Dillon Rule
NVAR favors the current system of government where political subdivisions have only those powers granted by the General Assembly, established by legal precedents commonly known as the Dillon Rule. NVAR supports the granting of reasonable administrative functions to the localities.
Economic Growth and Infrastructure
NVAR supports quality growth and livable communities which ultimately depend on a strong economic sector, sound efficient land use, adequate infrastructure funding and protection of the environment. NVAR supports efforts to promote economic development of the region.
Adequate Public Facilities
NVAR supports development of adequate public facilities through an appropriately planned and funded Capital Improvement Program. NVAR opposes legislation which would require the existence of adequate public facilities prior to, or concurrent with, the development of a particular project, whether it be commercial or residential.
Environmental Initiatives
NVAR supports voluntary incentives to encourage energy efficiency, open space preservation and green building practices, but opposes environmental mandates that restrict private property rights, drive up the cost of development or impede the transfer of real property.
Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act
NVAR supports a balance between a healthy Chesapeake Bay and a strong, viable economy. NVAR will only support reasonable regulations that achieve equilibrium between economic growth, the protection of private property rights and the preservation of the environment. We will oppose any unreasonable measures to expand the Chesapeake Bay Protection Areas.
Housing Affordability
NVAR supports efforts to increase the supply of housing affordable to all income levels as we look to fill housing needs across the region. NVAR is committed to the development and preservation of diverse housing stock and to preserving the dream of homeownership for the greatest number of people possible. NVAR is opposed to unreasonable zoning and land use restrictions that ultimately lead to increased costs for housing.
Industry Competency and Professionalism
NVAR supports legislation to enhance the knowledge and professionalism of Virginia’s real estate licensees.
Property Owners and Condo Association Acts
NVAR supports a comprehensive review and rewrite of the provisions of the Virginia Condominium Association Act (Condo Act) and the Property Owners’ Association Act (POA Act).
Taxation
NVAR supports a comprehensive tax restructuring in the Commonwealth. It supports a tax system that is broad-based, fair, and one that will more fairly distribute the state’s revenues, taking into consideration the great needs of localities to pay for and provide services. NVAR supports consideration of alternatives to reduce the impact of local governments' reliance on property taxes to cover local spending. Local governments should strive to cut their costs through improved efficiency, consolidation of programs, and privatization. NVAR opposes increases in the recordation tax.