I received this email from NAR Government Affairs and thought it was important to pass along. I also think it is important that not only should our association send this letter, but commercial brokers as well. The letter is as follows:
" Several state associations have expressed concerns about commercial real estate liquidity. NAR shares these concerns and have drafted a letter for state and local associations to send to their members of Congress. Please use this letter as you see fit. The letter can be signed and should be on association (company) letter head. If you have any questions contact Megan Booth MBooth@realtors.org or Vijay Yadlapati VYadlapati@realtors.org ." The letter is as follows and a link will be provided at the bottom so that you might download it and send it off.
February 22, 2010
Dear Representative (Insert member of Congress. You can google that information)
A crisis is looming in the commercial real estate market. This will not just be a disaster for commercial real estate investors and property owners - but for the entire economy. Commercial real estate supports more than nine million jobs and generates billions of dollars in federal, state and local tax revenue. ( Company or your name) is very concerned about this growing problem, and believes that solutions are needed to avoid this potential crisis.
We support H.R. 3380, the "Promoting Lending to America's Small Businesses Act of 2009" introduced by Reps. Kanjorski (D-PA) and Royce (R-CA) that would increase the cap on credit union commercial lending to 25% of total assets. During previous crisis' consumers and businesses have relied on credit unions to fill in the gaps where banks cannot serve them. But today they are hampered by a lending cap of 12.25% of total assets.
We also believe there are a number of other proposals that are worthy of serious consideration. These include solutions to the equity gap which prevent properties with an otherwise performing loan from refinancing when the property has a value of less than the current debt. Improved cash flow for investors/owners of commercial real estate would help to fend off some of the challenges the market faces. The most effective means of improving cash flow on real property is to provide more generous depreciation allowances. We believe that some combination of accelerated depreciation (or shorter recovery periods) and passive loss relief would be significant investor incentives.
In addition, we urge an extension of the Troubled Asset Loan Facility (TALF). TALF assisted with the first issue of new commercial mortgage backed securities (CMBS) in more than 18 months just last November. TALF authority for legacy ( previously issued ) CMBS expires March 31st, 2010. The authority for new issues expires June 30th, 2010. TALF has played a valuable role in restoring investor confidence. We believe that TALF should be given additional time so that it may continue to jumpstart the private commercial mortgage markets.
There is no easy solution to the commercial liquidity crisis and there is no silver bullet to address all types of properties. However, doing nothing will certainly spell disaster. We urge Congress to look at all viable solutions and take immediate steps to address this serious problem that can impact every community in our nation.
Sincerely,
Now, to download this letter go to http://go-to.realtor.org/r/GKGA4R/B528B/S3Y2HC/CHCNF/NL9DE/LE/h/
Sign and send it to your Congressional Representative today
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Friday, February 5, 2010
REALTORS Core Health Insurance Information
Did you know that 30% of all NAR members are without health insurance? It's true according to a recent survey conducted by the Association. NAR has teamed up with SASid (Smart and Simple insurance development) and created the REALTORS Core Health Insurance (RCHI) program. The program not only features guaranteed coverage , but also offers affordable plan options and members have the freedom to choose their provider.
Here are the most frequently asked questions:
How can RCHI help?
RCHI provides opportunities to those who have struggled to gain coverage by providing guaranteed-acceptance and accessible medical insurance. It also makes existing coverage more affordable by allowing members to adjust their current deductible and supplementing it with an RCHI plan.
What is the difference between Major Medical and Limited Medical Insurance?
It is important to understand the difference between Major Medical (comprehensive coverage) and Limited Medical Insurance. Major Medical provides catastrophic coverage and high limits of coverage (typically $1 million or more). Limited Medical (RCHI) provides the guarantee of affordable insurance but limits its its coverage to everyday illnesses and accidents. In addition, the maximum benefits paid in each medical situation are capped.
What is a PPO and what doctors does it include?
A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a network of doctors and hospitals that contract with an insurance company or employer to provide employees with services at competitive rates. Covered members and dependants can use any licensed medical provider. Those who attend a medical provider who is a part of the Beech Street Network will be available for additional savings. To check if a medical provider is part of a Beech Street Network, go to www.beechstreet.com .
Are medications covered?
