Advocacy

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.  

GMAR is proud to endorse the following bipartisan slate of candidates this election season. They have been chosen for their dedication and alignment with our objectives, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to partnering with REALTORS® on the issues that matter most to your business: housing and property rights. 

Please consider supporting these candidates in the General Election on November 5th.

GMAR has announced the awarding of $23,500 in local Placemaking Grants dispersed among six projects within different communities.  These grants go directly to community organizations and local governments looking to revitalize and reimagine public spaces.

GMAR Grant Recipients 

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is currently pushing the state legislature for a $50 million Real Estate Transfer Tax increase.  This would impact ALL residential and commercial real estate transactions.  

Today, the Greater Metropolitan Association of REALTORS® (GMAR) has announced its endorsement of Mai Xiong in Michigan’s 13th House District, and Andrea Rutkowski in Michigan’s 25th House District. GMAR supports public policies and candidates that build strong communities, protect property interests, and promote a vibrant business environment.

Do you know who is making decisions on how your city is governed? In many cases, decisions start at a local board or commission long before they are brought to the City Council or Mayor.

GMAR recently wrote a letter to the Milford Township Planning Commission concerning the updated sign ordinance that is being considered. GMAR is asking that the commission ensure that real estate signs are given appropriate definition and protection under the ordinance.

Over the past few months, GMAR members volunteered on our Candidate Endorsement Task Force to interview, discuss, and select candidates for crucial local-level elections. This task force worked tirelessly to screen and select candidates based on their views and actions around crucial housing issues and legislation. This bipartisan slate of candidates represents individuals that are committed to working with REALTORS® to create a vibrant and sustainable environment for your business.

Please consider supporting these candidates in the November 7th election.