HGAR REALTORS® Meet with Congressional Offices in Washington, D.C. to Advocate for Housing Supply, Affordability and Homeownership
Meetings took place during the 2026 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings
Members and leadership of the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® (HGAR) traveled to Washington, D.C., this week as part of the 2026 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, joining thousands of REALTORS® from across the country to advocate for policies that increase housing supply, improve affordability, strengthen communities and support independent business professionals.
HGAR representatives met with congressional offices serving the Association's market area, including Representatives George Latimer (NY-16), Mike Lawler (NY-17), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Ritchie Torres (NY-15), among others. The meetings were coordinated through the National Association of REALTORS®' Federal Political Coordinator (FPC) and aided by the HGAR Government Affairs Department. The meetings focused on key federal legislation affecting housing, homeownership and the real estate profession.
Participating on behalf of HGAR were President Rey Hollingsworth Falu, President-Elect Tony Ruperto, Secretary Shanese Williams, Vlora Sejdi, Crystal Hawkins-Syska, and other REALTOR® members, alongside HGAR Government Affairs Directors Alex Roithmayr and Dr. Jermaine Meadows.
During the meetings, HGAR members urged congressional offices to support:
- The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act (H.R. 6644), which would increase housing production, modernize housing programs, reduce regulatory barriers and expand infrastructure investments to address the nation's housing shortage.
- The More Homes on the Market Act (H.R. 1340), which would update the capital gains exclusion for the sale of a primary residence and encourage more long-term homeowners to sell, increasing available housing inventory.
- The Revitalizing Downtowns and Main Streets Act (H.R. 2410), which would create a tax incentive for converting underutilized commercial buildings into housing and mixed-use developments.
- The Association Health Plans Act (H.R. 2528), which would expand access to affordable, quality health insurance options for REALTORS® and other independent contractors.
- Continued federal funding for the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) and Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP), which support fair housing enforcement, education and consumer outreach.
"Realtors don't just serve their neighborhoods and towns on Main Street, they do so in Washington too. We are bringing our message of affordability, our solutions for more inventory and our message of a home for everybody straight to the Capitol," said HGAR President Rey Hollingsworth Falu. "We see the everyday problems, and we are bringing the solutions. We are grateful that our federal policy makers are listening and working on those solutions that will help more New Yorkers achieve homeownership."
Several memorable moments emerged from our meetings on Capitol Hill. One of the highlights was the breaking news that the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act had just advanced in the U.S. Senate. This development was especially meaningful for HGAR members, as our congressional delegation played an important role in moving the legislation through the House of Representatives. The announcement created an upbeat and optimistic atmosphere throughout our meetings, reinforcing the sense that REALTOR® advocacy is making a real difference in addressing the nation's housing challenges.
Another theme that resonated across nearly every meeting was the need for affordable healthcare options for Realtors. HGAR members shared personal stories about the difficulties Realtors face when trying to secure and afford quality health insurance. HGAR's new CEO, Grace Smith, effectively underscored how the Association Health Plans Act would empower organizations like HGAR to provide more affordable healthcare options to their members. The combination of firsthand experiences from Realtors and the practical solutions offered by the legislation proved to be a compelling message for lawmakers and their staff.
Not surprisingly, housing supply remained at the center of this year's advocacy agenda. According to the National Association of REALTORS®, the United States is facing a housing shortage of approximately 4.7 million homes. As a result, policies that encourage housing production and reduce barriers to development continue to be among the most important issues facing communities across the country. Throughout our meetings, members emphasized the need for federal policies that support the creation of housing opportunities for families at all income levels.
HGAR members also highlighted the importance of updating federal tax policies that discourage homeowners from selling, encouraging adaptive reuse of underutilized commercial properties, supporting fair housing initiatives and preserving affordable health care options for self-employed professionals.
"The Hudson Valley and New York City region continue to experience significant housing supply challenges," said Dr. Jermaine Meadows, HGAR's Government Affairs Director for New York City and the Bronx. "REALTORS® have a unique perspective on how federal policies impact housing opportunities, affordability and economic growth, and we appreciate the opportunity to share those insights with congressional offices."
"From Orange and Rockland to Westchester and Putnam, communities throughout the Hudson Valley are facing the same challenge: not enough housing to meet demand," said Alex Roithmayr, HGAR's Government Affairs Director for the Hudson Valley. "REALTORS® see the impact every day, which is why we continue advocating for policies that increase supply, improve affordability and give local communities the tools they need to support responsible growth and expand opportunities for homeownership."
The Capitol Hill meetings were organized by the National Association of REALTORS® as part of its annual advocacy efforts on behalf of the real estate industry and the consumers REALTORS® serve.
In the coming weeks, HGAR will be looking to have follow up meeting with our Congressional representatives in district to follow up.
For more information about HGAR's advocacy efforts and legislative priorities, visit hgar.com.
