Step Into Advocacy: Join the Government Affairs Committee 

Advocacy is at the heart of what REALTORS® do. Every day, decisions made at City Hall, the Roundhouse, and even Capitol Hill affect your clients, your business, and the future of homeownership in New Mexico. GAAR has long been committed to protecting private property rights and strengthening the real estate industry—and now, we’re expanding that commitment with the launch of a new committee dedicated exclusively to local policy engagement.

Purpose

The Government Affairs Committee (GAC) will serve as GAAR’s frontline team for monitoring local government activity that impacts private property rights, housing policy, land use, development, and the overall health of the real estate market.

This committee will help ensure that GAAR remains proactive—not reactive—by identifying emerging issues, attending public meetings, and keeping leadership and members informed about policies that could influence the industry.

Committee members will be responsible for tracking and reporting on local government ordinances, zoning, property tax changes, rental policies, and more across GAAR’s service area—including Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Corrales, the East Mountains, Los Lunas, and surrounding communities. 

Who Can Join

• Any GAAR or CARNM member is welcome to participate.
• You do not need prior political experience—just curiosity, commitment, and a belief in the value of strong, responsible public policy.

Qualifications

• A commitment to nonpartisanship
• Experience or interest in learning about public policy
• Willingness to track issues and attend public meetings when needed

A Nonpartisan Approach to Protecting Property Rights

REALTOR® advocacy is—and will remain—strictly nonpartisan. The GAC will focus on sound policy, not party politics, and will help GAAR deliver informed, balanced, and data-driven recommendations. This committee will complement the work of RPAC at the national, state, and local levels by helping GAAR stay engaged early in the policymaking process—long before issues reach the ballot box.

How This Committee Fits Into GAAR’s Advocacy Ecosystem

National Level - NAR’s Advocacy & RPAC: NAR monitors federal legislation affecting everything from tax policy to mortgage finance. Through RPAC and Federal Political Coordinators, REALTORS® maintain a strong voice with Congress.

State Level – NMAR & RPAC-NM: At the Roundhouse, NMAR advocates for policies that keep New Mexico’s housing market healthy. RPAC-NM invests in candidates who support homeownership and property rights—regardless of political affiliation. Central District Trustees work closely with GAAR to align local and statewide goals.

Local Level – GAAR & RECPAC: Current political action work is guided by the Real Estate Community Political Action Committee (RECPAC), a joint group of GAAR and CARNM members. RECPAC evaluates candidates based on their views on housing, growth, and property rights—not politics. They also support member engagement through events. 

The new Government Affairs Committee will add a crucial layer of on-the-ground monitoring—helping members stay informed, nimble, and proactive on local issues.

Why Now?

In recent years, REALTORS® have played a pivotal role in shaping key local and state policies—from housing affordability and rental regulations to development approvals and zoning reforms. As Albuquerque and surrounding communities continue to grow, the demand for knowledgeable, engaged real estate professionals in the policymaking process has never been greater.

Ready to Get Involved?

If you care about property rights, housing policy, or how local decisions shape our real estate market, we invite you to be part of this important new initiative. As soon as meeting dates are scheduled for 2026, interested members will be notified.

Complete the Government Affairs Committee Interest Form