The 2018 November General Election will host ballot questions that will impact RSAR members. To help RSAR members better understand the intricacies of the ballot questions, RSAR will host the RSAR Informed Voter series. Click here for times and location. Below is a summary of the Informed Voter Series topics.

• August 29, 2018 - Members will be availed a presentation on the Truckee River Flood Management ballot question. Mike Kazmierski will present both sides of issue, including the cost of addressing the flood project and the cost of doing nothing.
• October 4, 2018 - Members will have an opportunity to watch a moderated panel of support and opposition on the statewide ballot Question 3 (Legislature to Minimize Regulations on the Energy Market and Eliminate Legal Energy Monopolies Amendment). In Nevada, utility companies are permitted to establish monopolies in their geographic service areas. The Nevada Public Utilities Commission, whose members are appointed by the Nevada Governor, regulates the utility prices and other energy policies within these monopolies.
• Coming in October, 2018 - Though not on the 2018 November General Election, many RSAR members have raised questions regarding Senate Joint Resolution 14 of the 2017 Nevada Legislative Session (a proposal to amend the Nevada Constitution to revise provisions relating to the assessment and taxation of property which is sold or transferred and to require the Legislature to enact a "Senior and Disabled Taxpayers Protection Act" to provide property tax assistance to senior citizens and persons with disabilities).

Watch for more information on these presentations or go to the RSAR website.

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The Douglas County Planning Commission discussed the proposed code amendments to the Vacation Home Rental Ordinance (chapter 5.40 of Title 5) in July. The Planning Commission recommendation to the Douglas County Commissioners was to only allow short-term rentals in the Tahoe Township portion of Douglas County.

At last week's Commission meeting, additional conditions were proposed to be potentially added to the Ordinance, further restricting private property rights. After many public comments and much confusion on direction, the Commission continued the item until further notice.

Next steps will be for the County staff to work with stakeholders on concerns. The SNR Government Affairs Committee has been involved in the discussions thus far and will continue to provide input.

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There is still time to register to vote! Visit RegisterToVoteNV.gov to register to vote or update your registration online by October 18, 2018.

Early voting will be from October 20 to November 2, and election day is November 6.

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In June, one of GLVAR's own members was a guest speaker at the Political Affairs Committee meeting. Clark County Commissioner Susan Brager discussed her background and how her profession as a REALTOR® was instrumental for her path to public service and how that experience helped her to be a better local leader. Commissioner Brager also commented that she does not wish to seek another office after her term expires at the county commission (due to term limits, she cannot run for reelection). She believes it is important for the next District F County Commissioner to have an understanding of real estate issues.

Another topic of interest during the hot summer months is pool safety. GLVAR Government Affairs Director Joe Locatelli is a board member of the Southern Nevada Child Drowning Prevention Coalition. As a former Hawaii lifeguard, Locatelli lends experience and insight to the Coalition. He can attest that those in an aquatic setting need to be vigilant, because awareness is the key to the prevention of accidents. REALTORS® who represent clients that purchase a home with a swimming pool should inform their clients that there are organizations like the Coalition that give helpful tips on water safety - so that homeowners with pools can learn more and heighten their awareness.

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In a big win for REALTORS®, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will continue renewing or issuing new insurance for four more months, through November 30, 2018.

REALTORS® have been urging extension of the program for months. Almost 125,000 REALTORS®, about 15% of the NAR membership, contacted their members of Congress in support of the extension. The REALTOR® voice was critical through the process. This clean extension of the NFIP shows that it's clear Congress heard the concerns of REALTORS®.

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Senator Dean Heller hosted the 22nd Annual Tahoe Summit this year in Sand Harbor. This is a yearly gathering of our local, state, and federal elected officials who work to preserve Lake Tahoe. REALTOR® members were present to hear the updates surrounding the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act. Features included updates on climate changes facing Lake Tahoe, renewed funding to protect the Lake from wildfires and invasive species, and water clarity. Nevada was well represented with speakers featuring Senator Dean Heller, Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and Congressman Mark Amodei. This Summit is always a great example of all sides and parties coming together to protect Lake Tahoe.

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• • RSAR Informed Voter Series
• • Douglas County Short-Term Rental Ordinance
• • 2018 General Election Is Around the Corner!
• • Staying Cool in Southern Nevada
• • Flood Insurance Extension Passes Overwhelmingly
• • Tahoe Summit
• • Sign Up to Receive Calls to Action

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Association Corporate Investors

For more information, please contact:

• Nevada REALTORS® President Heidi Kasama
• Nevada REALTORS® Legislative Chairman Kevin Sigstad
• Nevada REALTORS® CEO Teresa McKee