Starting in January 2024, St. Louis REALTORS® Government Affairs Department hosted a Legislative Forecast Breakfast similar to the annual Economic Forecast Breakfast.
This new advocacy-themed breakfast provided an insightful overview of the political landscape and legislation affecting the housing market. Following the success of the 2024 Breakfast, this event is now held annually to help REALTORS® stay informed for the year ahead.
As we lead up to the upcoming 2025 Legislative Forecast Breakfast, we want to reflect on the predictions made during the 2024 event. The previous year's panel was moderated by 2024 President Tina Siebert, and featured Charlie Hinderliter, St. Louis REALTORS® senior vice president of government affairs and Patrick Wohl, senior political representative from the National Association of REALTORS®. Together, they discussed the political landscape at the federal, state, and local levels.
At the federal level, Congress primarily focused on debates surrounding government funding, while expectations for major legislation at the state level in Missouri were low. The priority legislation mentioned during the breakfast included Land Bank legislation to revitalize communities and bring more inventory to the market, as well as the historic tax credit and low-income housing tax credit—all passed in 2024. Additionally, there was discussion about initiative petition reform efforts that could impact REALTORS®' ability to pass legislation; however, this petition was ultimately rejected in 2024. These legislative measures, particularly the Land Bank policy, will be crucial for the future of housing in St. Louis, especially given the increase in vacant properties. Hinderliter and Wohl also addressed the 2024 elections and how the candidates could influence housing policy, accurately predicting that the Republican party would gain control of the U.S. Senate.
Turning back to this year’s upcoming Legislative Forecast Breakfast, being held on Jan. 30, 2025. This year’s panel will additionally be moderated by Hinderliter and will feature Dave Sweeney, a local lobbyist for St. Louis REALTORS®; Nick Knoth from Missouri REALTORS®; and a political specialist from the National Association of REALTORS®. We anticipate another insightful discussion similar to last year's, covering the impact of the 2024 elections and the upcoming spring elections in the City of St. Louis.
Stay ahead of the curve and learn more.