One of my top priorities as ABoR and ACTRIS President this year has been to bring REALTORS® from across the region together to make a difference in our community. On June 28, we made history with the biggest day of service that the ABoR Foundation has ever attempted.
During our first-ever Central Texas REALTOR® Service Day, over 300 members gathered to build 1,500 Wellness Kits for our Austin neighbors experiencing homelessness. Volunteers lined dozens of tables in assembly lines to fill backpacks with non-perishable snacks, hand wipes, socks, deodorant, and other vital items. Attendees were so excited to make an impact that we finished compiling all 1,500 kits in under 20 minutes!
Then, over 40 distribution teams set out across Austin to deliver the Wellness Kits to those in need throughout the city. My team connected with Austin City Council Member Mackenzie Kelly to deliver 200+ Wellness Kits to the Austin Police Department, so that APD officers can distribute the kits as they encounter individuals experiencing homelessness on their routes.
Oh, and did I mention that the thousands of Wellness Kit supplies were made possible thanks to generous donations to the ABoR Foundation? I’m so thankful for the hundreds of ABoR members who donated supplies and ABoR’s amazing staff who unpacked A LOT of boxes for weeks leading up to the event. Stay tuned for more information on our next Central Texas REALTOR® Service Day happening this October!
This type of giving back is only one of the ways that ABoR is taking action to eliminate homelessness in Austin. The ABoR Foundation has a 10-year, $1 million partnership with Community First! Village and I encourage you to volunteer with the Foundation at an upcoming service day or take a trip out to the Village if you’ve never been. It’s an awe-inspiring place that proves what can happen when we focus on restoring dignity and community, first.
Must-Read: Central Texas Housing Development Fees Analysis
Earlier this month, we released the Central Texas Housing Development Fees Analysis – a joint publication with the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin. The analysis, which provides a snapshot of Austin housing development fees as they relate to those in major cities throughout Central Texas and the largest metro areas in Texas, confirms what you and I have known for a long time: Austin is one of the most expensive cities to build new homes in Texas, with fees that are drastically higher than most other cities throughout Central Texas and major metro areas across the state.
ABoR and the HBAGA sent the report to Austin City Council with a joint call for action for greater transparency in development fee structures that are right-sized for our community and various types of development. ABoR is committed working with policymakers at the local, state, and national levels to implement policies that champion housing equity and accessibility for all. We believe allowing the creation of more housing should be a regional priority and that our communities must come together to meet the challenge of housing our rapidly growing population.
This latest report from ABoR is a must-read for you and your clients. Download the full publication at ABoR.com/FeesReport.
Upcoming ABoR Events You Won’t Want to Miss
July 27 | REACH Labs Innovation Showcase: We’re bringing in social media and digital lead generation expert, Marki Lemons-Ryhal, as our keynote presenter during our July 27 Innovation Showcase. Marki will show you how to kick your social media game into high gear and give you the scoop on the latest social media innovations and trends.
It wouldn’t be an Innovation Showcase without being able to connect with leaders of rising tech companies! Register online at ABoR.com/InnovationShowcase and get ready to hear about the services our three Pitch Partners, Chappy, Doorsey, and Revive have to offer!
August 2 | TREPAC Dar-E-Oke: TREPAC’s putting a twist on your typical Karaoke night. Join us for Dare-E-Oke night and sing, dare someone to sing a song of your choice, or invest to not sing at all! Do you have what it takes? Sign up at ABoR.com/Dare and get ready to sing your heart out!
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This article previously ran in RealtyLine Austin's July edition.