Statement of Purpose
Durango Area Association of REALTORS® Government Affairs Committee believes homeownership contributes to community well-being, stability in jobs and businesses, family security, and overall quality of life. We assert the importance of housing accessibility for all individuals by advocating at the government and local community level to support REALTORS® ability to conduct their operations, safeguard property owners’ rights, and support the enhancement of the community’s desirability and viability. Our main areas of focus include advocating for homeownership, protecting property rights, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainable development in the region.

HOUSING POLICY
A basic need for an individual or family is shelter. This means that the housing stock in area neighborhoods must be diverse and compliment the community’s needs. To make housing more affordable for all, the Durango Area Association of REALTORS® supports reducing the regulatory costs, streamlining the process to develop new housing while ensuring proper controls are in place, and easing the restrictions on the development of companion units in existing residential areas. DAAR opposes the barriers that prevent the smart and sustainable growth of housing supply in La Plata and San Juan Counties.

INFRASTRUCTURE POLICY
The Durango Area Association of REALTORS® believes the desirability of a region’s real estate markets hinges on the quality of its infrastructure. Regions with superior infrastructure, like convenient transportation systems and access to walking trail systems, experience higher property values. Adequate infrastructure is vital for ensuring a sufficient housing supply, including affordable housing options. We believe improved infrastructure fosters economic development, leading to an enhanced quality of life for local residents. We support public/private partnerships that help expand infrastructure options, provide more housing opportunities, and enable the creation of mixed-use developments that offer various services to nearby residents.

LAND USE AND PLANNING POLICY
The Durango Area Association of REALTORS® supports local planning and zoning policies that accommodate the sustainable development of adequate and affordable housing for individuals at all income levels including:

    • Policies that support adequate land use for all types of housing and economic vitality.
    • Policies that do not attempt to limit growth or restrict sustainable residential and commercial development.
    • Zoning policies that encourage maximum site utilization, promote a balance of open space and housing, and reduce the per-unit cost of housing including clustered housing, zero lot-line limits, and flexible setbacks.
    • Policies that streamline the permit and approval process.
    • Policies that encourage innovations in development and construction techniques and materials.
    • Policies that promote the use of land for mixed-use development of affordable housing in conjunction with market value housing close to transit hubs, shopping, schools, and other community amenities.

We continuously monitor entitlement fees, land dedications, development moratoriums and transfer tax proposals.

PROPERTY TAX
The Durango Area Association of REALTORS® supports fair and equitable property taxation and regularly monitors issues affecting real property owners.