Hello! I’m Myles Artis, Government Affairs Director (GAD) here at Minneapolis Area Realtors® (MAR). This installment of The Myles Minute covers the importance of cultivating relationships with elected officials , and what it looks like on the local level for a Realtor® association.
Why do we meet with elected officials?
One of my main responsibilities as your GAD is to foster relationships with elected officials and ensure that the Realtor® perspective has a voice at the table. When lawmakers are weighing policy decisions, having cultivated relationships with them is crucial when we’re supporting or opposing policy proposals. We engage with them through routine meetings, community events and political events. Continuous exposure to elected officials establishes and builds a genuine working relationship that results in Realtors® being valued as trusted community and industry experts in the policy arena.
How to Engage with Elected Officials
I know the prospect of engaging with elected officials can feel daunting. But it’s so important, because where are political decisions (made at any level) usually felt the most? Locally. When you step forward as a spokesperson of the Realtors®, it’s an elected official’s job—whether national, state or local—to listen and appreciate the expertise you provide.
I’m here to share some simple advice on how to engage politically and capture the attention of elected officials (and their staff—don’t underestimate them!).
Do:
- Be clear and prepared on the issue you want to discuss: Plan your strategy ahead of time, and know time is always limited.
- Choose the 3-5 talking points important for your argument to cover about the issue impacting you.
- Use real life examples about how a policy may impact your business. Contextualizing the issue helps elected officials visualize and humanize the real outcomes of decisions.
- Be present and curious—approach with the assumption they’re trying to do what’s best by their community.
Don’t:
- Do not be argumentative – differing opinions matter, and gaining allies means hearing them out.
- Don’t discount staff! They’re an extension of the elected official, and are policy experts in the office. They hold significant power and influence with the elected officials they work with.
- Don’t be afraid of saying “I don’t know.” I’m here to help you think through any ideas that need follow up, and it’s best to stick to what you’re an expert in.
- Don’t miss your scheduled meeting, and don’t be late—building positive relationships with elected officials and their staff begins with respecting their time.
Why is this important to you?
Your membership with MAR means you have access to a seat at the table, either through me as your Government Affairs staff, or quite literally as an involved Realtor® member. You have the opportunity to join me and the Government Affairs team as a Local Political Coordinator (LPC). The LPC program puts you in the driver’s seat and is a doorway for you to engage with elected officials. With guidance from me and your GA leadership, we will prepare you on how to be a strong Realtor® advocate to positively impact your industry.
If you have any questions, I’m happy to be a resource for our members. Please email me my****@*********or.com
And follow me on Instagram @MylesArtis_MN for moreupdates
Myles Artis
Government Affairs Director, Minneapolis Area Realtors®
