Public Policy
The Oregon Association of REALTORS® Public Policy Department encompasses the lobbying arm of the Association, the political advocacy program, and staff to the REALTOR® PAC. The department advocates before the Legislature and state regulatory agencies on behalf of REALTORS® and their clients. The Public Policy Department is guided by the legislative policies adopted by the Board of Directors.
In addition to carrying forward a legislative and regulatory agenda, the Oregon Association of REALTORS® Public Policy Department provides support to the Political Affairs Key Objective Group and the REALTOR® Political Action Committee, made up of REALTORS® from around the state.
During the 2008 special session, The Oregon Association of REALTORS® Public Policy Department ensured that Oregon's land use system will receive a thorough examination and critique through the Big Look Task Force, helped protect Oregon Consumers from imprudent actors in the housing market, stopped potentially harmful and premature solutions to national mortgage lending practices, and provided clarity to out-of-state sellers who sell real property in Oregon.
During the 2007 Legislative Session, the Oregon Association of REALTORS® Public Policy Department supported the right for property owners to have their homes remodeled before sale, updated the escrow form to ensure that real estate licensees get paid at closing, and defeated real estate transfer taxes, limits on the mortgage interest deduction, and a new tax on real estate agents.
During the Legislative Session, the Public Policy Department also publishes Quorum Call, a bi-weekly insider’s report about events taking place at the Capitol.
