Illinois REALTORS® today announced the appointment of Michael Bailey as a Governmental Affairs Director (GAD) for the Mainstreet Organization of REALTORS®, the Oak Park Area Association of REALTORS® and the Northern Illinois Commercial Association of REALTORS®.

The Illinois REALTORS® GAD program has been recognized as a model for local government advocacy among REALTOR® organizations nationwide. It is an extension of the substantial public policy advocacy resources provided by Illinois REALTORS®. The GADs work with REALTORS® advocating the protection of homeownership and private property rights.

GADs are located across the state to help local associations and their members organize for or against public policy proposals that impact the industry or private property rights. Also, GADs play critical roles in promoting the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) and identifying local leaders who should be supported politically.

In his role as the newest member of the association’s Governmental Affairs Team, Bailey will focus on building relationships and educating local elected officials about the concerns of private property owners and REALTORS®.

Bailey has spent the past decade working with state and local elected officials. His extensive experience navigating complex political landscapes and building relationships with key stakeholders makes him a valuable asset to the Illinois REALTORS®. Born and raised in DuPage County, Bailey began working for members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus while still in high school. Since 2015, Bailey has worked for Supreme Court Justice Mary Kay O’Brien, Assistant Majority Leader Linda Holmes, Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton and many others. Most recently, Bailey served as the chief of staff for State Sen. Natalie Toro.

He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in 2020 and resides in Villa Park.