NYC Realtor Coalition Secures Nearly $100,000 to Educate Voters on Ballot Question 3
This week, HGAR’s Government Affairs team is proud to announce that, in partnership with fellow New York City Realtor associations, we have secured nearly $100,000 in funding from the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) to support education efforts around Ballot Question 3 in the upcoming election cycle.
HGAR is collaborating with the Long Island Board of Realtors (LIBOR), the Brooklyn-Queens Board of Realtors (BIBOR), and the Staten Island Board of Realtors (SIBOR) to form one of the largest Realtor coalitions in New York City. This unified effort will educate members, stakeholders, and the public on the potential impacts of Q3 and mobilize voter awareness ahead of the election.
What is Ballot Question 3?
Q3 proposes to simplify New York City’s land use review process for modest housing and infrastructure projects. Currently, even small-scale projects must navigate a complex, multi-step approval process, which can take years and significantly increase costs. Q3 is designed to remove unnecessary red tape while maintaining community input, creating a faster, fairer process for projects that expand housing supply, upgrade schools, improve transit and strengthen other local infrastructure.
Why Q3 Matters
Housing Supply: Streamlining approvals allows more housing units to be delivered faster, helping to address NYC’s critical shortage of affordable homes.
Affordability: Reducing delays lowers development costs, which can help stabilize rents and property prices.
Infrastructure Improvements: Faster project approvals mean quicker upgrades to schools, transit systems, and community facilities.
Economic Impact: Expedited development supports construction jobs, local businesses and overall economic growth.
Predictability for Professionals: Developers and Realtors benefit from reduced uncertainty, enabling better planning and investment decisions.
HGAR’s Role and Campaign Plan
HGAR, together with LIBOR, BIBOR and SIBOR, will lead a comprehensive citywide education campaign to ensure members and the public understand Q3’s purpose and benefits.
The campaign will include:
- Digital outreach and social media campaigns targeting likely NYC voters.
- Signage at brokerages and distribution of educational materials to communicate key points in an accessible way.
- Informational videos and print materials to explain the advantages of streamlining the review process.
Member engagement through coalition events to encourage Realtor advocacy and participation.
The campaign will strategically combine online and in-person efforts, ensuring that messaging reaches New Yorkers in every borough. By educating both voters and Realtor members, the coalition aims to create a well-informed public and a strong, unified voice in support of efficient housing and infrastructure processes.
Looking Ahead
HGAR remains committed to protecting the interests of its members, while advocating for policies that strengthen housing opportunities across New York City. Ballot Question 3 represents a critical opportunity to improve the efficiency of city planning and development, and this coalition effort positions Realtors as leaders in shaping the future of the city’s housing landscape.
Members are encouraged to stay engaged with the campaign, participate in upcoming events, and help educate the public. Together, this coalition ensures that Realtors are not only advocating for their profession, but also empowering voters with the information they need to make informed decisions at the ballot box.
About the author: Dr. Jermaine Meadows is the Director of Government Affairs for the Bronx for the Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors.
