Members of CARW attended the NAR (National Association of REALTORS) Mid-Year Legislative meetings in Washington DC. Among the Wisconsin attendees included Joe Lak (Colliers International), Michael Kleber (Zilber), Adam Williquette (American Companies), Steve Pape (Founders 3), and Ben Adank (SARA Investment Real Estate).
They joined members from the REALTOR Boards throughout Wisconsin and the WRA (Wisconsin REALTOR Association) to meet with Wisconsin legislators. Topics of discussion included Opportunity Zones; specifically the renewal of extensions tied to certain types of investment, as well as further guidance and clarification on rules, the latest of which, had been released in mid April. Legislators requested that the Association serve as a resource for them, as opportunity zones are used for commercial real estate investment successfully or otherwise. All suggested that some additional time will provide success measures for future guidance and support on changes.
Additionally, members discussed the concerns about workforce in Wisconsin and the standing need for immigration reform. Not only are some manufacturers unable to find workers, but contractors are unable to hire workers to keep up with construction demand which is driving up prices.
Overall, it was an active day of meetings with the general sense from legislators, that many of the REALTOR® issues are vitally important to building communities and contributing to the economic impact of our State. CARW members were able to meet with Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson and Congressmen, Sean Duffy, Michael Gallagher, Jim Sensenbrenner, Gwen Moore, Bryan Steil and Glenn Grothman. Watch for more information on the meetings and outcomes.