Building a Safer, Simpler Missouri
By James Toy, KCRAR Senior Vice President of Government Affairs KCRAR is joining Safer + Simpler Missouri, a statewide coalition working to modernize and simplify Missouri’s building codes, inspections and permitting processes. The partnership reflects a central REALTOR® priority: protecting consumers and property owners while supporting a regulatory environment that encourages housing, investment and responsible […]
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REALTOR®-Supported Candidates Emerge Victorious in 2026 General Election
The 2026 General Election delivered a significant result for REALTOR® advocacy across Kansas and Missouri. Candidates featured in the KCRAR voter guides prevailed in 57 of 74 unique races, a combined 77% success rate, earning victories from local government and state legislatures to Congress. Those results came amid a pronounced national political shift. Democrats won […]
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KCRAR Completes Inaugural Local Policy Agenda With Three New Model Ordinances
With the release of its final three model policies of 2026, the KCRAR Public Policy Committee concludes the inaugural year of its Local Policy Agenda with eighteen model ordinances and resolutions. Those final releases are the Development Incentives and Tax Credits Model Resolution, the Disaster Preparedness & Property Resilience Model Ordinance, and the Vacant Land […]
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Column: ‘Why Is My Association Telling Me How to Vote?’
Column by James Toy, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs It is a fair question, especially when you disagree with a recommendation. Your vote reflects experiences and convictions no association can fully represent. Our role is to offer a professional perspective, not replace your judgment. Because public decisions shape real estate, engaging in elections helps […]
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Guest Column: Supported, and for good reason
My name is Leah Maki. I hold real estate licenses in Missouri, Kansas, and Florida, and I have worked in this industry since 2011. I am also married to Jason Maki, candidate for Platte County Presiding Commissioner. The Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® has supported my husband’s candidacy, and I want to tell you […]
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Forget Republican or Democrat—Who Will Fight for Real Estate?
Column by James Toy, KCRAR Senior Vice President of Government Affairs The Myth: RPAC is simply another vehicle for supporting one political party over another. The Fact: Party affiliation does not determine who earns RPAC support. The standard is more meaningful: Who understands the issues, will engage with REALTORS®, has a credible path to victory […]
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Jackson County Launches Online Property Tax Credit Lookup Tool
Jackson County homeowners now have a new resource to estimate property tax credits related to the county’s response to the 2023 and 2024 assessment controversy. County officials recently launched an online property information portal that allows homeowners to search for their property and view an estimated tax credit amount. The credits are associated with the […]
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New KCRAR Model Ordinance Aims to Remove Barriers to Rental Housing
Real estate professionals commonly cite housing attainability as one of the most significant challenges facing communities across the Kansas City region. In response, the KCRAR Public Policy Committee has approved a new Model Rental Housing Attainability Ordinance, providing municipalities and counties with a comprehensive framework to expand housing opportunities, support workforce growth and strengthen local […]
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A Powerful Night for the American Dream
By James Toy, KCRAR Senior Vice President of Government Affairs On Wednesday evening, our REALTOR® community came together for a purpose greater than any single auction item: to protect the American dream. By the end of the American Dream Party & Auction, that shared commitment had raised more than $50,000 for RPAC and REALTOR® advocacy, […]
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The American Dream Party & Auction: The Next Victory Depends on Us
By James Toy, KCRAR Senior Vice President of Government Affairs The American Dream Party & Auction is the most important RPAC fundraiser of the year and one of the most meaningful investments REALTORS® can make in the future of their profession. RPAC exists for one purpose: ensuring REALTORS® have the resources to support candidates and […]
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