RPAC Explained

What Every New REALTOR® Should Know

Welcome to the Upper Cumberland Association of REALTORS®. As a new member, you’ll hear the term RPAC often — and for good reason. RPAC plays a critical role in protecting the real estate profession and the clients REALTORS® serve.

This page is designed to explain RPAC clearly, simply, and honestly.

What Is RPAC?

RPAC stands for the REALTOR® Political Action Committee.

RPAC is the advocacy arm of the REALTOR® organization. It exists to support public policies and candidates — at the local, state, and national levels — who understand and value:

• Homeownership
• Private property rights
• Fair and responsible housing policy
• A strong real estate industry

RPAC is nonpartisan. It does not support candidates based on political party, but on their positions related to real estate and property rights.

Why Should REALTORS® Care About RPAC?

Whether you realize it or not, government decisions impact your business every day.

Policies affecting real estate include:

• Property taxes and assessments
• Zoning and land-use decisions
• Housing supply and development
• Lending and financing regulations
• Licensing and business requirements
• Fair housing and consumer protections

RPAC helps ensure REALTORS® are part of the conversation when these decisions are made — not an afterthought.

How RPAC Works

RPAC works by:

• Supporting candidates who understand real estate issues
• Educating elected officials on housing and property rights
• Building long-term relationships with policymakers
• Advocating for laws and regulations that benefit consumers and communities

This work happens at multiple levels:

• Local – City councils, county commissions, local officials
• State – Tennessee General Assembly and regulatory bodies
• National – Congress and federal agencies

Together, these efforts help protect both REALTORS® and the public.

What RPAC Is Not

For clarity, RPAC is not:

• A lobbying effort for personal gain
• A partisan political organization
• A requirement for membership
• About telling REALTORS® how to vote

RPAC exists to protect the profession as a whole — regardless of individual political beliefs.

RPAC & You

RPAC participation is a personal choice. Many REALTORS® choose to support RPAC because they understand that:

• Advocacy doesn’t happen automatically
• Professional voices matter in public policy
• A strong real estate industry benefits everyone

Some members engage by learning more about advocacy issues, attending events, building relationships with local officials, or choosing to financially support RPAC efforts.

There is no single way to be involved — but awareness is the first step.

RPAC works best when REALTORS® understand its purpose and value.

Where to Learn More

UCAR provides education and opportunities throughout the year to help members better understand:

• Current advocacy priorities
• How policies impact real estate locally
• Ways REALTORS® can engage responsibly

Members are encouraged to reach out to UCAR leadership or staff with questions about RPAC or advocacy efforts.