All plans include a discount prescription drug card. Members can save up to 50% on generic brands and up to 15% on brand names.
When does coverage begin?
Coverage becomes effective the next day (12:01am) following the date the completed enrollment form is received and approved, or a specified date in the future, provided that full premium for the coverage has been received.
Who is eligible for the RCHI plans?
All NAR members, and their eligible dependants, can obtain a plan. the following are qualifying dependants:
Here are the most frequently asked questions:
How can RCHI help?
RCHI provides opportunities to those who have struggled to gain coverage by providing guaranteed-acceptance and accessible medical insurance. It also makes existing coverage more affordable by allowing members to adjust their current deductible and supplementing it with an RCHI plan.
What is the difference between Major Medical and Limited Medical Insurance?
It is important to understand the difference between Major Medical (comprehensive coverage) and Limited Medical Insurance. Major Medical provides catastrophic coverage and high limits of coverage (typically $1 million or more). Limited Medical (RCHI) provides the guarantee of affordable insurance but limits its its coverage to everyday illnesses and accidents. In addition, the maximum benefits paid in each medical situation are capped.
What is a PPO and what doctors does it include?
A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is a network of doctors and hospitals that contract with an insurance company or employer to provide employees with services at competitive rates. Covered members and dependants can use any licensed medical provider. Those who attend a medical provider who is a part of the Beech Street Network will be available for additional savings. To check if a medical provider is part of a Beech Street Network, go to www.beechstreet.com .
Are medications covered?
All plans include a discount prescription drug card. Members can save up to 50% on generic brands and up to 15% on brand names.
When does coverage begin?
Coverage becomes effective the next day (12:01am) following the date the completed enrollment form is received and approved, or a specified date in the future, provided that full premium for the coverage has been received.
Who is eligible for the RCHI plans?
All NAR members, and their eligible dependants, can obtain a plan. the following are qualifying dependants:
- their lawful spouse; and
- their unmarried child or children who:
- Reside in their home for more than six months a year
- Chiefly relies on you for support and maintenance; and Who is under 19 years of age (the Limiting Age).
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Interface Carolina Conference
On April 29th there will be a new, one day, real estate networking conference for North and South Carolina held at the Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge in Charlotte. TCAR members will get a $75 discount off of the $175 fee.
Headline speaker will be Mark Vitner, Managing Director and Senior Economist for Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. His commentaries have been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and Business Week. He was recently named one of 2009 North Carolina Power Players 50 most powerful people in business, by Business Leader Media.
Mr Vitner will discuss the overall state of the national economy in 2010 and how it will effect the local economies in North and South Carolina. He will look at each individual state and answer questions such as:
- What are the primary drivers behind each state's economy and how are these impacting the local commercial real estate market?
- What is the outlook for commercial construction in 2010?
- What is the projected job growth in our region this year?
- When should we really expect a full recovery?
Other topics include the current state of the market, office and multifamily markets, InterFace Up-Close-a converstaion with industry icons and the next big thing- what the region's economic drivers of tomorrow will be.
Go to www.interfaceconferencegroup.com to register and make sure you enter the TCAR promotional code: tcar100 in order to get your discount. If you need more information, contact Lindsey Marcec at 404-832-8262 or email lindsey@francepublications.com .
Headline speaker will be Mark Vitner, Managing Director and Senior Economist for Wells Fargo Securities, LLC. His commentaries have been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and Business Week. He was recently named one of 2009 North Carolina Power Players 50 most powerful people in business, by Business Leader Media.
Mr Vitner will discuss the overall state of the national economy in 2010 and how it will effect the local economies in North and South Carolina. He will look at each individual state and answer questions such as:
- What are the primary drivers behind each state's economy and how are these impacting the local commercial real estate market?
- What is the outlook for commercial construction in 2010?
- What is the projected job growth in our region this year?
- When should we really expect a full recovery?
Other topics include the current state of the market, office and multifamily markets, InterFace Up-Close-a converstaion with industry icons and the next big thing- what the region's economic drivers of tomorrow will be.
Go to www.interfaceconferencegroup.com to register and make sure you enter the TCAR promotional code: tcar100 in order to get your discount. If you need more information, contact Lindsey Marcec at 404-832-8262 or email lindsey@francepublications.com .
