REALTORS® wear many hats — trusted advisors, neighborhood experts and advocates for our communities. Expanding access to homeownership has long been at the heart of what we do, and for ABoR, that work now spans 100 years in Central Texas. This year, our advocacy reached new heights, culminating in a landmark federal housing bill and local wins already shaping the region.
Federal Advocacy — REALTOR® Impact in Washington, D.C.
In June, ABoR members joined thousands of REALTORS® at NAR’s 2026 Legislative Meetings to advocate for key legislation, including:
More Homes on the Market Act: Incentivizes long-term homeowners to sell, increasing inventory.
21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: Reduces regulatory barriers and modernizes federal housing programs.
Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act: Encourages residential use of underutilized commercial spaces.
Association Health Plans Act: Provides REALTORS® access to affordable health insurance.
Those meetings paid off. One week after ABoR members were on Capitol Hill, Congress passed the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act — the most significant federal housing legislation in nearly 20 years, combining nearly 50 reforms to increase supply and make homeownership more attainable nationwide. This win reflects REALTORS® who showed up, spoke up and invested through TREPAC.
Local Advocacy — ABoR in Action Across Central Texas
REALTOR® Advocacy happens every day — not just at the Capitol, but in city halls and county courts across Central Texas. So far in 2026, ABoR has secured several local wins with the Austin City Council:
HOME Improvements: Council initiated amendments removing regulatory bottlenecks limiting the HOME Initiative’s reach, expanding smaller, more attainable housing options in Austin’s most desirable neighborhoods.
Missing Middle and Mixed-Use Zoning Reform: Council initiated new zoning districts allowing townhomes, cottage courts and small-scale multi-unit buildings across Austin.
Comprehensive Efficiency Assessment Program: Council unanimously established a citywide framework for ongoing, independent review of city departments — a win for taxpayer accountability.
New Rental Fee Disclosure Requirements: Council adopted disclosure requirements for landlords with five or more units, with ABoR ensuring the threshold protects agents and property managers from
unintentional capture.
Data-Driven Advocacy — Putting Unlock MLS Research to Work
Beyond legislative wins, ABoR is transforming how advocacy gets done. Better data leads to better policy, and by leveraging Unlock MLS data for original research, we’re equipping policymakers and members with the evidence needed to advance housing reforms.
Our “HOME Impact Report,” released this spring, is a prime example. Using Unlock MLS data, the report confirmed the HOME Initiative is producing smaller, more efficient homes at significantly lower price points than traditional new construction — evidence that gave the Austin City Council confidence to pass the HOME Improvements Resolution.
Moving Forward Together
Our 2026 progress is real, but so is the work that remains. Housing affordability isn’t solved once; it takes sustained advocacy at every level of government. As we celebrate 100 years of ABoR, our mission remains the same: fight for smart housing policies and help more Central Texans achieve the American Dream. None of this is possible without engaged members willing to show up, speak up and invest.
As your association President, I encourage you to get involved. There is strength in numbers. To get started, email advocacy@abor.com or visit UnlockMLS.com/Advocacy. Together, we can shape policies that protect homeownership for the next century.
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