Members received an industry update from Illinois REALTORS® CEO Jeff Baker and Illinois REALTORS® President Matt Silver and earned four hours of core continuing education (CE) during the second day of 2024 Spring Conference & Expo in Collinsville Wednesday.

Illinois REALTORS® is using its knowledge and influence, said Baker, to develop solutions to the state’s problems, especially those connected to the real estate market and the housing shortage. While our lobbyists monitor legislative proposals for their impact on the industry and the rights of private property owners, he believes that members can play even more influential roles with lawmakers.

This year, the association has written three pieces of legislation designed to aid homebuyers, alleviate the “missing middle” housing shortage and remedy discriminatory local housing laws. Baker reviewed the association’s process for developing public policy and encouraged members to become familiar with it. He and Silver encouraged interested members to seek roles in the State Legislative Contact (SLC) program and their contact teams, to support their communities and to use the respect they’ve earned as small business owners and community leaders to advocate for housing issues.

Baker and Silver also encouraged members to run for office and recommended the REALTOR® Candidate Training Program for those interested in politics.

Members also participated in prize drawings at the expo.