Monday, January 25, 2010
Frontier Awards Earlier This Year
Every year TCAR celebrates the successes of it's brokers with the Annual President's Frontier Awards. Planning started back in November and we feel like we have a really exciting program set up.
First, we were tired of competing with the ACC Tournament and because we know how much everyone loves basketball in these parts, the date has been changed. We have decided to do the awards a bit earlier, Thursday, March 4th, to be exact.
We're always trying to find the best format for this particular awards and this year we have decided to do a buffet breakfast at the Carolina Country Club, 2500 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh. You may not be on the golf course but you sure will be close to it. If you have never been to the Carolina Country Club, check out their site at http://www.carolinacc.net/ . Check in and breakfast start at 7:30am and the program will begin at around 8:00ish.
This year's speaker is David Glenn, radio personality, award winning editor and afternoon host of the North Carolina Sports Talk Network. He's supposed to have a "thinking mans approach" when he's talking about sports. We at TCAR sort of felt like it's that time of the year and let's have some fun with the whole ACC thing. For more information on David Glenn, check out these two sites www.accsports.com/about-us.php and www.ncsportstalk.com/NC-Sports-Talk-Network/Meet-David-Glenn.aspx. As we get closer, we'll announce his topic.
Nomination forms are already online and there isn't a whole lot of time to fill them out and get them in. Go to www.tcar.com/resources.cfm and about half way down the page are the awards. Keep in mind that this year we have lowered the requirements, given the current economic climate for commercial. And don't think that because you're with a smaller firm that you can't get an award, check out the Trailblazer Award, new as of last year. Nomination forms are due as of Saturday, February 6th but call us at the office if you can't get them in by then.
Lastly, and the best part of all, is we have lowered our prices. TCAR members pay $30 a person and tables are available for just $300! Non-members, contact the office and it's just $55. Online registration will go up this week, so reserve your space today. For those that would like to purchase tables, please contact me at 919-228-2588 or kimb@tcar.com .
We hope you're as excited as we are and I look forward to seeing everyone there. Send in those nominations today and good luck!
First, we were tired of competing with the ACC Tournament and because we know how much everyone loves basketball in these parts, the date has been changed. We have decided to do the awards a bit earlier, Thursday, March 4th, to be exact.
We're always trying to find the best format for this particular awards and this year we have decided to do a buffet breakfast at the Carolina Country Club, 2500 Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh. You may not be on the golf course but you sure will be close to it. If you have never been to the Carolina Country Club, check out their site at http://www.carolinacc.net/ . Check in and breakfast start at 7:30am and the program will begin at around 8:00ish.
This year's speaker is David Glenn, radio personality, award winning editor and afternoon host of the North Carolina Sports Talk Network. He's supposed to have a "thinking mans approach" when he's talking about sports. We at TCAR sort of felt like it's that time of the year and let's have some fun with the whole ACC thing. For more information on David Glenn, check out these two sites www.accsports.com/about-us.php and www.ncsportstalk.com/NC-Sports-Talk-Network/Meet-David-Glenn.aspx. As we get closer, we'll announce his topic.
Nomination forms are already online and there isn't a whole lot of time to fill them out and get them in. Go to www.tcar.com/resources.cfm and about half way down the page are the awards. Keep in mind that this year we have lowered the requirements, given the current economic climate for commercial. And don't think that because you're with a smaller firm that you can't get an award, check out the Trailblazer Award, new as of last year. Nomination forms are due as of Saturday, February 6th but call us at the office if you can't get them in by then.
Lastly, and the best part of all, is we have lowered our prices. TCAR members pay $30 a person and tables are available for just $300! Non-members, contact the office and it's just $55. Online registration will go up this week, so reserve your space today. For those that would like to purchase tables, please contact me at 919-228-2588 or kimb@tcar.com .
We hope you're as excited as we are and I look forward to seeing everyone there. Send in those nominations today and good luck!
Monday, December 7, 2009
One of TCAR's Own Inducted in REALTORS Hall of Fame
Every year the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS (RRAR) inducts several of their members into the REALTORS Hall of Fame. On Thursday December 3rd, 2009, Carter Worthy of Carter Worthy Commercial and a past President of the Triangle Commercial Association of REALTORS (TCAR) was accepted into the REALTORS Hall of Fame because of her successful real estate career and her community service within the industry itself, the public and volunteer organizations.
