RVOICE: IAR's Advocacy Program

Advocacy At Work in Illinois

Making a difference for REALTORS® and property owners

The BattleThis infographic series covers four key battles waged by the IAR GAD team and the RVOICE program to SAVE you and your clients money, STOP red tape and fees on real estate transactions, and PROTECT private property rights.

Read about advocacy efforts througout the state.

Advocacy Tools


IAR's advocacy efforts throughout the state:

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

Reports from IAR's Local Government Affairs Directors (GADS) by regions served.

June

May

Q-C REALTORS® Campaign Against Mandatory Sprinklers. The Quad-Cities area is the latest battleground in the REALTOR® fight against mandatory fire sprinklers in new residential construction. REALTORS® are part of a local industry coalition educating the public against sprinklers, which would drive up housing costs and limit consumer choice. Read more in the Quad-City Times.

April

April 9 Election Results. Opportunity Races, Independent Expenditures & RVOICE Victories

IAR using several new tools in the April 9 municipal elections. IAR's Mike Scobey explains how independent expenditures and other targeted efforts can help protect private property rights in Illinois. Remember to vote April 9 for candidates who understand the role real estate plays in a vibrant, recovering economy. VIDEO

March

IAR’s advocacy effort yields results: SB1155 held…for now. When IAR asked members to fight against legislation that could layer hefty costs to doing business, they responded. Learn how calls made a difference, and what's ahead.

February

REALTORS® speak out against Highland Park's unfair demolition tax. In a column for the Highland Park Patch, IAR's Howard Handler highlights an unfair tax in the city of Highland Park that hits property owners with a hefty tax bill when they demolish a property.

January

REALTOR® advocacy squashes fast track pace; more equitable bedbug ordinance sought in Chicago. IAR's Brian Bernardoni testified before a Chicago City Council joint committee as part of discussion of a proposed penalty for landlords who fail to eliminate bedbugs.

RVOICE, REALTORS® successfully work to pass residential quality support ordinance in Rockford. Rockford Alderman Carl Wasco, a REALTOR®, became the lead sponsor of the ordinance after a competing landlord licensing scheme offered by another alderman failed to garner support.

December 2012

Homestead exemption bill fails to gain votes needed to pass in Senate. HB506 was touted as a way to catch scofflaws claiming erroneous homestead exemptions. As written, it could actually harm some homeowners. The bill has been pulled by a sponsor for consideration. 

November 2012

Illinois REALTORS® make a difference in election and in Opportunity Races. Here is a roundup of election results for the Illinois General Assembly races. Election results.

October 2012

REALTORS®, landlords block controversial Evanston rental licensing proposal. Opposition from REALTORS® and landlords prompted Evanston to delay action on a rental licensing ordinance that would have required landlords to license properties or face fines.

September 2012

RVOICE successfully works to change Tinley Park crime free ordinance. The RVOICE program was able to delay, correct and ultimately help the village of Tinley Park address how it implemented a crime free ordinance.

Skokie tables rental licensing after strong reaction from REALTORS®. The Skokie Village Board unanimously voted to table action on a proposed rental unit licensing ordinance until Oct. 15 after the North Shore-Barrington Association of REALTORS® in partnership with local landlords and tenant advocacy groups raised significant concerns.

Q5 Scores Major Victory. Springfield takes a major step forward with changes to the rules that govern development in the Capital City.

August 2012

REALTORS® oppose use of eminent domain to acquire mortgages. The Chicago Association of REALTORS® put members of a Chicago City Council committee on notice Tuesday that it was against any proposal that would use eminent domain to acquire mortgages on underwater properties

REALTORS® back a zoning fix in Lake County affecting lending, property sales. The free transfer of property is a top concern for Illinois REALTORS®, and a current example of how the Illinois Association of REALTORS® local Government Affairs Director (GAD) program serves as a watchdog on this issue is taking shape in Lake County’s Winthrop Harbor community.

July 2012 | Regional Update

RVOICE helps shape Will County's new green building initiative. Eighteen months after the county launched an effort to rewrite zoning policies to encourage green development, IAR's community advocacy program delivers for members.

Minooka foregoes foreclosure inspection ordinance after REALTORS® fight against the proposal. Getting Minooka to agree on no inspections is a major win, as it continues to keep the Will-Grundy region 'As Is' and non-regulated which allows for real estate properties to move swiftly with limited municipal interference.

 


RVOICE is the name of the Illinois Association of REALTORS® Advocacy Program. This program, established in 2006, ensures that the interests of REALTORS® and property owners are well represented before state and local governments throughout Illinois.