MAR Community,
After 15 wonderful years with Minneapolis Area Realtors®, I have stepped down from my post as Director of Research. My time here has been nothing short of amazing and I’m incredibly proud of what we accomplished together—and what we’ll continue to accomplish. Words can’t express how grateful I am for the opportunities to learn and grow over the years. When I started at MAR, my days were spent mostly in Excel. Fast forward a few years and I’m testifying to the legislature, serving on a governor’s housing task force, teaching continuing education courses, speaking in front of hundreds of experienced real estate professionals, or educating elected officials about the market challenges and partnering with our advocacy team to advance solutions. All of our collective work has a direct impact on expanding homeownership, closing the gap and creating generational wealth. And that’s not even including the many ways we serve and support our members. That’s moving the needle. We’re not just shouting into the ether. We’re making a difference.
The good news? I’m not going far. Starting October 1, I’ll be leading research and market data at Minnesota Realtors® (MNR)! So this isn’t goodbye, it’s just hello from a different email address (DA****@*******or.com). I’m lucky that I get to keep partnering with MAR on a variety of projects and initiatives in my new role.
From a practical standpoint, as I transition from MAR to MNR, my role will be similar but with a broader scope. Watch the newsletters, calendars and social channels for communications around webinars, classes, events, special analysis and custom reporting as well as some blogs and maps. MAR will continue to produce timely content around specific areas and segments within the region while I’ll zoom out and focus more on statewide dynamics and region-to-region differences. This is a win-win for both MAR and MNR, and I appreciate how we worked together to make this move a deliberate, strategic and positive one for both orgs and—most importantly—members. I also have all the confidence in the world in Jackson Pineau at MAR, who will be stepping into a new role to lead both MAR’s policy/advocacy and market data work, bringing these two critical pieces closer together to better serve member needs.
MAR has had a storied history over 135+ years, including mostly good times but also some uncertain times. That’s nothing new. But we’ve always met the moment and come out stronger on the other side. I’m excited and eager to watch MAR continue to grow, thrive, innovate and remain an industry leader. From an apology statement on the racial housing gap in our communities, to continuing to evolve offerings alongside member needs, MAR always rises to the occasion and does what’s right for its members. These are just a few reasons why it’s difficult to leave a place like this. But knowing I’ll still be close by and get to continue serving MAR and its members in a different capacity is both heartening and reassuring.
I want to thank members, volunteers, staff, and partner organizations. I’m confident MAR is set up for success in the years ahead and that the future is bright. I’m excited and eager to watch MAR continue to grow, innovate and remain an industry leader, just as it’s done for over 135 years.
Sincerely and with gratitude,
David Arbit