Carter served on RRAR's board back in 1985 and chaired the American Home Committee, Long Range Planning Committee and the New Board Orientation Committee while there. Back then TCAR was a committee of the residential board and she served on the CLS board for four years, eventually becoming President back in 1992. During this time Carter was very much a part of bringing a commercial listing data base to the area with the use of a computer. In 1998 she was named REALTOR of the year by the Triangle Commercial Association of REALTORS.
Carter has been involved with the Junior League of Raleigh, the Wake Education Partnership, Habitat for Humanity and the YWCA of the Greater Triangle Area. She has been involved in public service, has run for public office and been active in business leadership for years.
In her acceptance speech she thanked the residential board humbly commenting that RRAR has given her far more than she has given to them.
While there were others inducted, I would also like to mention that Ray Larcher, Executive Vice President of the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS for over 16 years, also was inducted on Thursday. He spent 13 years with the North Carolina Association of REALTORS as the Director of Education and the Director of member Services. Outside of being the AE for a 6000 member association, he is also the CEO for the Triangle MLS, regional multiple list Serv of over 8000 members. His involvement doesn't stop there because Ray has been very active on a state and national level by serving on numerous committees and task forces.
But here is the deal, while that is all impressive what has been important to us here at TCAR is he has always been a supporter of our group. In the humble beginnings of our committee, his association supplied a place to meet, personnel and an office to get our commercial group going. I always liken our move from the residential building two years ago as the parental unit finally kicking the 26 year old kid out of the basement after he had been living there after he graduated from college three years before. But even after our move, Ray Larcher has been very supportive of TCAR and for us that is just another one of the many reasons he deserves this award.
Carter served on RRAR's board back in 1985 and chaired the American Home Committee, Long Range Planning Committee and the New Board Orientation Committee while there. Back then TCAR was a committee of the residential board and she served on the CLS board for four years, eventually becoming President back in 1992. During this time Carter was very much a part of bringing a commercial listing data base to the area with the use of a computer. In 1998 she was named REALTOR of the year by the Triangle Commercial Association of REALTORS.
Carter has been involved with the Junior League of Raleigh, the Wake Education Partnership, Habitat for Humanity and the YWCA of the Greater Triangle Area. She has been involved in public service, has run for public office and been active in business leadership for years.
In her acceptance speech she thanked the residential board humbly commenting that RRAR has given her far more than she has given to them.
While there were others inducted, I would also like to mention that Ray Larcher, Executive Vice President of the Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS for over 16 years, also was inducted on Thursday. He spent 13 years with the North Carolina Association of REALTORS as the Director of Education and the Director of member Services. Outside of being the AE for a 6000 member association, he is also the CEO for the Triangle MLS, regional multiple list Serv of over 8000 members. His involvement doesn't stop there because Ray has been very active on a state and national level by serving on numerous committees and task forces.
But here is the deal, while that is all impressive what has been important to us here at TCAR is he has always been a supporter of our group. In the humble beginnings of our committee, his association supplied a place to meet, personnel and an office to get our commercial group going. I always liken our move from the residential building two years ago as the parental unit finally kicking the 26 year old kid out of the basement after he had been living there after he graduated from college three years before. But even after our move, Ray Larcher has been very supportive of TCAR and for us that is just another one of the many reasons he deserves this award.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Triangle Community Coalition: 10 Years and Still Going Strong
The Triangle Community Coalition began in 1999 when a handful of Wake County citizens held a meeting regarding forming a local organization with one simple goal: "to create a diverse, broad-based group that would advocate for balanced growth to educate elected officials, community leaders and citizens about the virtues of growth and the protection of property rights." TCC is celebrating 10 years and I thought I might share with you their accomplishments over the years. Thanks to Charlene Logan of TCC for the information that I have quoted here:
The TCC helped raise awareness about---and eventually kill--- a massive downzoning for property owners in the critical area of the proposed Little River Reservoir. The TCC worked to educate the Wake County Commissioners, landowners and others that the downzoning was unnecessary. We sent hundreds of letters and made phone calls to property owners to generate opposition to the downzoning. As a result of our efforts, and at the direction of Sara Robertson, the TCC managed to derail the effort. In a unanimous vote, the Wake County Board of Commissioners rejected the original downzoning in the Little River Reservoir. The final outcome resulted in protecting the water quality of the reservoir and the rights and interests of nearby property
owners.
