SPAAR member opportunities are plentiful this November |
|
In this issue of SPAAR's eNews:
- November is #ThanksGivingBack at SPAAR
- Launching tonight! SPAAR's Member Communications Survey
- What's on your ballot? Tomorrow, November 2, is Election Day.
- Vote NO on Question 1 in Saint Paul
- SPAAR shares news about religious accessory use amendments
- Rent control in Saint Paul: what it means for you
- SPAAR seeks award submissions now through November 15
- Leadership SPAAR is back for 2022! Participants welcome!
- 2022 Membership Renewal Due November 30
- Housing Market Statistics
- Join SPAAR's Facebook group for members only
- Welcome, new members!
|
|
November is #ThanksGivingBack at SPAAR |
|
November is #ThanksGivingBack month at SPAAR! There is a plethora of opportunities in which to participate every day all month long. Find out what items interest you and ways you or your office may want to get involved. Being able to shine a light on all the ways SPAAR members give back is exciting!
Again this year, SPAAR will be celebrating and honoring Veterans within the SPAAR member community by publishing a virtual Wall of Honor. Interested members may share the name(s) and photo(s) of the Veteran(s) they’d like to include in a slideshow that will be shared on Veteran’s Day. Send your submission on or before Tuesday, November 9.
|
|
Launching tonight! SPAAR's Member Communications Survey |
|
Every two years SPAAR invites participation in its Member Communications Survey, an opportunity for members to share their voices, thoughts and ideas in a number of areas. Because this information also helps to take the pulse on the programs and services offered at SPAAR, as well as provide insight to be sure members' needs are met, SPAAR will offer some monetary incentives for participation that include $50 and $100 gift cards.
SPAAR will launch this year’s Member Communications Survey tonight, November 1, at 7pm. Your input as a SPAAR member is welcome and wanted as SPAAR continues its commitment to Better Agents and Better Communities. Or, for the early bird, you can find and take the survey here now.
|
|
What's on your ballot? Tomorrow, November 2, is Election Day. |
|
Believe it or not, there is another election right around the corner. Tomorrow, November 2, voters across Minnesota will head to the polls to vote on ballot measures, school board, city council and mayoral seats.
Off-year elections are often overlooked because flashy positions like President or U.S. Senate aren’t on the ballot, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important or consequential. Mayors, city councilors and school board members all make important decisions on behalf of you and your community as elected officials that most impact your day-to-day lives.
Beyond those important local positions, there are also significant ballot questions being put to voters this year, for example, in both Minneapolis and St. Paul, voters will decide whether they want rent control in their cities.
Even though we won’t be voting for President this year, it is important that you get out to vote, and make your voice heard!
Find what will be on your ballot this year, here at the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.
|
|
Vote NO on Question 1 in Saint Paul |
|
The vote on rent control is tomorrow, November 2, which means the Sensible Housing Ballot Committee (SHBC) is making its final push to persuade and turn out voters against ballot question number 1 in Saint Paul.
Question 1 in Saint Paul puts a strict 3% annual cap on all rent increases, without consideration of inflation. Question 1 will enact a rent control ordinance without any exemptions, even for Mom and Pop property owners, leading to fewer and poorer-quality housing options in our city.
A better answer to the problem of scarce housing and increasing rents is to increase the housing supply, rather than control prices, which discourages investment in housing. Creating supply and more opportunity for ownership for middle income residents can also help build wealth for those who have suffered generationally.
To defeat these measures we need you to talk to your neighbors, family, friends and colleagues. Contact your elected officials to express your concerns about these measures. Above all: Vote NO on rent control on November 2.
|
|
SPAAR shares news about religious accessory use amendments |
|
The Saint Paul Planning Commission has proposed changes to the zoning code regarding accessory uses of religious institutions’ property. The changes would add limits to the services that a religious institution would be able to provide including daycare services, overnight shelters, classes and food shelves. In the first draft of the ordinance, there was also a limit to building new construction that would be for the purpose of “religious accessory uses”. That provision has been removed with the intent to revisit at a later date. A forum for Saint Paul City Staff, religious leaders and other stakeholders will be held in November to discuss further edits to the proposed amendments.
SPAAR’s Government Affairs Committee voted to oppose these changes. Robbie Grossman—who serves on the Board of Directors, the Government Affairs Committee, and the Housing Affordability Task Force—spoke at the public hearing that was held on Friday, October 29.
According to Robbie, “this policy needs to be done right. There are so many people that would be affected by the consequences of this…[SPAAR] would love to come help the stakeholders reach a consensus or give our input wherever it’s germane.”
|
|
Rent control in Saint Paul: what it means for you |
|
SPAAR wants to hear from you! How would a three percent rent control cap in Saint Paul impact you, your business or your residents?
|
|
SPAAR seeks award submissions now through November 15 |
|
Nomination submissions are now being sought for SPAAR awards that will be announced in January. Be sure to nominate someone you feel is deserving by Monday, November 15.
SPAAR is seeking nominations for the following awards (click on the awards below to read the criteria and apply):
The SPAAR awards will be presented to the recipients during SPAAR's Winter Social in January 2022.
|
|
Leadership SPAAR is back for 2022! Participants welcome! |
|
Leadership SPAAR is a great opportunity for members who want to grow in their leadership both personally and professionally. In addition, Leadership SPAAR expands the pool of candidates for future Association leadership by introducing participants to the committee/leadership structure, strategic objectives and operational practices SPAAR employs to achieve its goal of fostering Better Agents, Better Communities.
Some of the activities that occur during the year-long cohort including media training, community service and a firsthand look at the industry through the advocacy lens for Housing Day at the Capitol. Learn more about Leadership SPAAR here. Additional questions? Contact Sheri Richards, SPAAR’s liaison to the Professionalism Committee.
|
|
2022 Membership Renewal Due November 30 |
|
SPAAR 2022 Membership Renewal Notices were sent by email in August from billing@spaar.com. Be sure to check your spam or junk folder if you do not see your renewal notice in your inbox so you do not miss any important information.
If payment is not received on or before November 30, a $50 late payment fee will be added to the amount due. Click here to view important 2022 dues billing information.
Contact SPAAR at (651) 776-6000 if you have questions regarding your membership renewal.
|
|
Housing Market Statistics |
|
Get up-to-date Twin Cities housing market information here. |
|
SPAAR provides four different types of reports so you can offer your clients the most accurate housing data available. Click below to see how the market is doing:
|
|
Check out the SPAAR Facebook page created specifically for members here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
