, homeownership and private property rights.
“Our primary purpose is to help REALTORS® engage so that when there is a policy on the table, elected officials are educated and understand what that impact is going to do,” says Neeley Erickson, GAD for Illinois REALTORS® and chair of the National Association of REALTORS®’ GAD Advisory Group.
Working on behalf of state and local REALTOR® associations, GADs monitor legislation, regulatory proposals and local policy initiatives that may affect real estate markets and consumers. Local GADs also coordinate closely with state associations and NAR to support advocacy efforts on issues ranging from housing supply and affordability to land use, taxation and infrastructure.
Another key responsibility is mobilizing member engagement. GADs help organize grassroots advocacy campaigns, support calls for action, coordinate meetings with elected officials, and educate association members on policy developments affecting the real estate industry.
How NAR Advocacy Collaborates with GADs
To support this work, NAR provides professional development and networking opportunities for government affairs professionals, including the annual GAD Institute. The Institute brings together state and local association staff for education, strategy sharing and skills development. This year’s Institute—taking place July 21–23—brings together professionals involved in advocacy, lobbying, political affairs, community development and other REALTOR® Party programs.
Additional resources include onboarding and training programs for new GADs, professional guidance, ongoing communications and a national network of advocacy professionals. Together, these tools help strengthen advocacy capacity throughout the REALTOR® organization.
GADs remain at the forefront of efforts to advance the priorities of association members and to support communities across the country. The GADs’ work helps ensure that real estate perspectives are represented in decisions that affect housing opportunities, local economies and the future of homeownership.
