By Mary Burnett
Every June, REALTORS® from across the country travel to Washington, D.C. for the National Association of REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, where they meet directly with members of Congress to discuss issues impacting homeownership, housing affordability, private property rights, flood insurance, and the future of the real estate industry. This year, HAR members and leadership will once again head to Capitol Hill to ensure Houston’s perspective is part of those conversations.
For me, the trip is also a reminder of how connected every level of government really is. My interest in public policy began during college through a congressional internship, and after graduating, I moved to Washington with no real long-term plan other than wanting to work on Capitol Hill. After some networking, a necessity in D.C., I landed another internship and later a role on a legislative team, where I gained firsthand experience with the legislative process and the relationships that drive policymaking. I loved learning the ins and outs of Congress, navigating the Capitol tunnels, and seeing how much collaboration happens behind the scenes.
When I eventually moved back to Houston, I knew I wanted a role where I could apply what I had learned in D.C. During an interview for a congressional district office position, a district director told me something that stuck with me: there is an entire world of advocacy happening outside of Washington, and local organizations play a major role in those efforts. That conversation ultimately led me to HAR.
Since joining HAR’s Governmental Affairs team, I’ve been able to see that firsthand. Through partnerships with Texas REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS®, HAR works closely with federal officials and congressional offices to advocate for policies that impact both the real estate industry and Houston-area communities. One of the most rewarding parts of my role has been helping coordinate HAR’s advocacy efforts and watching REALTORS® share firsthand stories about how policy decisions affect their clients and communities.
As HAR prepares to return to Washington this June, I’m looking forward to helping continue those conversations and ensuring Houston REALTORS® continue to have a voice in the policies shaping housing and homeownership across the country.
