REALTORS® wear many hats — trusted advisors, neighborhood experts, and yes, advocates for the communities we serve. Expanding access to homeownership and removing barriers to housing has been at the heart of what we do — and for ABoR, that work now spans 100 years in Central Texas. This year, our advocacy work has reached new heights, culminating in a landmark federal housing bill and a string of local wins that are already shaping the Central Texas housing landscape.
Federal Advocacy: REALTOR® Impact in Washington, D.C.
In June, ABoR members joined thousands of REALTORS® at NAR’s 2026 Legislative Meetings to advocate for key pieces of legislation, including:
More Homes on the Market Act: Incentivizes long-term homeowners to sell, increasing housing inventory.
21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: Reduces regulatory barriers and modernizes federal housing programs to accelerate housing production.
Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act: Encourages residential use of underutilized commercial spaces.
Association Health Plans Act: Provides REALTORS® with access to high-quality, affordable health insurance.
Those meetings paid off. Just one week after ABoR members were on Capitol Hill, Congress passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act — the most significant federal housing legislation in nearly 20 years. The legislation combines nearly 50 housing reforms to increase supply and make homeownership more attainable for families across the country, including right here in Central Texas. This win is a direct result of REALTORS® who showed up, spoke up, and invested in advocacy through TREPAC.
Local Advocacy: ABoR in Action Across Central Texas
REALTOR® Advocacy happens every day — not just at the Capitol, but in city halls and county courts across Central Texas. So far in 2026, ABoR has secured several important local wins, particularly in partnership with the Austin City Council:
HOME Improvements: Council initiated code amendments to remove technical and regulatory bottlenecks limiting the HOME Initiative’s reach, expanding the pathway to smaller, more attainable housing in Austin’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Missing Middle and Mixed-Use Zoning Reform: Council initiated new zoning districts that will allow townhomes, cottage courts, and small-scale multi-unit buildings to be built easier across Austin.
Comprehensive Efficiency Assessment Program: Council unanimously established a citywide framework for an ongoing, independent, and transparent review of city departments — a win for taxpayer accountability.
New Rental Fee Disclosure Requirements: Council adopted new rental fee disclosure requirements for landlords who own five or more units, with ABoR successfully ensuring the ownership threshold protects agents and property managers from being unintentionally captured by the regulations.
Data-Driven Advocacy: Putting Unlock MLS Research to Work
Beyond legislative wins, ABoR is transforming how advocacy gets done. We believe better data leads to better policy — and that approach is delivering results. By leveraging Unlock MLS data to produce original research, we're equipping policymakers and our members with the evidence needed to advance housing reforms that make homeownership more attainable across Central Texas.
Our HOME Impact Report, released this spring, is a prime example. Using Unlock MLS data, the report quantified the real-world impact of Austin's HOME Initiative, confirming the policy is producing smaller, more efficient homes at significantly lower price points than traditional new construction. That evidence helped give the Austin City Council the confidence to pass the HOME Improvements Resolution, removing additional barriers to the initiative's success.
Moving Forward Together
The progress we’ve made in 2026 is real, but so is the work that remains. Housing affordability isn’t a problem we solve once; it takes sustained advocacy at every level of government, year after year. As we celebrate 100 years of ABoR and look toward the next century, our advocacy mission remains the same: fight for smart housing policies, expand access to homeownership, and ensure more Central Texans can achieve the American Dream. None of this is possible without engaged members who are willing to show up, speak up, and invest in the process.
As your association President, I encourage you to get involved. There is strength in numbers. To get started, email advocacy@abor.com or visit UnlockMLS.com/Advocacy. Working together, we can shape policies that protect homeownership and create opportunities for the next century.