Traverse City Commission Approves Introduction of Amendment to Allow Up to Four Dwelling Units Per Lot in R-2 Zoning District; NAR Advocacy Scoop Podcast: The Latest of Tax Reform and New Federal Housing Appointments; REALTORS® Legislative Meetings Registration Has Opened!
Last Monday, March 17th, the Traverse City Commission approved the introduction of a zoning ordinance amendment to allow up to four dwelling units per lot in the R-2 district. They scheduled this amendment for possible enactment on April 7th. Check out the latest NAR Advocacy Scoop podcast covering tax reform and its impact on real estate, federal appointments, and navigating the current fast-paced federal landscape. Registration has open for the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, learn more about the event and consider attending.
1. Traverse City Commission Approves Introduction of Amendment to Allow Up to Four Dwelling Units Per Lot in R-2 Zoning District
At the Monday, March 17th Traverse City (TC) Commission Regular Meeting the TC Commission considered a zoning ordinance amendment that would allow up to four dwelling units per lot in the R-2 Two Family Dwelling District, as recommended for approval by the TC Planning Commission. As covered in the GAD Top 3 on March 10th, TC Planning Commission recommended this text amendment which would not change any of the dimensional standards in the R-2 district and maintain the maximum number of structures in the district that can be used for residential purposes at two. It would only change how a residential building may be divided on the inside of the building to accommodate additional dwelling units. After much discussion, the TC Commission approved (by a 4-3 vote) the introduction and scheduled for possible enactment on April 7th a zoning ordinance amendment to allow up to four dwelling units per lot in the R-2 district. If you would like to view the discussion and vote at the March 17th TC Commission Regular Meeting you can view it here (TC Planning Director presentation and TC Commissioner discussion from minute 59:06 to minute 1:37:23, Public Comment from minute 1:37:23 to 1:45:41, TC Commission vote 1:45:41 to 1:47:15).
2. NAR Advocacy Scoop Podcast: The Latest on Tax Reform and New Federal Housing Appointments
Check out the NAR Advocacy Scoop Podcast, live from the RPAC President’s Circle in Orlando where Shannon McGahn, Executive Vice President and Chief Advocacy Officer for the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), and Patrick Newton, Vice President of Advocacy Communications and Outreach for NAR dive into the latest federal advocacy updates including:
- Tax Reform insights and their impact on real estate
- Key appointments at the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), US Department of Labor, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), and what they mean for housing
- Building relationships with new members of Congress and the Administration
- Navigating a fast-paced policy landscape
3. REALTORS® Legislative Meetings Registration Has Opened!
Registration for the REALTORS® Legislative Meetings from May 31st to June 5th in Washington, DC has opened! Each year this event brings together thousands of members to conduct the business of NAR and unite for a common cause - advancing the real estate profession through powerful, impactful policy advocacy. REALTORS®, lawmakers, and industry leaders will be in attendance discussing issues, including:
- Housing Affordability
- Updating America’s Tax Law
- Equal Access and Representation
Some highlights for the event include Hill Visits where NAR members, including Aspire North REALTORS® members, meet with Capitol Hill representatives (like Rep. Jack Bergman, Senator Elissa Slotkin, and Senator Gary Peters) and actively advance the real estate market through public policy. You can learn more about the event and register to attend here.
