The Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR) earned a unique distinction Tuesday at the Illinois REALTORS® Capitol Conference in Springfield.

For the first time since the award was established, a local association received the Illinois REALTORS® Political Involvement Award.

The association helped the Peoria community generate redevelopment plans for the south side neighborhood around two empty schools that had become symbols of neglect and poverty, Harrison and McKinley schools. Over the course of five months, Peoria REALTORS®, with the assistance of Illinois REALTORS® Governmental Affairs Director Kristie Engerman, brought together more than 50 local community leaders, the public housing authority, elected officials, large company representatives and entrepreneurs, to determine the best and most expedient path to redeveloping the properties.

An international consortium of credentialed real estate problem solvers named The Counselors of Real Estate (CRE) Consulting Corps agreed to assess the situation and provide recommendations to encourage reinvestment in the neighborhood. The CRE’s report identified specific federal, state and local resources and organizations that could help rejuvenate the neighborhood.

PAAR CEO Jennifer Hamm, President Robin Simpson and Engerman accepted the award on behalf of the local association.