The role of an LPC includes attending public meetings, tracking local legislation, reporting back to HGAR’s Government Affairs team, and supporting the association’s broader communications strategy.
Over the past 16 years, Madaffari has led countless impactful initiatives supporting a broad range of causes.
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The role of an LPC includes attending public meetings, tracking local legislation, reporting back to HGAR’s Government Affairs team, and supporting the association’s broader communications strategy.
Earlier this year, the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors officially launched its Local Political Coordinator Program, a new initiative designed to deepen relationships between Realtors and local officials who shape housing policy, property rights, and real estate regulations. The program marks a major step forward in HGAR’s ongoing commitment to expanding its advocacy footprint throughout the region.
Modeled after the successful Federal Political Coordinator program run by the National Association of Realtors and the statewide version championed by the New York State Association of Realtors, the LPC program brings that same advocacy structure to the hyperlocal level. Instead of engaging only with members of Congress or the State Legislature, HGAR’s LPCs will be assigned to local decision-makers—county executives, mayors, supervisors, city council members, housing committee chairs, and other municipal leaders who directly impact real estate in our communities.
In a hybrid kickoff event, more than 20 members from across the region came together to learn about the program’s goals, responsibilities, and strategic importance. The information session led by Government Affairs Director Alexander Roithmayr and Bronx and Manhattan Government Affairs Director Dr. Jermaine Meadows, with Legislative Chair Crystal Hawkins-Syska, laid out a clear vision for what the LPC program intends to accomplish.
At its core, the LPC initiative is about building a reliable, informed network of Realtors who can serve as trusted liaisons between the real estate industry and local elected officials. LPCs are not lobbyists, but constituents with hands-on knowledge of how local policies affect housing, property ownership and the overall real estate market. They are able and willing to speak to the practical impact of zoning changes, tax proposals and legislative efforts in their own communities.
Participants were introduced to the foundational elements of advocacy, described during the presentation as a “strategic and intentional process of using information, communication, and influence to bring about change.” HGAR emphasized that LPCs must be thoughtful, prepared, and professional in every interaction—and that the association’s advocacy remains firmly non-partisan. “We don’t do red or blue—we do purple,” attendees were told, underscoring the Realtor Party’s commitment to policy over politics.
The role of an LPC includes attending public meetings, tracking local legislation, reporting back to HGAR’s Government Affairs team, and supporting the association’s broader communications strategy. LPCs are also expected to adhere to HGAR’s media guidelines, with public messaging—whether in person or on social media—subject to preapproval to ensure consistency and professionalism.
A major theme throughout the training was the power of relationships. By establishing themselves as credible, accessible voices on real estate issues, LPCs position HGAR to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to local policy. When proposals such as Good Cause Eviction or local transfer taxes are being discussed, the goal is for elected officials to reach out to their assigned LPC for insight before moving forward.
“Just as with our State and Federal Coordinator programs, building and maintaining strong relationships with local lawmakers is essential,” said Barry Kramer, past president of HGAR and long-time State Political Coordinator. “These connections can directly influence whether proposed legislation advances or is rejected. Local Political Coordinators play a vital role in shaping outcomes, with their efforts often leading to meaningful changes that benefit the communities they serve.”
“The level of interest and participation was incredible—the energy in the room was exactly what we hoped for,” said Alex Roithmayr, Government Affairs Director for the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors. “Our goal was to launch this program in a way that left members informed, inspired, and empowered to take the next step. We’ve got a lot of mountains to move and some good trouble to get into on the local level, and I think we’re off to a great start.”
Part of what makes the LPC program so significant is its ability to formalize work that HGAR members and staff have been doing informally for years—attending local fundraisers, engaging with municipal boards, and staying involved in community decision-making. Now, those one-on-one connections are being woven into a larger advocacy strategy that aligns with HGAR’s messaging, legislative priorities and long-term vision.
“My food is local, my life is local and now my advocacy is local. So much of the impact of policy decisions happens at the city, town and county level. As Realtors, it is important that we get involved on a local level to protect home ownership and equitable fair housing” said Rey Hollingsworth-Falu, HGAR President-Elect. “Our Local Political Coordinator program will have a positive impact in the Hudson Valley and beyond. Local advocacy will keep our neighborhoods strong. Local engagement will ensure a diverse, equitable and inclusive community. I'm so proud that Realtors are leading the way to better neighborhoods where anyone can find a home."
The launch of the LPC program follows years of steady growth in HGAR’s advocacy work. Recently, the association underwent a comprehensive strategic planning process that identified advocacy as one of its top priorities. Since then, CEO Lynda Fernandez and HGAR Presidents Carmen Bauman and Vlora Sejdi have led the charge, growing participation in Albany Lobby Day, organizing the first-ever NYC Day of Action alongside regional boards, and now, launching the LPC initiative to bring that momentum home.
“Advocacy remains at the heart of all that we do. We don’t just champion Realtors when engaging with elected officials. We advocate for homeowners, landlords, renters, and the need for fair and affordable housing. We’re advocating for my parents and yours” said 2025 HGAR President Sejdi.
“This year, we are showing HGAR’s dedication to expanding our advocacy efforts to include a stronger focus on local politicians. By engaging with community leaders alongside our state and federal representatives, we can ensure that the voice of Realtors is heard where it matters most—in our neighborhoods,” Sejdi added.
The LPC program is also closely tied to the efforts of the Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC), which funds advocacy work at every level of government. During the session, RPAC Major Investors were recognized for their continued commitment, which has helped build the financial and organizational infrastructure that made the LPC program possible.
Recently, HGAR held a second LPC training session to review its local legislative agenda and leadership assignments. With this alignment of goals, HGAR now has more than two dozen HGAR members actively engaging with elected officials and strengthening local relationships. These connections include mayors, supervisors, county legislators, New York City Council Members and county executives. The LPCs are in the process of setting up meetings and disseminating HGAR ideas and goals.
With the LPC network now active, HGAR is encouraging more members to get involved. The next steps include signing the LPC pledge and reviewing program materials available at LPC Program | Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS®, staying tuned for future training opportunities, and keeping up with HGAR advocacy news through social media. HGAR members can join the RPAC Facebook Group here: (20+) HGAR RPAC Group | Facebook
“The 2025 legislative victories are still fresh,” said HGAR’s Dr. Meadows “but we’re already laying the groundwork for 2026 and beyond.”
As both Roithmayr and Dr. Meadows reminded attendees, advocacy doesn’t start in Albany or Washington—it starts right here, at home.
Members interested in learning more about the LPC program can contact jermaine.meadows@hgar.com or alexander.roithmayr@hgar.com.
About the author: Alexander Roithmayr is Director of Government Affairs for the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
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This year’s breakfast featured Kenny Burgos, former New York State Assembly Member and now CEO of the New York Apartment Association, as keynote speaker.
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