In 2025, Minneapolis Area Realtors® Public Affairs & Advocacy team worked relentlessly at the local level to protect private property rights, preserve a healthy housing market, and expand opportunities for homeownership across our region.
In partnership with the MAR Government Affairs Committee, our advocacy focused on one core goal: ensuring policies support a functional market where Realtors® can successfully serve buyers and sellers.
In partnership with the MAR Government Affairs Committee, we’re excited to highlight the major victories we accomplished this year:
Stopping a Policy That Would Have Stalled Transactions
Advocating Against the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Ordinance (TOPA)
In November, the Minneapolis City Council introduced a revised version of the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase ordinance—rebranded as the Tenant Protections Ordinance. While framed as a housing stability measure, the policy would have added 200+ days to the sale of certain properties, creating uncertainty, delaying transactions, and limiting options for both buyers and sellers.
For Realtors®, this would have meant:
- Deals stalled for months
- Reduced inventory reaching the market
- Sellers losing control over the timing and terms of their property sale
MAR’s Advocacy team stepped in immediately—meeting with City Council members, engaging at community events, and testifying before the Business, Housing, and Zoning Committee to ensure decision-makers understood the real-world consequences of the proposal.
Because of this sustained engagement, the City Council did not advance the ordinance. While we remain vigilant should TOPA resurface, this outcome protected market efficiency and upheld the principle that property owners should retain the right to sell without excessive government interference.
Expanding Housing Supply to Grow Opportunity
Advancing Pro-Housing, Pro-Ownership Policies Across the Metro
A healthy real estate market depends on supply. Throughout 2025, MAR worked proactively with cities across the metro to support zoning and land-use policies that expand housing options and create more pathways to homeownership.
- Chanhassen: MAR supported the City Council’s decision to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs), submitting a letter that highlighted the growing need for flexible, attainable housing options. ADUs can help homeowners build equity while increasing supply in established neighborhoods.
- Richfield: MAR engaged directly with city planners to advocate for updates to zoning laws that allow for more mixed-use and multifamily development—critical tools for increasing housing availability and meeting evolving buyer demand.
These efforts help ensure communities can grow responsibly, inventory can expand, and Realtors® have more opportunities to serve clients at every stage of life.
Why This Matters to You
Advocacy isn’t abstract—it’s a business imperative. Your MAR membership ensures that Realtors® have a seat at the table when local policies are written, debated, and decided.
Through advocacy, we:
- Protect private property rights
- Reduce unnecessary barriers to buying and selling
- Promote policies that support inventory growth and market stability
This work happens because of engaged members, dedicated volunteer leaders, and a collective commitment to protecting the real estate industry in our region.
On behalf of MAR, thank you to the Government Affairs Committee for their leadership and service. We will continue to represent your interests and defend your ability to do strong business in the year ahead.
If you have questions or want to get involved in advocacy, please reach out to my****@*********or.com.
Myles Artis
MAR Government Affairs Director