Message from the CEO

As we begin a new year, the WRA remains focused on a clear mission: protecting consumers, empowering real estate professionals and strengthening Wisconsin’s housing market. The environment in which we operate continues to evolve — legally, economically and technologically — and our priorities for the year ahead reflect both the challenges and the opportunities facing Wisconsin REALTORS^® and the consumers we serve.

Our first priority is risk reduction and management. Wisconsin REALTORS^® operate in an increasingly complex regulatory and legal environment, and it is our responsibility to ensure that real estate regulations, forms and practices are modern, clear and consumer-focused. This year, we will be assessing and enhancing key areas of practice — including referral fees, agency relationships and cooperation — to ensure they align with current consumer expectations while mitigating unnecessary legal exposure.

By proactively reviewing these practices, we can help safeguard transactions, protect member businesses and reinforce public trust in our profession. Modernization is not about change for its own sake; it is about clarity, consistency and confidence for both consumers and REALTORS^®.

Housing availability and affordability remain top concerns across Wisconsin. Increasing housing supply is a critical priority, and our approach combines strong grassroots advocacy with data-driven policy leadership.

We will continue advancing key legislative initiatives designed to increase housing supply, including expanding the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) housing loan programs, authorizing residential tax increment districts (TIDs), and providing greater certainty in local planning and zoning. At the same time, we will conduct applied research to inform state and local housing policy discussions on rent control, workforce housing and property taxes. Sound policy starts with credible data, and our research will ensure decision-makers understand the real-world impacts of housing proposals on communities and consumers.

Multiple listing services (MLS) are a cornerstone of a competitive and transparent real estate marketplace. This year, the WRA will continue assisting Wisconsin MLSs as they modernize and innovate to remain a viable, relevant resource for real estate companies. That includes supporting conversations around technology, governance and collaboration so MLSs can adapt to changing market expectations while continuing to deliver value to participants and subscribers.

Professionalism remains at the heart of the WRA. We are investing in targeted training programs and continuous improvement initiatives that help members succeed at every career stage. This includes modernizing legal education resources and delivery, launching career-aligned learning tracks, updating and enhancing the WRA Broker Club offerings, and improving member segmentation and discovery so education is more relevant and accessible to every member.

In addition, we are partnering with local boards to deliver regional professional development programs focused on advocacy, legal updates, economic conditions and local market trends. This year, we will build upon the success from last year and select new regional locations to broaden access and engagement across the state.

Together, these priorities reflect our commitment to leadership, collaboration and progress. By reducing risk, expanding housing opportunities, strengthening core industry infrastructure and investing in professional excellence, we are positioning Wisconsin REALTORS^® — and the consumers we serve — for a stronger year ahead.

Tom Larson
WRA President & CEO