2025 has been a significant year for advocacy at St. Louis REALTORS®, and there is still more ahead. From local policy wins to important partnerships with Missouri REALTORS® and the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) for statewide and federal achievements, we're taking a quick look at what we’ve accomplished and offering a preview of what's coming later this year.
What We’ve Accomplished So Far
Local Policy Victories
We’ve seen significant progress in St. Louis City and County for housing, development, and political representation:
- Land Bank Established
After successful passage through the Missouri General Assembly, the St. Louis County Council created a land bank in 2025. This important tool will allow vacant and abandoned properties to be reused, resulting in more inventory and stronger neighborhoods. - City of St. Louis Housing Reform
In July, St. Louis City passed legislation to provide greater flexibility in housing. Read more in this STLPR article. - REALTOR® Champions Win
We supported three REALTOR® champion candidates through independent expenditures this year. A standout success was Jami Cox Antwi's victory in a special election for a seat on the St. Louis City Board of Aldermen. - Comprehensive Planning Moves Forward in St. Louis County and Maplewood
With support from an NAR grant, St. Louis REALTORS® helped shape two comprehensive plans—one in St. Louis County and another in Maplewood.
State-Level Legislative Wins from Missouri REALTORS®
Missouri REALTORS® had a standout legislative session and successfully passed its two priority bills, HB596 (buyer’s agent contracts) and HB595 (private property rights). REALTORS® also scored a win with HB594 (capital gains tax deductions). Missouri REALTORS® successfully defeated all of the legislation they opposed this year, such as repealing the sales tax ban on services and regulating foreign land sales.
Read the full session recap from Missouri REALTORS®.
Federal Advocacy Highlights from the National Association of REALTORS®
This year’s landmark tax reform brought a major win for real estate. Through strong member advocacy and timely consumer research, NAR secured key real estate tax priorities in the landmark legislation. The comprehensive tax reform package includes major victories for real estate professionals, property owners, and the broader economy. Many of the provisions reflect years of sustained advocacy by the National Association of REALTORS®:
- Permanent extension of 2017 individual tax rates
- Permanent qualified business income deduction (Section 199A)
- Quadrupling the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap for five years (starting in 2025)
- Protection for business SALT deductions and 1031 like-kind exchanges
- Permanent extension of the mortgage interest deduction
Read more in REALTOR® Magazine Media.
Community Projects & Grant Successes
Additionally, in 2025, our Association is proud to promote real change throughout the region through grants and community initiatives:
- Tornado Relief
- Up to $500,000 was authorized by the REALTOR® Relief Foundation and the Missouri REALTORS® Relief Fund.
- A local NAR grant helped us connect victims with critical resources.
- Louis REALTORS® raised over $65,000 for the REALTOR® Housing Assistance Fund (RHAF) to aid storm recovery.
- Transit Stop Transformation
- In February, our Association—with an NAR Placemaking Grant—assisted Citizens for Modern Transit in transforming a Soulard-area transit stop as part of our goal to uphold placemaking in St. Louis. Watch the transformation here.
- Pancakes and Politics
- Using an NAR grant, St. Louis REALTORS® proudly sponsored the National Association of Real Estate Brokers' (NAREB) Pancakes and Politics event, bringing advocacy to the table.
- Using an NAR grant, St. Louis REALTORS® proudly sponsored the National Association of Real Estate Brokers' (NAREB) Pancakes and Politics event, bringing advocacy to the table.
REALTOR® Leadership & Political Involvement
We continue to put REALTORS® in positions where they can directly influence policy and planning:
- In the April 2025 election, five REALTORS® were elected or reelected to office.
- Mark Stallmann was elected as the mayor of Ballwin
- Mike Utt was reelected as Ward 1 alderperson in Ballwin
- Mark Manlin was reelected as Ward 1 council member in Creve Coeur
- Mike Palmer was elected as Ward 1 council member in Ferguson
- Dianne Bryant-Miller was reelected as Ward 4 alderperson in Vinita Park
- In July, Janet Rodriquez Judd was appointed to the Ballwin Board of Aldermen.
- For appointed positions:
- Sandy Hancock was appointed vice-chair of the St. Louis County Planning Commission
- Charlie Hinderliter was appointed secretary of the Board for STL Economic Development Partnership
- Terry Gannon was appointed to the Normandy Economic Development Board
What’s Next: Fall Advocacy Priorities
We’re building on this year’s momentum with bold priorities for the months ahead:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – Legislation (BB60) to make ADUs easier to build is supported by St. Louis REALTORS® and AARP and is advancing through the St. Louis City Board of Aldermen.
- Development Reform in the City – Aiming to improve the development process for long-term residential and commercial growth and support medium- and long-term rebuilding efforts in communities affected by the May tornadoes.
- Regional Development & Statewide Building Code – Through the Safer Simpler Missouri coalition, we’re preparing for the first legislative session focused on creating a statewide code.
- Connecting WildCare Park – The Consulting Corps of the Councilors of Real Estate will study how to link the St. Louis Zoo’s expansion with the Spanish Lake community. Additionally, $325,000 of the Rams settlement funds have been approved for further study of the area.
- St. Louis County Home Repair Study – In partnership with the University of Missouri-St. Louis (UMSL) and funded by an NAR grant, we’re conducting a study to assess home repair needs countywide.
Want to Get Involved?
Your voice and insights are essential. REALTORS® are our top source of information, so if there's something you'd like to learn more about, please let us know. Lastly, if you are ready to participate in our advocacy efforts or join an Association committee, we’d love to hear from you.