Advocacy
RPAC Explained
What every new REALTOR® should know.
Welcome to the Upper Cumberland Association of REALTORS®. As a new member, you’ll hear the term RPAC often — and for good reason. RPAC plays a critical role in protecting the real estate profession and the clients REALTORS® serve.
This page is designed to explain RPAC clearly, simply, and honestly.
What is RPAC?
The REALTOR® Political Action Committee
RPAC stands for the REALTOR® Political Action Committee. It is the advocacy arm of the REALTOR® organization — supporting public policies and candidates at the local, state, and national levels who understand and value the issues that matter most to real estate professionals and their clients.
Homeownership
Private property rights
Fair & responsible housing policy
A strong real estate industry
RPAC is nonpartisan. It does not support candidates based on political party — only on their positions related to real estate and property rights. Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike can earn RPAC support based on where they stand on housing and property issues.
Watch: RPAC Explained — What Every REALTOR® Should Know
Watch: More on RPAC and why it matters for REALTORS®
Why it matters
Government decisions impact your business every day.
Whether you realize it or not, policies made at the local, state, and national levels directly affect your clients, your transactions, and your livelihood. RPAC helps ensure REALTORS® are part of the conversation when these decisions are made — not an afterthought.
Property Taxes & Assessments
Tax policy directly affects property values, affordability, and your clients’ ability to buy and hold real estate.
Zoning & Land-Use Decisions
Local zoning decisions shape what gets built, where, and at what density — affecting inventory and opportunity across the region.
Housing Supply & Development
Policies that restrict or enable housing development have a direct impact on inventory levels and your clients’ options.
Lending & Financing Regulations
Mortgage rules, lending regulations, and interest rate policy affect your buyers’ ability to qualify and close.
Licensing & Business Requirements
State licensing law, CE requirements, and business regulations affect how you operate as a real estate professional every day.
Fair Housing & Consumer Protections
Fair housing laws protect both your clients and your practice — advocacy ensures these protections remain strong and enforceable.
How it works
RPAC operates at three levels — local, state, and national.
Local
City & County Level
Building relationships with city councils, county commissions, and local officials who make decisions about zoning, development, and property taxes in the Upper Cumberland.
State
Tennessee General Assembly
Monitoring and influencing state legislation through Tennessee REALTORS®, including the Day on the Hill event and the TNEX Conference where REALTORS® engage directly with lawmakers.
National
Congress & Federal Agencies
NAR lobbies Congress on issues like mortgage interest deductions, 1031 exchanges, fair housing, and tax policy — protecting the real estate industry at the highest level of government.
RPAC works by:
- Supporting candidates who understand real estate issues — regardless of party affiliation
- Educating elected officials on housing, property rights, and the real estate profession
- Building long-term relationships with policymakers at every level of government
- Advocating for laws and regulations that benefit consumers, communities, and the profession
Setting the record straight
What RPAC is not.
There are common misconceptions about RPAC. Here’s what it is not — and why that matters.
RPAC is not a lobbying effort for personal gain. It exists to protect the profession as a whole — and the consumers REALTORS® serve.
RPAC is not a partisan political organization. It supports candidates from all parties based solely on their positions on real estate issues.
RPAC investment is not a requirement for membership. Participation is always a personal and voluntary choice.
RPAC is not about telling REALTORS® how to vote. It is about making sure the real estate profession has a seat at the table when policy decisions are made.
“RPAC exists to protect the profession as a whole — regardless of individual political beliefs.”
RPAC & you
There is no single way to be involved.
RPAC participation is a personal choice. Many REALTORS® choose to support RPAC because they understand that advocacy doesn’t happen automatically — professional voices matter in public policy, and a strong real estate industry benefits everyone. Awareness is the first step.
Stay Informed
Learn about current advocacy priorities and how policies impact real estate in the Upper Cumberland.
Attend Events
Participate in UCAR advocacy events, the RPAC Auction, RPAC Mixer, and Day on the Hill in Nashville.
Build Relationships
Engage with local officials and build long-term relationships with the policymakers who shape your community.
Invest in RPAC
Choose to financially support RPAC efforts at whatever level feels right for you. Every contribution strengthens the collective voice.
Learn more
Questions about RPAC or advocacy?
UCAR provides education and opportunities throughout the year to help members understand current advocacy priorities, how policies impact real estate locally, and ways REALTORS® can engage responsibly. Reach out anytime.
Contact UCAR Staff → Learn more at NAR →