SCAAR Monthly Updates

Government Affairs Committee

The Government Affairs Committee met on Thursday, April 2 at the Sartell Community Center, with Mayor Jake Anderson joining as the guest speaker. Mayor Anderson provided an overview of several key initiatives currently underway in the city and highlighted ongoing areas of focus.

Discussion centered on a range of community priorities, including continued efforts in the downtown district. The committee and Mayor explored potential development opportunities for the Lady Slipper Lot, the current courthouse site, and surrounding areas. Additional topics included updates related to St. Cloud State University and the Crossroads Center Mall.

Committee members also emphasized that the organization remains a resource for the city, offering data, insights, and support on housing, community development, and other related issues. Overall, the meeting provided a valuable opportunity for open dialogue and collaboration with Mayor Anderson.

Members are encouraged to watch for future Government Affairs Committee meetings, as guest speakers will be featured multiple times throughout the year. All members are welcome to attend. These efforts are part of an ongoing initiative to strengthen relationships with local government and industry associations, working collaboratively to address current and future housing issues.

The next Government Affairs Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m. at the Board Office—if you’ve been thinking about getting involved, this is a great opportunity to join us and see the committee in action.

White House Releases Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2027: On Friday, April 3, the White House released its fiscal year 2027 budget proposal. The proposed budget includes significant cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) budget, including the elimination of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program, housing counseling assistance, and the Fair Housing Initiatives Program. Click here to read more.

HUD Announces Housing Counseling Funding with New Limits to Eligible Activities: HUD's Office of Housing Counseling recently announced approximately $56.1 million in funding that HUD-certified housing counseling agencies can apply for, with roughly 175 awards anticipated. NAR supports housing counseling as a tool for expanding sustainable homeownership and will work to ensure prospective homebuyers retain access to prepurchase counseling services. Click here to read more.

Preferred Partner Committee



The Preferred Partner Committee has been hard at work building on our momentum and aligning our efforts with the SCAAR Strategic Plan. Our focus is clear: continue to grow a strong, valuable network that supports both our REALTOR® members and our trusted partners.

What We’re Working On:

• Reviewing the SCAAR Strategic Plan to establish meaningful Preferred Partner goals
• Increasing Preferred Partner membership while enhancing overall program value
• Supporting the Annual Meeting & Expo through a dedicated task force
• Identifying member gaps and recruiting partners in underrepresented industries
• Enhancing visibility through website improvements, including updated “Benefits,” QR code integration, and additional resources
• Expanding our committee through referrals and increased member involvement

Help Us Grow:

We encourage all members to refer the professionals you know and trust. Your recommendations help us build a well-rounded network of high-quality partners that benefit everyone.

Stay Connected:

We’re excited to now feature Preferred Partner events directly in our newsletter! If you have an upcoming event, webinar, class, or educational opportunity, please share it with us. We’re happy to help promote these offerings so our REALTOR® members can stay informed and provide even greater value to their clients.

Next meeting: June 15, 2026/10am.

Together, we’re building connections that strengthen our industry and our community.

Awards Committee

November will be here before we know it—

(though we’re all hoping for a long, warm summer filled with listings, closings, and happy clients!)

As the year continues, we encourage you to keep an eye out for those outstanding REALTORS® and Preferred Partners who go above and beyond—those who truly make a difference within our association and our communities. Our annual awards are a meaningful way to recognize excellence, leadership, and service.

SCAAR Award Categories

• REALTOR® of the Year
• Recognizes a member who demonstrates exceptional commitment to professional growth, association involvement, and community engagement.
• Preferred Partner of the Year
• Honors a Preferred Partner who actively supports SCAAR programs, participates in committees or task forces, and contributes to overall success.
• Distinguished Service Award
• Celebrates a member who has shown outstanding service and leadership at the local and/or state association level.
• Community Service Award
• Recognizes a member dedicated to volunteerism outside of real estate, making a meaningful impact in our community.
• Good Neighbor Award
• Honors a member who has made a significant difference through volunteer work with a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• Lifetime Achievement Award
• Recognizes a member with 25+ years of service who has made a lasting impact through leadership, dedication, and involvement.

It is truly a privilege to celebrate our local REALTORS® at the annual SCAAR Celebration—honoring those whose commitment strengthens both our profession and our community.

More information on nominations and timelines will be shared as we get closer to fall—stay tuned!

Interested in getting more involved? We’d love to have you!

Contact Kelly or Mary Ellen Richter to learn more about joining the committee.

Next meeting June 22^nd, 10am SCAAR office

Education/Equal Opportunity Committee

The Education Committee and Equal Opportunity Committee have officially joined forces—and the result is one dynamic, energized group dedicated to serving you, our members.

We recently gathered at Los Mariachi’s in Sauk Rapids to plan upcoming Eggs with Education events and Continuing Education classes, and the momentum is building. Between great ideas, lively conversation, and some incredibly affordable (and delicious) lunch options, it was a meeting to remember.

Our committee meets every other month, and we like to keep things fresh by exploring locally owned ethnic restaurants throughout the area. It’s a great way to connect, collaborate, and support our community—all while making a real impact on the education and inclusivity of our organization.

We’re actively looking for new voices and fresh perspectives. If you’ve ever had an idea for a class topic, know a great speaker, or simply want to be part of shaping meaningful programming, this is your chance. Whether you’re a seasoned member or just getting involved, you’re welcome at the table.

Not sure if it’s for you? Come check it out—no pressure. In fact, we’ll even sweeten the deal… dessert is on us.

Next Meeting:

📅 June 8, 2026 at 11:30 am

📍 Viet-Tien Restaurant

311 3rd St NE, Waite Park

Come for the ideas, stay for the connections—and maybe the dessert.

Upcoming Events. . . . .

May 27 - Eggs with Education - Speaker is Jon Kopecky (MN Realtors).

May 27 - Agency Law w/Jon Kopecky 1 hr

June 25 - New Member Orientation

Click here to register for any of our classes.

Click here to register for Eggs with Education Sessions.