Introducing GAAR’s Government Affairs Committee

Late last year, GAAR began the process of building something more focused, more responsive, and closer to the ground. That work has led to the launch of the new Government Affairs Committee (GAC), a dedicated group centered on local policy engagement.

GAAR has always championed private property rights and a strong real estate industry. The GAC takes that commitment a step further by creating a consistent, organized presence in local government conversations.

What This Committee Will Do

The Government Affairs Committee will serve as GAAR’s frontline team for tracking and responding to local policy activity that impacts:

• Private property rights
• Housing policy
• Land use and development
• The overall health of the real estate market

The Government Affairs Committee is established for the purpose of supporting the GAAR’s mission through informed, strategic, and legally compliant engagement in public policy matters affecting real estate, housing, and private property rights within the Greater Albuquerque region.

The Government Affairs Committee is established to:

• To identify, review, analyze, and render advisory recommendations to the GAAR Board of Directors with respect to legislative, regulatory, and ballot measure activity insofar as such activity may affect the interests of REALTOR® members and property owners;
• To facilitate structured, constructive engagement between GAAR and duly elected officials, governmental staff, and community stakeholders; and
• To provide a transparent, member-driven forum for the review of public policy matters and the formulation of advocacy recommendations.

Your Input Shapes the Agenda

The Government Affairs Committee is also launching an advocacy survey to better understand how members engage with GAAR’s advocacy efforts and communications. The survey will gather feedback on current local policy issues and identify member priorities moving forward.

In short, it is a chance to weigh in on what is working, what needs attention, and where GAAR should focus its advocacy efforts next.

Meet the Members Leading the Charge

• Christopher Sain Tanner - Chair
• Carmen Cavnar
• Helen Chan
• Todd Clarke
• Jonas Courey
• Linda Coy
• Shane Dolinski
• Belinda Franco
• Roberta Gore
• Steven Gritchen
• Jason Jenkins
• Kurstin Johnson
• Mike Leach
• Amy Monarch
• Kristina Nguyen
• Sharla Parsons
• Keith Powell
• Josh Price

Moving Forward

The launch of the Government Affairs Committee strengthens GAAR’s role as both a resource and a voice for its members. It creates a clear pathway for staying informed, getting involved, and helping shape the policies that influence real estate at the local level.

The Government Affairs Committee shall conduct all operations in strict accordance and conformity with the bylaws of GAAR, the policies and directives of the National Association of REALTORS®, and all applicable federal, state, and local statutes and regulations governing advocacy and nonprofit association activities.