Congress passes tax bill, NAR analysis outlines real estate impact 
Lawmakers in the House and Senate passed tax reform legislation today, paving the way for the bill to go to President Donald Trump for his signature. The President has said he intends to sign the bill by Christmas. Among the last-minute changes and improvements to the bill is the current Capital gains exclusion law being left in place. 



ISSUES UPDATES
COAR Board Member, Jack Zika, running for House District 53 seat
Redmond REALTOR® and City of Redmond Planning Commissioner, Jack Zika, announced early this month his candidacy for the Oregon House District 53 seat being vacated by Gene Whisnant of Sunriver. Jack is on the OAR Board of Directors and was recently elected first vice president for COAR. He also serves on OAR's and COAR's Government Affairs Committee. 


Bend City Council OK with elected mayor, nixes wards
The Bend City Council unanimously rejected recommendations to elect councilors from geographic wards during a contentious meeting last night. But Bend voters will likely get to decide whether to directly elect the city's mayor and make it easier to adjust council pay.


National Flood Insurance Program extended
O n December 8, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was extended as part of a continuing resolution to keep the government open for two weeks. NAR will continue working with Congress to ensure that the NFIP does not lapse while the Senate works on its version of the 5-year reauthorization and reform measure. Read NAR's letters to both the  House  and  Senate urging an extension.
Bend seeks applicants for open Planning Commission seats
Bend residents are invited to apply for open seats on the Bend Planning Commission. The City Council will appoint commissioners for four year terms. Commissioners review and make recommendations regarding land use matters. Consideration shall be given to include representatives of the various geographical parts of the City of Bend as well as familiarity with land use and development within Bend. Applicants must be residents of the City of Bend. Applications will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Friday, December 29, 2017.  


COAR FAQ on Bend septic-to-sewer interim policy
T he Bend City Council has approved an interim policy - intended to be in effect until Summer 2018 - which provides options for three types of homes with failing septic systems in a 550-home project area. The policy was created due to an Oregon law - also codified by the City of Bend - which states that an owner of a property currently using a septic system, and within 300 feet of a public sewer with available capacity, cannot be permitted to install a new system or alter, repair or extend an existing septic system.


The new REALTORParty.com launches Dec. 29
On Dec. 29, NAR will launch a new website, REALTORParty.Com, replacing the REALTOR® Action Center. The new REALTORParty.com will be a holistic website designed to facilitate two-way opportunities to engage individual REALTORS® and associations in the REALTOR® Party. Watch NAR announcements for updates and further details. 
Your Voice in Real Estate
Have an issue that you feel we should be monitoring or taking action on? Are you interested in getting involved in COAR's government affairs efforts? Contact COAR's Government Affairs Director, Tyler Neese, at [email protected] or 541-382-6027.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Upcoming Meetings

Crook County Court Work Session, December 26, 9:00 AM, County Annex - County Court Room
Deschutes County Board of Commissioners Business Meeting, January 3, 10:00 AM
Bend City Council Meeting, January 3, 6:00 pm, Council Chambers
Redmond City Council Meeting, January 9, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers
Madras City Council Meeting, January 9, 7:00 PM
La Pine City Council, January 10, 6:00 PM
SROA Board of Directors Meeting, January 20, 9:00 AM
Prineville City Council Meeting, TBA
Sisters City Council Meeting, TBA

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS FAQS
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