The TCC continued to press for reforms in the development approval process throughout the Triangle. The cities of Raleigh, Durham and the Town of Morrisville have all addressed ways to improve the process. In Raleigh, our efforts led to the creation of a new citizens’ advisory committee solely devoted to finding ways to improve the process---the Development Services Advisory Committee. In Durham, in an effort to streamline the process, Durham officials are proposing a series of detailed changes, outlined in an amendment to its “Unified Development Ordinance” (UDO).
The TCC Helped Save Money with Lower Fees in Cary. The TCC generated a detailed analysis of impact fees throughout the Triangle. This study was the key data point to help convince several Cary Town Council members to keep a fee increase from skyrocketing. In addition, we generated 300 emails to each council person in a 24 hour period before the final vote on the fee increase. The council voted to hold off the vote and acquire more input on amount of the increase before voting. In April, the Cary Town Council voted on a lower than proposed impact fee increase for water and sewer fees--- and decided not to vote on the transportation fee increase---saving homeowners and businesses money.
The TCC continued to advocate via our Web site and blog---“Growth Matters”: The TCC has a powerful,comprehensive array of communication tools, including a blog that has over 30,000 hits. The TCC website visits have increased over 37% since last year and over 157% since the end of 2007.
TCC had several opinion articles and letters to the editor published in News&Observer and other publications.
TCC hosted its eighth Annual Political Pig Pickin’ to provide a forum for members to hear from candidates running in the Fall elections. We had over 150 attendees, including 50 political candidates for the races in Wake, Durham, Chatham, and Orange Counties.
TCC held quarterly informative Lunch & Learn events, each drawing 100+ attendees to each event.Topics showcased throughout the years have been: Growth & Water Quality, Public Private Partnership to Build Schools, Smart Growth & Its Effects, Restorative Development, Building for Tomorrow: Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, How Growth Management Regulations Impact the Local Economy, A Tale of Two Cities: How Clarke County, Washington & Portland Oregon Manage Growth, Transit Oriented Development, NIMBYism: Addressing the Challenges Developers & Neighborhoods Face Together, Making Development Process Predictable, Planning & Land Use Laws Have Changed: What does it Mean for the Triangle, Growth,Development and You?, Growing Greener, Smart Growth, How Growth Management in the name of “Smart Growth” has Backfired, Public Private Partnership Legislation: Now we have it…What do We do With it?, The Downside of Development Moratoria, Property Rights and Environment and finally our “Dinner and Dialogues with Cary’s New Elected Leaders, a forum with Gubernatorial Candidate, Mayor Pat McCrory to speak on where he stands on issues that matter to the Triangle and a forum with “The Three Mayors” of Raleigh, Cary and Durham, who spoke candidly with our members about growth in the region.
The TCC Board created In the Know Live! The purpose of the new forums is to outline, in person and in real-time, the most recent version of the online In the Know, keep members updated on what is happening with growth, politics and other relevant issues across the region. These events were well attended, well received, and tremendously popular with our members.
The TCC Board created a web-based weekly newsletter known as “The Monitor” that track the meetings & proposed code changes of local governments across the region. Subscribers could download weekly reports on city council meeting, planning commission meetings and other issues from Raleigh to Chatham County and everything in between.
Released Growth Issues & Attitudes Poll in 2007. Informed the public and media about the positives of balanced growth in the region; raised the visibility of the organization as a thought leader on growth issues.
Hosted “Partnership in Politics” Golf Tournaments inviting local elected officials to play with our members. The two tournaments rose over $29,000. for the TCC’s issue fund.
Launched an Issues Advocacy Campaign Around Fall Elections raising voter awareness about important growth-related issues; helped get out the vote in region. In early November of 2006, we called more than 25,000 voters with information on growth policies and where local candidates and leaders stood on those issues. In 2002 the Coalition was the first in North Carolina to tap a new method for registering voters. We currently have the ability to allow anyone in the region to use our website to register to vote.
