Hello! I’m Myles Artis, Government Affairs Director here at Minneapolis Area Realtors® (MAR). This installment of The Myles Minute is for members who may want a better idea of what “advocacy” at MAR means, and what it looks like on the local level.
What Does Advocacy Look Like at MAR?
Advocacy is one of the foundational pillars that makes MAR a trusted, reliable partner in the real estate industry and community.
So what does that look like at MAR? Advocacy methods vary depending on the industry, the Government Affairs or Advocacy teams, and/or member priorities. Here at MAR we practice the Influence Advocacy method—a proactive model of advocacy rather than a reactive model.
We establish relationships with city council members through activities like attending their community meetings, campaign events, and supporting other issue-area initiatives to build trust between communities and the association. Establishing these relationships makes it possible to gain influence with council members who may not have worked with us or aligned on priorities in the past.
And importantly, MAR’s advocacy work is highly informed by Realtor® members: our Government Affairs Committee meets regularly, advises on key issues, and helps lead advocacy efforts impacting your real estate needs.
This “influence is advocacy” model significantly impacted the defeat of a restrictive housing ordinance that would have imposed a burdensome first right of refusal clause in Minneapolis. It also supported the successful opposition of a Labor Standards Board, which would have jeopardized Realtors® status as Independent Contractors. .
Why is Advocacy Important to You?
At MAR, we know that real estate isn’t just about listings and sales—it’s about protecting the rights and interests of homeowners and industry professionals. That’s why our Government Affairs team is deeply involved in advocacy at the local, state, and national levels. Acting as a non-partisan resource, we provide policymakers with expert insights while championing the issues that matter most to our members.
We’re here to:
- Safeguard your business, your clients, and your rights as Realtors®.
- Track and influence legislation that impacts real estate, promoting or opposing relevant initiatives.
- Defend homeownership, private property rights, and hold policymakers accountable for their decisions.
If you have any questions, I’m happy to be a resource to our members. Please email me my****@*********or.com
And follow me on Instagram @MylesArtis_MN for more updates!
Myles Artis
Government Affairs Director, Minneapolis Area Realtors®
