On Sept. 29, 2025, at The Sonesta Hotel in White Plains, you’ll find more value, more interaction, and more ways to grow your business than ever before.
With rising political polarization and increasing housing challenges, our industry cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.
The MSMX plan will also support the garment and fashion industries with a $50-million investment to develop permanent space for the industry…
With rising political polarization and increasing housing challenges, our industry cannot afford to sit on the sidelines.
At HGAR, advocacy isn’t just a department—it’s a cornerstone of who we are as Realtors. Every transaction we close, every client we serve, and every community we support is directly shaped by public policy. Laws and regulations dictate everything from housing supply and affordability, to property taxes, to fair housing enforcement, to whether or not New Yorkers can access rental assistance. That’s why advocacy is not optional—it’s essential.
One of the most important tools we have in that fight is the Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC). For over five decades, RPAC has given our industry a strong and consistent voice in Albany, in New York City, and in Washington, D.C. It has allowed Realtors to help elect champions for housing and real estate, to stop harmful legislation, and to advance forward-looking policies that strengthen communities.
This week, we are proud to recognize our Gold R Major Investors leaders who understand the stakes and have stepped up at one of the highest levels of political giving in our industry. Their commitment ensures that HGAR and our Realtor colleagues across the state remain influential, credible and effective in shaping housing policy.
For some, RPAC is just another acronym in our industry. But for those who have seen its impact firsthand, RPAC is the difference between being at the table when decisions are made—or being on the menu.
When Realtors invest in RPAC, those dollars go toward supporting candidates and elected officials on both sides of the aisle who believe in protecting private property rights, promoting homeownership and ensuring a healthy real estate market. It’s not about partisanship. It’s about partnership and making sure housing has champions in every chamber of government.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because Realtors are engaged, organized and willing to invest in advocacy through RPAC.
Major investors are the backbone of RPAC. Their leadership inspires others and fuels the kind of advocacy that protects our industry for years to come.
The Gold R level represents a contribution of $5,000 annually to RPAC. It is a significant investment, but one that demonstrates deep belief in our mission and our collective strength.
We are proud to honor this year’s Gold R Major Investors:
Irene Guanill
Tony D’Anzica
Susan Goldy
Each of these leaders has not only supported our advocacy financially, but also shown what it means to lead by example. They remind us that RPAC is not just about dollars—it’s about dedication, vision and ensuring Realtors always have a seat at the table.
Some members may ask, “What does RPAC have to do with me?” The answer is: “everything.”
Every client who closes on their first home.
Every small business that secures a commercial lease.
Every landlord who depends on stable housing policy.
Every Realtor who relies on clear, fair and consistent rules to run their business.
All of that is shaped by government—and by our ability to influence government. Even if you’ve never attended a lobbying day in Albany or City Hall, you benefit directly from RPAC’s advocacy every day you practice real estate.
That’s why honoring our Gold R Investors isn’t just about thanking a few individuals. It’s about reminding our entire membership that advocacy is powerful, necessary and effective.
As we move into 2026, HGAR is sharpening its legislative priorities and preparing to engage on issues that matter most: housing supply, affordability, fair housing enforcement, property tax policy and ensuring that our members’ voices remain strong in every policy conversation.
RPAC will continue to be central to that effort. With rising political polarization and increasing housing challenges, our industry cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. We need more Realtors to see themselves as advocates, and more to step up as investors.
RPAC Protects Your Business—every major policy decision—from tax proposals to fair housing rules—affects your daily work. RPAC ensures Realtors shape those decisions.
RPAC Gives You a Voice—your investment amplifies the collective voice of 13,000 HGAR members and 1.5 million Realtors nationwide.
RPAC Builds Champions—by supporting elected officials who understand real estate, we build lasting relationships that benefit homeowners, renters and communities.
Advocacy is only as strong as the members who support it. Our Gold R Major Investors have set the standard for leadership and commitment. We thank them for their vision, generosity, and belief in the power of Realtors to make a difference.
But advocacy is not the work of a few—it is the responsibility of all. Whether you contribute at the Fair Share level or aspire to become a Major Investor, every dollar makes an impact.
Because when Realtors speak with one voice—through RPAC—our industry wins, our clients win, and our communities win.
Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may contribute more or less than the suggested amount. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of Realtors, the New York State Association of Realtors, or any of its local boards or associations will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. Seventy percent of each contribution is used by your state PAC to support state and local political candidates. Until your NYSAR PAC reaches its PAC goal, 30% is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a; after NYSAR PAC reaches its RPAC goal it may elect to retain your entire contribution for use in supporting state and local candidates.
About the author: Dr. Jermaine Meadows is the Director of Government Affairs for the Bronx for the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
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