Hosted Candidate Campaign Schools to help educate future leaders about how to run successfulcampaigns for local office.
Promoted solutions for building & financing new schools by advocating for and helped pass statewide legislation to provide public-private partnerships to build schools. Our white paper entitled, “Thinking Outside the Box,” caught the attention of school board elected leaders and legislator alike.
Keeping Fees in Check. The organization successfully showed that Chatham County’s proposed school impact fee increase was unsupported based on the methodology to calculate the fee. This study has been useful in a dialogue with county leaders to keep the fees fair. In Durham, when the Durham Board of Commissioners proposed a school impact fee (without legislative authority), the TCC teamed up with other
members in a grassroots educational effort. While the commissioners voted in favor of the fee, the Durham Citizens for Responsible Growth had a significant impact on the process – generating hundreds of phone calls and emails to the commissioners to vote against the fee.
Mobilization around Raleigh Greenway Issue by sending direct mail to 1000 property owners affected by the proposed issue and launched a call to action using the TCC legislative action center on our website.
Response to Wake County Growth Management Strategy (GMS): The coalition played a vital rose in convincing the Wake County Commissioners to allow the public to have input on the document. As a result,the county agreed to host four regional public workshops on the GMS.
Wake County Air Quality Task Force was formed and the Wake County Board of Commissioners asked the TCC to participate. Working with other leaders from the region, the TCC helped craft a series of Practical and reasonable recommendations for Wake County to consider.
Raleigh Storm Water Task Force: The TCC worked with neighborhood representatives to help write the rules and regulations that were adopted by the Raleigh City Council to set up a storm water utility.
I-540 Debate: When several of the region’s elected officials attempted to slow or stop completion of the outer loop, the Coalition took charge and played an instrumental role in speaking out in favor of I-540. Using our extensive grassroots network, we sent alerts, emails and armed our members with talking points to relay to the elected officials.
For more information about becoming a member of the TCC, please contact Charlene Logan at 228-2599 or charlenel@tricc.org or visit us on the web at http://www.tricc.org/ and http://www.growthmatters.org/ .
The TCC helped raise awareness about---and eventually kill--- a massive downzoning for property owners in the critical area of the proposed Little River Reservoir. The TCC worked to educate the Wake County Commissioners, landowners and others that the downzoning was unnecessary. We sent hundreds of letters and made phone calls to property owners to generate opposition to the downzoning. As a result of our efforts, and at the direction of Sara Robertson, the TCC managed to derail the effort. In a unanimous vote, the Wake County Board of Commissioners rejected the original downzoning in the Little River Reservoir. The final outcome resulted in protecting the water quality of the reservoir and the rights and interests of nearby property
owners.
The TCC continued to press for reforms in the development approval process throughout the Triangle. The cities of Raleigh, Durham and the Town of Morrisville have all addressed ways to improve the process. In Raleigh, our efforts led to the creation of a new citizens’ advisory committee solely devoted to finding ways to improve the process---the Development Services Advisory Committee. In Durham, in an effort to streamline the process, Durham officials are proposing a series of detailed changes, outlined in an amendment to its “Unified Development Ordinance” (UDO).
The TCC Helped Save Money with Lower Fees in Cary. The TCC generated a detailed analysis of impact fees throughout the Triangle. This study was the key data point to help convince several Cary Town Council members to keep a fee increase from skyrocketing. In addition, we generated 300 emails to each council person in a 24 hour period before the final vote on the fee increase. The council voted to hold off the vote and acquire more input on amount of the increase before voting. In April, the Cary Town Council voted on a lower than proposed impact fee increase for water and sewer fees--- and decided not to vote on the transportation fee increase---saving homeowners and businesses money.
The TCC continued to advocate via our Web site and blog---“Growth Matters”: The TCC has a powerful,comprehensive array of communication tools, including a blog that has over 30,000 hits. The TCC website visits have increased over 37% since last year and over 157% since the end of 2007.
TCC had several opinion articles and letters to the editor published in News&Observer and other publications.
TCC hosted its eighth Annual Political Pig Pickin’ to provide a forum for members to hear from candidates running in the Fall elections. We had over 150 attendees, including 50 political candidates for the races in Wake, Durham, Chatham, and Orange Counties.
