NCR Legislative Meetings Recap: Advocacy, Insight, and Connection in Raleigh
NC REALTORS® members from across the state gathered in Raleigh June 1–4 for the 2026 NC REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, an annual opportunity to connect with peers, hear from industry leaders, discuss the issues shaping North Carolina real estate, and advocate for REALTOR® priorities at the General Assembly. A delegation from Longleaf Pine REALTORS® was there to represent our districts and community.
The week began on Monday with committee meetings, exhibits, NC REALTORS® PAC Trustees, the Legislative Committee, and specialty group conversations focused on appraisal, communications, economic development, professional standards, commercial real estate, DEI, state political coordination, and YPN. The day wrapped with Major Moves: An Advocacy in Action Reception, setting the tone for a week centered on policy, professionalism, and member engagement.
On Tuesday, attendees participated in the State of Real Estate, which offered timely conversations on the future of the industry. Sessions explored artificial intelligence in real estate, public opinion on housing affordability and availability, and the impact of data centers on North Carolina’s housing market. The day also included the NC REALTORS® Candidate and Member Forum, Federal Political Coordinators, the Housing Foundation Board of Directors, the Property Management Division, a BIC Resource Session, and the Legislative Reception at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences.
Wednesday was the heart of REALTOR® advocacy. Members began the day with a Legislative Rally before heading to the General Assembly for legislative visits. These conversations gave REALTORS® the opportunity to speak directly with lawmakers about issues affecting homeowners, property owners, communities, and the real estate profession. The day also included the NC REALTORS® Open House at Heck-Andrews, PAC Chairs Meet and Greet, Convention Committee, Treasurer Forum, Regional Caucuses, and the Global, Economic Development, and Commercial Reception.
During legislative visits, members also shared key information on housing availability and affordability from the Cumberland County delegation. The document highlighted North Carolina’s growing housing gap, noting that the state is projected to face a shortage of more than 764,000 housing units over the next five years. It emphasized that homeownership is becoming increasingly difficult for many North Carolinians, especially first-time buyers, essential workers, and families seeking attainable housing options in the communities where they live and work. The delegation also shared information on Senate Bill 445, the Regulatory Reform Act of 2026, which includes policy reforms intended to expand housing opportunities, reduce regulatory barriers, and encourage residential development. Key provisions include allowing residential uses in certain commercial, business, and industrial zoning districts; requiring local governments to permit accessory dwelling units in residential districts while limiting overly restrictive local requirements; and establishing standards related to ADU size and placement. The overall message reinforced that North Carolina’s housing challenges require thoughtful, balanced solutions that increase supply and expand homeownership and attainable housing opportunities across the state.
The meetings concluded Thursday with the NC REALTORS® Board of Directors Meeting, bringing leaders together to continue advancing the association’s priorities and supporting members statewide.
A major focus of this year’s advocacy efforts was North Carolina’s ongoing housing affordability and availability challenge. NC REALTORS®’ current legislative priorities point to advancing Senate Bill 445 – Housing Regulatory Reform as the top priority. The proposal focuses on reducing barriers to housing production, clarifying local government authority, limiting unlawful or outside-authority development conditions, extending permit choice during declared emergencies, setting clearer timelines for rezoning decisions, and allowing court review of unified development ordinances.
NC REALTORS® is also monitoring several opportunity issues, including deed and title fraud, wholesaler legislation, ABC permit changes, HOA changes, workforce housing loan program funding, and the Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act. In addition, the association continues to defend the real estate industry against proposals that could negatively affect housing availability, private property rights, or REALTOR® responsibilities.
Thank you to everyone who participated, attended meetings, connected with legislators, and represented the REALTOR® voice in Raleigh. Your engagement helps ensure that real estate professionals remain part of the conversation as decisions are made about housing, property rights, economic development, and the future of communities across North Carolina.
