When most people hear “advocacy,” they think of the Capitol or Washington. I get it. But in my experience, the decisions that make or break a project usually happen a lot closer to home. A zoning change, a council vote, a new fee or a referendum petition can stop a deal just as fast as any state law.
At the state level, CARW works closely with the Wisconsin REALTORS Association on advocacy at the Capitol. Locally, it’s different. Our members drive CARW’s local advocacy efforts.
Here’s how that works. Members bring us what they’re seeing in their communities, whether it’s a proposed ordinance, a petition or a rule that just doesn’t fit how commercial real estate works anymore. Then we decide together where CARW can actually make a difference, using four priorities: protecting the tools that build communities, keeping development predictable, getting local policy right and modernizing the rules of our business.
This year showed me just how much that matters. Here are a few examples.
What local advocacy looked like this year:
Protecting the tools that build communities. When local efforts threatened the financing tools communities rely on to attract development, we worked with our partners to make sure residents and local leaders understood what was at stake.
Keeping development predictable. When proposals would have added new hurdles to major projects, we helped voters and officials understand what that would mean for investment. Investors need to know the rules won’t change halfway through.
Getting the details right. When cities considered new rules or fees for commercial property, we didn’t just say no. We offered feedback and market data so decisions were based on what’s actually happening in the market.
Keeping communities open for business. When zoning changes made certain kinds of development harder, we sat down with city leaders and brought in local members to help find solutions.
Showing up early. On everything from new industries to housing and zoning, we’ve made a point of weighing in before decisions are final. Local leaders are now citing our research, which tells me we’re being heard.
Every one of these started the same way. We showed up early, brought data and worked with local leaders to get to yes.
Where you come in:
None of this happens without you. Our team can’t be at every council meeting in the state, but you’re already there. You hear about the zoning change, the petition or the new fee long before we do. Most of what I described above came to CARW because a member picked up the phone.
So here’s my ask:
- Tell us what you’re seeing. If something in your community could affect commercial real estate, let us know. The earlier we hear about it, the more we can do.
- Join us at the table. Any member who wants to bring an issue or help decide where we focus is welcome.
- Share your stories. Real examples of delayed projects, higher costs or lost deals carry a lot of weight with local officials.
- Show up in your own community. A broker who lives and works in a town has credibility with its leaders that we can’t match. Sometimes the most effective voice in the room is yours.
The decisions that shape our industry are being made in council chambers across Wisconsin right now. I want CARW in the room for every one of them, and I’d love your help getting us there. Email me at tracy@carw.com