TCC held quarterly informative Lunch & Learn events, each drawing 100+ attendees to each event.Topics showcased throughout the years have been: Growth & Water Quality, Public Private Partnership to Build Schools, Smart Growth & Its Effects, Restorative Development, Building for Tomorrow: Innovative Infrastructure Solutions, How Growth Management Regulations Impact the Local Economy, A Tale of Two Cities: How Clarke County, Washington & Portland Oregon Manage Growth, Transit Oriented Development, NIMBYism: Addressing the Challenges Developers & Neighborhoods Face Together, Making Development Process Predictable, Planning & Land Use Laws Have Changed: What does it Mean for the Triangle, Growth,Development and You?, Growing Greener, Smart Growth, How Growth Management in the name of “Smart Growth” has Backfired, Public Private Partnership Legislation: Now we have it…What do We do With it?, The Downside of Development Moratoria, Property Rights and Environment and finally our “Dinner and Dialogues with Cary’s New Elected Leaders, a forum with Gubernatorial Candidate, Mayor Pat McCrory to speak on where he stands on issues that matter to the Triangle and a forum with “The Three Mayors” of Raleigh, Cary and Durham, who spoke candidly with our members about growth in the region.
The TCC Board created In the Know Live! The purpose of the new forums is to outline, in person and in real-time, the most recent version of the online In the Know, keep members updated on what is happening with growth, politics and other relevant issues across the region. These events were well attended, well received, and tremendously popular with our members.
The TCC Board created a web-based weekly newsletter known as “The Monitor” that track the meetings & proposed code changes of local governments across the region. Subscribers could download weekly reports on city council meeting, planning commission meetings and other issues from Raleigh to Chatham County and everything in between.
Released Growth Issues & Attitudes Poll in 2007. Informed the public and media about the positives of balanced growth in the region; raised the visibility of the organization as a thought leader on growth issues.
Hosted “Partnership in Politics” Golf Tournaments inviting local elected officials to play with our members. The two tournaments rose over $29,000. for the TCC’s issue fund.
Launched an Issues Advocacy Campaign Around Fall Elections raising voter awareness about important growth-related issues; helped get out the vote in region. In early November of 2006, we called more than 25,000 voters with information on growth policies and where local candidates and leaders stood on those issues. In 2002 the Coalition was the first in North Carolina to tap a new method for registering voters. We currently have the ability to allow anyone in the region to use our website to register to vote.
Hosted Candidate Campaign Schools to help educate future leaders about how to run successfulcampaigns for local office.
Promoted solutions for building & financing new schools by advocating for and helped pass statewide legislation to provide public-private partnerships to build schools. Our white paper entitled, “Thinking Outside the Box,” caught the attention of school board elected leaders and legislator alike.
Keeping Fees in Check. The organization successfully showed that Chatham County’s proposed school impact fee increase was unsupported based on the methodology to calculate the fee. This study has been useful in a dialogue with county leaders to keep the fees fair. In Durham, when the Durham Board of Commissioners proposed a school impact fee (without legislative authority), the TCC teamed up with other
members in a grassroots educational effort. While the commissioners voted in favor of the fee, the Durham Citizens for Responsible Growth had a significant impact on the process – generating hundreds of phone calls and emails to the commissioners to vote against the fee.
Mobilization around Raleigh Greenway Issue by sending direct mail to 1000 property owners affected by the proposed issue and launched a call to action using the TCC legislative action center on our website.
Response to Wake County Growth Management Strategy (GMS): The coalition played a vital rose in convincing the Wake County Commissioners to allow the public to have input on the document. As a result,the county agreed to host four regional public workshops on the GMS.
Wake County Air Quality Task Force was formed and the Wake County Board of Commissioners asked the TCC to participate. Working with other leaders from the region, the TCC helped craft a series of Practical and reasonable recommendations for Wake County to consider.
Raleigh Storm Water Task Force: The TCC worked with neighborhood representatives to help write the rules and regulations that were adopted by the Raleigh City Council to set up a storm water utility.
