What Happened @ DCAR – 2015 Year In Review

What did DCAR do for you this year?

2015 moved by in the blink of an eye. This is how it feels when your Association advocates all 365 days of the year for you. Where to begin? How about with TOPA? We kicked off the year with a big meeting connecting our members with top officials in the Department of Housing and Community Development. There is also so much more we did this year as well.

The year saw DCAR connect with many more regulatory arms of the District such as DCRA, DOH and DOEE to name a few. We also extended a helping hand to those who needed it most through our volunteer initiative. A little fun was squeezed in as well to keep things light and fresh between our advocacy and community service endeavors. Let’s take a look back before we move forward.

We think the better question is, “What didn’t DCAR do for you this year?” To start, DCAR’s second annual Advocacy Day was a great success! We discussed the Association’s 2015-2016 legislative agenda with the Council and the overall experience was rewarding and productive. You benefit from efforts such as Advocacy Day, which gives us the ability to make headway on lowering the recordation tax for first time home buyers in DC.

DCAR’s Government Affairs staff worked directly with the Office of Tenant Advocate to ensure DC’s new Tenant Bill of Rights was as streamlined as possible, giving you access to OTA for any questions. Our members met extensively with District officials to find ways to improve TOPA in DC. REALTORS® like you reached out to the Zoning Commission throughout the Pop-Up debates, urging them to carefully consider density issues comprehensively and presented solutions.

But that’s not all!

• DCAR supported legislation to help senior citizens and our most vulnerable residents make safety improvements to their homes.
• We worked actively over the past year with MANNA on making the District’s affordable housing programs (e.g., Inclusionary Zoning) more efficient.
• We backed LaRuby May for Ward 8 on her strong connection to the real estate community and her sterling business acumen.

You could say DCAR went all out this year but it would be an understatement.

What connections did you make with DC officials?

Our year was chock full of insightful guests and top regulators in the District of Columbia. We started with Talking TOPA featuring Lauren Pair & Tonya Butler-Truesdale (DHCD), plus an exclusive DC TOPA class with Lauren Pair. We also hosted Joel Cohn from the Office of the Tenant Advocate to discuss working with Tenants.

Ahead of the Ward 8 election, we hosted a Ward 8 Council debate. We also learned about getting the Facts on Lead Safety. Finally, we learned how to handle creatures who go bump in the night.

We would be remiss to not mention the following DCAR events:

• Giving DC REALTORS® a DC Regulations Refresher with Matt Orlins of DCRA.
• The 2015 DC Council Update featuring Council Chairman Phil Mendelson.
• A Conversation with Leon Lewis of the DC Real Estate Commission.

We covered a whole lot of topics throughout the year and we are planning even more for 2016!

What did DCAR do for the greater good?

It was a year for DCAR to show the heart of its members. We began helping out the N Street Village, which serves as a haven for women who are victims of domestic violence. Next, we spread the good word at the 7th Annual DC Housing Fair. We then partnered with Friendship Place to spruce up the grounds at the Center for Creative Non-Violence. Lastly, we spread the holiday cheer at Food & Friends.

Want to get involved? Be sure to keep a lookout and join us for our next volunteer opportunities!

Did DCAR remember to have a little fun?

We can’t believe how fast the year went by; however, we did find time to slow things down and enjoy the ride. We held some great happy hours throughout the year, and we also took the time to engage District Residents in a fun atmosphere.

• Ward 8 Happy Hour at Union Town in support of Council candidate LaRuby May.
• We got loose for the Mid-Year Happy Hour at Lebanese Taverna.
• DCAR took over Old Engine 12 to cool off from the summer heat.

Did you miss out? Keep an eye out for our next batch of happy hours this year!

Not everything landed on a high note for the Association this year. In 2015, the DC real estate community and the greater region lost a dear friend and consummate professional.

We all reeled upon hearing about DC Real Estate Commissioner Tony Duncanson’s death on June 28, 2015. Tony was sixty-seven years old. The positive impact of his life was felt far and wide. We shared our thoughts and condolences.

In the wake of his passing, the outpouring of support from the real estate community was overwhelming. Many members and friends reached out to the Duncanson family and published their memories of him on social media.

As a world-renowned musician and business mentor, his brilliance touched the lives of many people. His life was celebrated at the River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation in August.

We will miss Tony but we take comfort in knowing that his legacy will live on for generations.