Your Voice, Your Investment
Why REALTOR® advocacy starts with you
Nathan Conrad, WRA Director of Grassroots Political Advocacy and Engagement
When it comes to real estate, most people think of showings, contracts and closings. But for Wisconsin REALTORS®, the work goes far beyond the front door. Behind the scenes, a powerful advocacy engine is constantly working to protect private property rights, support sound housing policy, and defend property owners from overburdensome regulations and out-of-control property tax increases. That engine is
powered by you.
As a member of the WRA, you’re part of one of the most effective political advocacy organizations in the state. Through two key programs — the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) and the Direct Giver program — you can play a direct role in shaping the laws and policies that impact your business and your clients’ future.
Why political advocacy matters
Wisconsin REALTORS® aren’t just witnesses to legislative change — they drive it. Through RPAC and the Direct Giver program, members fuel advocacy efforts on multiple fronts critical to the future of real estate, including the REALTOR® priorities for 2025, outlined in this article.
Protecting property tax levy limits
New legislative proposals like Senate Bill 181/Assembly Bill 194 would weaken local levy limits, allowing property tax increases without voter approval. The WRA strongly opposes these changes to preserve taxpayer protections and housing affordability.
Removing barriers to new housing construction
Wisconsin must add over 200,000 new housing units by 2030. The WRA supports legislation that has already allocated $525 million in WHEDA funding, reformed zoning and streamlined permitting. Other recent legislation is aimed at making those funds easier to access. These efforts will help build more homes, faster.
Preventing landlord bankruptcy over technicalities
Recent court rulings have allowed leases to be voided for minor legal errors, leading to a potential catastrophic financial loss for landlords. The WRA supports legislation that aims to restore fairness and prevent unintentional evictions or bankruptcies.
Reducing the real estate transfer tax
Wisconsin’s transfer tax adds $915 on average to a home sale. The WRA is advocating to reduce that burden to $2 per $1,000 of value, saving sellers hundreds of dollars during the sale of a property and encouraging mobility in the market.
Opposing local rent control
Some municipalities want to reintroduce rent control, a failed policy that discourages investment and reduces housing supply. The WRA continues to oppose rent control and instead supports solutions that grow the housing market for all.
Why your investment matters
These priorities aren’t just political talking points — they’re essential to protecting the real estate industry, preserving homeownership and promoting economic growth in every Wisconsin community. Your investment in RPAC and the Direct Giver program make an impact on the decision makers when the WRA’s advocacy efforts are in full swing.
RPAC: strength in numbers
At a national level, RPAC is the nation’s largest PAC focused solely on real estate issues. In Wisconsin, RPAC helps elect pro-REALTOR® candidates from both parties. Over 90% of RPAC-supported candidates won their elections in the last cycle, giving REALTORS® a powerful voice when laws are written, debated and passed.
Direct Giver: you decide, you invest
The Direct Giver program gives you control. With an initial investment of $100 to start a Direct Giver account, you can point your advocacy dollars where you wish. You choose which real estate-friendly candidates to support, and your contribution goes directly to the candidates of your choice. It’s an effective, personal way to support housing-friendly policymakers at nearly all levels of government.
Ready to go further? Become a major investor
Becoming an RPAC major investor is the next step for members ready to lead. A major investor contributes $1,000 or more annually and joins a network of REALTOR® leaders who shape real estate policy in the Badger State.
Major investors receive special recognition, exclusive access to events, and a more direct role in protecting the real estate profession. More importantly, they help win the fights that matter most.
Your advocacy matters
REALTORS® aren’t bystanders in policy decisions. They are advocates, problem-solvers and community builders. By supporting RPAC and Direct Giver, and by becoming a major investor, you ensure the real estate industry remains strong, respected and protected.
Take the next step. Invest. Influence. Lead. Your voice matters — make it count.
