Advocacy

GMAR is proud to endorse the following group of nonpartisan candidates for the upcoming elections.  Each has been selected for their proven commitment to partnering with REALTORS® and their alignment on issues that matter most to your business: housing and property rights.  

 
Please consider supporting these candidates in the Primary Election on August 5th and the General Election on November 4th . 
 

Find your polling place or learn how to vote early: michigan.gov/vote. 
 

Earlier this month, GMAR members traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 2025 REALTOR® Legislative Meetings, joining thousands of colleagues from across the country to advocate for real estate and homeownership. This event is one of the most important opportunities for REALTORS® to speak directly with members of Congress and ensure the voice of the real estate industry is heard on Capitol Hill.

In a recent discussion with GMAR’s Government Relations Committee, Southfield Mayor Ken Siver offered an overview of the city’s evolving development, centered on placemaking, accessibility, and revitalization.  His vision is rooted in the belief that making Southfield more interesting will not only enhance quality of life but also encourage population growth.

In a March conversation with GMAR’s Government Relations Committee, Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg shed light on the vital responsibilities of his office and how they intersect with local housing and community development.

As part of his responsibilities to the county, Treasurer Wittenberg manages tax collection, disbursements, and investment of surplus funds on behalf of the 62 cities and townships within Oakland County as well as the county as a whole.  

GMAR is pleased to announce Placemaking Grants totaling $25,500 awarded to six local community projects across Southeast Michigan. These grants will support efforts to revitalize public spaces, create community gathering areas, and enhance local environments for residents and visitors alike.

Alpha House (Ann Arbor, MI) has been selected by the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR) to receive a $2,000 charitable donation. This funding will support their ongoing initiatives, enabling the shelter to expand its impact within the community. Needs for funding to continue their mission to house families in their shelter, as well as assist recently housed families as they make their way to independence were the basis for the selection.

In a recent discussion with the GMAR Government Relations Committee, Mayor Lori Stone emphasized the pivotal role of housing in Warren and the complexities that come with it.  She noted that there is a strong necessity to ask “why” when instituting policies to prevent overreach and ensure that decisions genuinely reflect the community needs of Warren.

Are you passionate about improving the places where you live, work, and play? The GMAR Placemaking Grant could be the perfect opportunity to bring your vision to life.

What is Placemaking?
Placemaking is a dynamic approach to the planning, design, and management of public spaces. It capitalizes on a local community's assets, creativity, and potential, turning underutilized areas into vibrant spaces that promote health, happiness, and well-being.

The City of Ypsilanti is currently considering enacting an ordinance that would prohibit housing providers from conducting ANY type of criminal background checks as part of a tenant screening process, even for offenses such as arson or serious violent crimes. We had urged them to take a more nuanced approach to limit this ban a bit, but the City Council rejected this idea.

In a recent discussion with the GMAR Government Relations Committee, Mayor McLain addressed how central homes are to people’s lives and the controversies they often spark in Birmingham.  She stressed the need for “respectful conversation around the table” to effectively address housing issues.  The conversation touched on several pressing concerns, including health, safety, community aesthetics, and walkability.