I-540 Debate: When several of the region’s elected officials attempted to slow or stop completion of the outer loop, the Coalition took charge and played an instrumental role in speaking out in favor of I-540. Using our extensive grassroots network, we sent alerts, emails and armed our members with talking points to relay to the elected officials.
For more information about becoming a member of the TCC, please contact Charlene Logan at 228-2599 or charlenel@tricc.org or visit us on the web at http://www.tricc.org/ and http://www.growthmatters.org/ .
Friday, October 30, 2009
What's Next
So it's hard to believe that we are almost at the end of 2009. If you're like most, it has been a tough year and most of us are planning to hunker down and get ready for next year. We here at TCAR are plugging along, though, and are getting ready to plan for next year.
There are a few things happening in the next few days days that I thought I would run by everyone. The Triangle Community Coalition is doing a lunch and learn tomorrow, Tuesday November 10th at 11:30 am on how Senate Bill 831 and House Bill 1490 Helps in Tough Times. The North Carolina General Assembly just passed sweeping legislation meant to preserve and extend development approvals. This legislation is an effort to give opportunity to developers and property owners during the economy's downturn. Key note speakers are Lisa Martin, Director of Government Affairs and Eric Braun of K&L Gates, LLP. While you can't register online at this late date, please feel free to show up at the door or give Charlene a call at 919-228-2599. It's $15 and that includes lunch.
On Thursday TCAR is doing their final Showcase of the year with the American Health Institute and Fitness Building on Thursday November 12th at 11:30 am. AIHF is located at 8300 Health Park in Raleigh and this month's topic is "Exploring Corporate Health through Executive Wellness". Speakers include Chris Mangum, President of AIHF Executive Health and Dr. Jay Stevens, Chief Medical Officer of AIHF Executive Health. Lunch is included and is free to all TCAR members, non-members are $35. You can still register online or you can call us 919-228-2588, tweet us at tcarkim or email me at kimb@tcar.com.
Also happening this week is the Urban Land Institute's "Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2010", featuring Keynote Speaker Stephen R. Blank . This takes place at the Renaissance Hotel , 4100 Main at North Hlls in Raleigh, with registration starting at 7:30am and the program running from 8:00 to 10:00 am. Pricing is from $15 to $60. Today is the deadline to register online at www.uli.org/register and there is a discount if you register today.
Lastly, on something completely unrelated, dues billing went out last month. If you have not received your bill or have any questions, please let me know.
That's it for now, let me know if you have any questions or if I can be of any help.
There are a few things happening in the next few days days that I thought I would run by everyone. The Triangle Community Coalition is doing a lunch and learn tomorrow, Tuesday November 10th at 11:30 am on how Senate Bill 831 and House Bill 1490 Helps in Tough Times. The North Carolina General Assembly just passed sweeping legislation meant to preserve and extend development approvals. This legislation is an effort to give opportunity to developers and property owners during the economy's downturn. Key note speakers are Lisa Martin, Director of Government Affairs and Eric Braun of K&L Gates, LLP. While you can't register online at this late date, please feel free to show up at the door or give Charlene a call at 919-228-2599. It's $15 and that includes lunch.
On Thursday TCAR is doing their final Showcase of the year with the American Health Institute and Fitness Building on Thursday November 12th at 11:30 am. AIHF is located at 8300 Health Park in Raleigh and this month's topic is "Exploring Corporate Health through Executive Wellness". Speakers include Chris Mangum, President of AIHF Executive Health and Dr. Jay Stevens, Chief Medical Officer of AIHF Executive Health. Lunch is included and is free to all TCAR members, non-members are $35. You can still register online or you can call us 919-228-2588, tweet us at tcarkim or email me at kimb@tcar.com.
Also happening this week is the Urban Land Institute's "Emerging Trends in Real Estate 2010", featuring Keynote Speaker Stephen R. Blank . This takes place at the Renaissance Hotel , 4100 Main at North Hlls in Raleigh, with registration starting at 7:30am and the program running from 8:00 to 10:00 am. Pricing is from $15 to $60. Today is the deadline to register online at www.uli.org/register and there is a discount if you register today.
Lastly, on something completely unrelated, dues billing went out last month. If you have not received your bill or have any questions, please let me know.
That's it for now, let me know if you have any questions or if I can be of any help.
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