Members of the REALTOR Alliance of Greater Cincinnati Advocacy Committee met with Hamilton County Administrator Jeff Aluotto and his leadership team on May 1 for an introductory conversation focused on relationship-building, collaboration, and community impact.
The meeting aimed to strengthen connections between local government and real estate professionals, addressing issues that affect homeowners, property owners, and the broader community. The discussion provided a platform to explore how REALTORS can serve as partners and communicators in the region.
Topics discussed included county-owned properties and redevelopment opportunities, the new county administration building, property taxes and levies, transfer taxes, ways REALTORS can share information with consumers, and opportunities for long-term collaboration between government and the real estate industry. Participants gained insight into complexities behind certain levies and tax structures. It was noted that some financial pressures facing local governments are tied to federal unfunded mandates.
Committee members said they wanted to focus on solutions rather than just identifying challenges. They discussed working together over time to identify areas where progress could be made incrementally. The group agreed that maintaining open communication before challenges arise is important.
Marie Simon, RAGC Board Director & Liaison to the Advocacy Committee said: “Strong communities are built through relationships, communication, and a willingness to work together. Today’s conversation with Hamilton County leadership was an important reminder that REALTORS have a valuable role to play beyond the transaction — helping connect people, share information, and advocate for thoughtful solutions that strengthen homeownership and our region as a whole. We left energized by the collaboration, the openness of the discussion, and the opportunities ahead.”
Mary Huttlinger, Government Affairs Director at REALTOR Alliance of Greater Cincinnati said: “Advocacy works best when relationships come first. Today’s conversation with Hamilton County leadership was exactly the kind of collaborative, solutions-focused dialogue that helps move communities forward. REALTORS bring a unique perspective because we see how policies, taxes, housing supply, and affordability impact people in real time. What was especially encouraging was the shared willingness to explore challenges together — not just identify them — and to think creatively about how we can collectively chip away at barriers over time for the benefit of homeowners and the broader community.”
The Cincinnati Area Board of Realtors operates as a professional trade organization providing advocacy in legislative matters as well as education courses; it extends its operations across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky while engaging in charitable activities according to its official website.