Committees

The Awards & Community Engagement Committee celebrates excellence by selecting recipients for awards like Realtor^® of the Year, Rising Star, Affiliate of the Year, and the Good Neighbor Award. They also oversee the MAR Scholarship program, providing members with a cost-free opportunity to attend the NAR Legislative Meetings in Washington, DC. Beyond awards, the committee drives community impact through volunteer efforts:

• Donating “Green Cleaning Kits” to the Twin Cities United Way
• Creating Cold Weather Kits for the Hennepin Healthcare Foundation
• Assembling Personal Care Packages for The Family Partnership
• Hosting a Realtor^® Day of Service at Avivo, where volunteers built 300 harm reduction kits and organized a donation closet

Find out more about MAR’s awards and scholarships

The DEI Committee drives equity and inclusion at MAR by shaping policies, engaging underrepresented communities, and addressing bias in real estate. Recent initiatives include:

• Proposing new policies to reduce discrimination in the home-buying process.
• Hosting a roundtable on confronting prejudice and fostering real equity discussions.
• Supporting first-time homebuyers through free Home Stretch classes at the BIPOC Expo.
• Sharing down payment assistance resources with Realtors^®.
• Promoting volunteerism with local nonprofits focused on housing for low-income communities.

The mission of the Minneapolis Area Realtors^® Foundation is to partner with and provide support for local organizations that work to end homelessness in our community. We help non-profits that provide housing and housing-related programs and services to low-income families and individuals within MAR’s jurisdiction of Carver, Hennepin, McLeod, Scott and Sibley Counties. The MAR Foundation is financially funded by Realtors^® who support safe and supportive housing solutions and sustainable home ownership. All donated funds support our mission and are tax-deductible. Since its founding in 1988, the MAR Foundation has given more than $1 million back to the community for housing needs. Learn More

The Government Affairs Committee plays a critical role in shaping the future of real estate by reviewing, analyzing, and addressing current and proposed laws, regulations, and public policies that impact the industry on both local and regional levels. Recently, the Committee partnered with the Sustainability Committee to craft a forward-thinking Sustainability Principles document, highlighting Realtors^®’ commitment to building a greener, more sustainable real estate future. Additionally, the Committee hosted dynamic Government Affairs Forums, tackling diverse and timely topics shaping the real estate landscape, from policy shifts to emerging trends. Their proactive leadership ensures Realtors^® are at the forefront of advocacy and innovation in the ever-evolving world of real estate.

The Sustainability Committee promotes a greener real estate industry through advocacy, education, and member engagement. Recent initiatives include:

• Partnering with Minnesota Realtors^® to integrate the Connect: Energy Efficiency & Housing Conference into the UNITE! Conference, educating nearly 300 attendees on sustainability topics like tax credits, green materials, and electrification.
• Collaborating with the Young Professionals Network for a sustainable building event at YardhomesMN, showcasing innovative ADU solutions.
• Developing Sustainability Principles to guide advocacy on housing resiliency, energy conservation, and consumer education.
• Introducing the NAR Green Designation to MAR, equipping 48 local Realtors^® with sustainable real estate expertise.

The Young Professionals Network (YPN) empowers young real estate professionals through networking, education, and community impact. YPN hosts a number of fun professional development and networking events, with the goal of creating a space for members looking to build their network and make key industry connections. Some of our more recent events include:

• Brews & News in Northeast Minneapolis featuring local elected officials sharing initiatives and answering questions about their jurisdictions.

• A lively Summer Boat Cruise with 100 other MAR members and affiliates, enjoying great food and drinks out on Lake Minnetonka.

• Wake Up YPN, featuring insights on building a champion mindset.

• A collaborative social with the Sustainability Committee spotlighting green building and the future of tiny homes.

YPN continues to inspire and connect the next generation of real estate leaders!