December 10, 2024 | Driving It Home with ABoR's Housing Economist

In this episode of Driving It Home, Dr. Clare Knapp and Deputy Director of Government Affairs Taylor Smith discuss the details of ABoR Advocacy, which is guided by two central documents: the Public Policy Principles (updated every five years) and the annual Public Policy Agenda. These documents prioritize areas like private property rights, strategic land use, and business practices, aiming to address pressing issues for Central Texas homeowners, REALTORS®, and the broader community. Taylor shares that the Unlock MLS & ABoR Boards of Directors approved the updated policy principles in effect from 2025-2030 and the upcoming 2025 public policy agenda. The approval of both signals the association’s proactive stance in tackling affordability, permitting reforms, and housing supply challenges. The episode also reviews 2024 advocacy achievements, emphasizing the passage of significant housing reforms in Austin. These include reducing the minimum lot size, revising compatibility standards to unlock housing potential, and relaxing design standards for more housing diversity. Additionally, ABoR successfully worked with city officials to eliminate a costly sound disclosure requirement for new developments near music venues, safeguarding members' interests. Smith highlights how these wins reflect the importance of advocacy in supporting affordable housing and creating long-term solutions for Austin’s housing market. Looking ahead, Taylor outlines ABoR Advocacy’s 2025 priorities, which focus on expanding missing middle housing, streamlining permitting processes, and enhancing homeownership assistance programs. He emphasizes member engagement through resources like the "Live from City Hall" newsletter and events such as REALTOR® Day at the Capitol (Mar. 26, 2025). The episode concludes with a look at upcoming content, including housing market reviews and projections for 2025, encouraging listeners to stay informed and involved.   Links Mentioned ABoR Public Policy Principles | https://www.abor.com/content/uploads/2020/10/ABoR-Public-Policy-PrinciplesUpdated10-22-1.pdf Sign Up for ABoR Adovcacy’s Newsletter | https://www.abor.com/livefromcityhallsignup Save the Date: REALTOR® Day at the Capitol | Mar. 26, 2025 ABoR Customizable One-Pagers | https://www.abor.com/customizables Contact ABoR Advocacy | [email protected]   Download an episode transcript: https://www.abor.com/content/uploads/2024/12/DIH-12-10-24.pdf   Listen On: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/driving-it-home-with-abors-housing-economist/id1714289732 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzH_caxJ3VPq5iExWilqZOahnREgSFgqC  Connect with us on socials: https://www.abor.com/socials Connect with Dr. Clare Knapp on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clare-losey    Have feedback? Email us at [email protected].