Leadership Academy Day Five: Advocacy in Leadership

Day 5 of WMLAR’s Leadership Academy was all about advocacy—why it matters, how it works, and the role REALTORS® play in protecting private property rights at the local, state, and national level. With panels of industry leaders, elected officials, and association leadership, participants got a behind-the-scenes look at how policy and politics intersect with real estate.

Advocacy Panel: RPAC – Who, What, When, Why, Where?

Moderator: Dean Kreps
Panelists: Amy Taylor (Michigan REALTORS® Public Policy Field Director), Stacey Ruwe (City2Shore, RPAC Major Investor Council), Brit Shearer (Greenridge Realty, Chair WMLAR Government Affairs Committee)

This panel dove into the fundamentals of advocacy and RPAC (REALTORS® Political Action Committee). Participants learned why advocacy is central to the REALTOR® mission and how RPAC helps ensure that candidates and policymakers understand the importance of private property rights. The panel explored:

  • Why advocacy matters: It directly impacts REALTORS®, their clients, and communities.
  • What is RPAC? A voluntary investment vehicle that allows REALTORS® to support candidates who champion real estate and property rights.
  • Levels of giving: From Fair Share to Major Investor to President’s Circle.
  • Oversight and safeguards: WMLAR has a thorough process—candidate surveys, interviews, committee review, state trustee approval, and board approval—before any local campaign receives RPAC support.
  • Real-world impact: Example of Jim Barry’s successful campaign for Ottawa County Commission, supported through this process.

The message was clear: RPAC isn’t about partisan politics. It’s about ensuring REALTORS® have a voice on issues that affect homeownership, private property rights, and our industry.

Local Elected Officials Panel: When You Are a REALTOR® and an Elected Official

Moderator: Jon Broadbooks
Panelists: Jim Barry (Ottawa County Commissioner), Kerri Bosma (Zeeland Charter Township Trustee), Jay Kilgo (Muskegon City Commissioner)

This conversation gave participants firsthand insights from REALTORS® who also serve in elected roles. They shared their journeys from real estate into politics, what surprised them most about public service, and how their REALTOR® background shapes the way they approach decisions. Key takeaways included:

  • Balancing dual roles: Representing diverse constituents while still prioritizing property rights.
  • Challenges: Slow-moving government processes, contentious environments, and the need to educate the public on complex policies.
  • Local impact: From Muskegon’s new rules on smaller lot sizes and short-term rentals to Ottawa County governance shifts, REALTORS® in office are bringing industry knowledge directly into policy.
  • Call to action: More REALTORS® should consider running for office—local expertise is invaluable in shaping fair, effective policy.

State of the Association

The day closed with a State of the Association update from President Dan Hendrick, Immediate Past President Kimberly Ryan, and President-elect/Treasurer Dean Kreps. They shared an honest look at where WMLAR stands today and where it’s headed. Highlights included:

  • Engagement: Post-COVID, associations nationwide face challenges in member involvement. WMLAR is leaning into one-on-one outreach, meaningful programming, and initiatives like the Leadership Academy to strengthen connections.
  • Legal environment: From navigating the NAR settlement to preparing for potential new lawsuits, WMLAR is focused on protecting members with strong legal resources.
  • MLS evolution: With consolidation in the MLS industry, WMLAR continues to emphasize the value of a REALTOR®-driven database that prioritizes practitioners and consumers over profit motives.
  • Financial stability: Careful management and membership growth allow WMLAR to remain strong and forward-focused without burdening members.
  • Future goals: More targeted education (including free legal, fair housing, and Code of Ethics training for all members), enhanced programming, and a renewed focus on serving members where they are.

Final Thought

Day 5 underscored that advocacy is leadership. Whether through RPAC investments, engaging with policymakers, or stepping into public office, REALTORS® play a vital role in shaping the policies that affect their profession and their communities.

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