On Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors® (NVAR) held its annual Legislative Reception at the NVAR Fairfax headquarters, gathering Realtors® and elected officials from across the region for the unveiling of NVAR’s 2024–2025 Legislative Agenda. The event offered an intimate opportunity for the real estate community to engage with policymakers on issues impacting housing, economic development, and other legislative priorities.
Several prominent state officials attended, including representatives from the Virginia House of Delegates: David Bulova (District 11), Dan Helmer (District 10), Charniele Herring (District 4), Holly Seibold (District 12), Marcus Simon (District 13), Rip Sullivan (District 6), and Vivian Watts (District 14). Virginia Senators Barbara Favola (District 40) and Saddam Salim (District 37) were also present, underscoring the strong relationship between NVAR and state legislators.
Fairfax County officials in attendance included Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay, Vice-Chair Kathy Smith, and Supervisors Walter Alcorn (Hunter Mill District), Pat Herrity (Springfield District), Andres Jimenez (Mason District), Rodney Lusk (Franconia District), Daniel Storck (Mount Vernon District), and James Walkinshaw (Braddock District). From Fairfax City, Mayor Catherine Read and newly elected City Councilmember Anthony Amos joined the gathering, highlighting the event’s significance at both county and city levels.
NVAR CEO Ryan McLaughlin spoke to the critical role real estate plays in Northern Virginia’s economy, sharing that the residential real estate industry generated $17 billion in local economic activity and supported more than 88,400 jobs within the NVAR service area in 2023. McLaughlin emphasized the essential contributions of Realtors® to the regional economy and stressed the need for legislative support to maintain the industry’s positive impact.
Miranda Carter, Chair of NVAR’s 2024 Public Policy Committee, outlined the Legislative Agenda’s primary objectives that are largely focused on improving housing supply and affordability. NVAR Vice-President of Government Affairs Josh Veverka followed by detailing the Association’s legislative priorities for the year ahead, emphasizing policies that support a balanced and accessible housing market in Northern Virginia.
The Legislative Reception offered Realtors® the opportunity to strengthen their connections with local leaders and state representatives and foster dialogue that will shape the future of advocacy. By aligning with policymakers on key housing and economic initiatives, NVAR is well-positioned to advocate effectively for the real estate industry and the communities it serves in the coming year.
