What's Happening @ DCAR 02/01/2015
 

Winning: DCAR's policy team has had quite the week! So here's what's going on: thanks to REALTOR� Champion Charles Allen, small businesses could be in for a big win if a new bill gets Mayor Muriel Bowser's signature. Also, candidates for the Ward 4 and Ward 8 Special Election submitted their petitions. Who's in for the long-haul? Read on to find out!

Finally, we hosted Lauren Pair from the Department of Housing and Community Development in our first Speaker Series of 2015. Our goal was to connect our members with DHCD to start an open dialog between our members and the agency. The house was packed at the NAR building as nearly 70 members of DCAR were in attendance!

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DCAR Moves To Support Small Business Legislation

headset-computers-woman.jpgLegislation was recently introduced to help spur small business growth in the District. The legislation called "The Small Business Incubator Act of 2015" was introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) to jump start new business ventures in the District.

The law will create new 90-day temporary business license category and a 180-day temporary certificate of occupancy. Buildings utilizing this program for a minimum period of time would be exempt from vacancy tax rates.

The DCAR Public Policy Committee supported this bill's innovative approach to creating home-grown business opportunities. We believe forward-thinking bills such as this help foster a new generation of business leaders. We commend REALTOR� Champion Charles Allen for introducing this important (and his very first) piece of legislation to the Council.
Ward 4 and Ward 8 Candidates Submit Nominating Petitions

Last week we posted a 2015 election preview for the Ward 4 and Ward 8 special election. The long line of candidates was widdled down after submission of nominating petitions.

The ballot deadline painted a more clear picture for the candidate pool after Thursday's ballot deadline. Washington City Paper reported on the current roster, and it remains a crowded competition. This year's election will be held on April 28. Keep an eye on DCAR's Twitter feed and follow the hash-tag #DCision15 for more election information.
The District of Columbia Association of REALTORS�
Event Schedule & Recap
Speaker Series Recap: DHCD Clears The Air On TOPA

(From L to R) Tonya Butler-Truesdale (DHCD) Housing Provider Ombudsman, President-elect Angela Jones, Lauren Pair (DHCD) Rental Conversion and Sale Administrator, 2015 President Ed Wood, Immediate Past President Bonnie Roberts-Burke

This month's Speaker Series featured Lauren Pair and colleagues from the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) paid DCAR a visit at the NAR building for our January Speaker Series. Lauren discussed the issue of TOPA laws with our members on how to address matters related to DC's housing providers and tenants. 

The nearly seventy members of DCAR in attendance got a front-row seat to a unique Q&A session on TOPA laws and regulations. Head over to our Youtube channel for a brief highlight of the seminar.

We would also like to point out a couple related events being hosted by DHCD in February.

DCAR believes that a healthy housing environment in DC depends largely on a strong tenant/housing provider relationship, and we advocate fairness for both groups. We work with various government agencies like DHCD to assist our members in understanding the intricacies of District laws and regulations. 


We would like to thank Lauren Pair and her guests for providing such an informative session for our members! If you have questions, click here for DHCD contact information.
The News You Can Use

Stay ahead of the curve and on the pulse of DC Real Estate. Subscribe to our Real Estate and Public Policy Flipboard magazines for more stories. (Flipboard?)

The real estate market in Anacostia and Congress Heights is gaining momentum.

A Ph.D. student examines the affect cheap and free parking has on a local economy.

The new mayor sets her focus on three city-owned sites to boost affordable housing.

Fannie began backing smaller down payments in December; Freddie to follow in March.  

The meeting is set for Wednesday, February 4 from 6 to 8pm at the Palisades Public Library
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