HELPING WITH SMART GROWTH AND FINANCIAL STRATEGIES

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION

"They might enact a policy that seems like a short-term solution like impact fees.

That is a long-term solution.

It is regressive, because it impacts homebuyers, especially those who can least afford to pay for that passed on cost," said Maria McHale, governmental affairs and policy director for East Tennessee REALTORS^® (ETNR)

noting that virtually every governmental body in the country is trying to create housing that people can afford, so it is counter to that effort to add high-impact fees to the cost of producing dwelling units.

 

HELPING WITH SMART GROWTH AND FINANCIAL STRATEGIES

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION

East Tennessee REALTORS^® (ETNR) frequently advocates for smart growth decisions at the city and county level — where land-use decisions make a strong impact on the quality of life and future livability of communities where real people reside.

As an advocate for the residents of a 12-county region, ETNR aims to educate decision-makers.

HELPING WITH SMART GROWTH AND FINANCIAL STRATEGIES

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION

"Following the pandemic, we've seen explosive growth. Local governments were not prepared for that, as anyone would not be, due to an unprecedented event — Covid and the way it changed where people wanted to live," said Maria McHale, governmental affairs and policy director for East Tennessee REALTORS^® (ETNR).

"ETNR covers 12 counties — some urban, some rural, some in between," she said.

"We are approaching municipalities with ideas for smart growth."

Founded in 1912, ETNR serves Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Cumberland, Fentress, Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Roane, Scott and Union Counties.

The Knoxville Metropolitan Statistical Area is home to about one million people.

 

HELPING WITH SMART GROWTH AND FINANCIAL STRATEGIES

REALTORS® TAKE ACTION

East Tennessee REALTORS^® (ETNR) is using an NAR grant to plan a proactive course in good government and sustainable financial solutions to keep up with rapid regional growth

Count the greater Knoxville area among the regions that have experienced explosive post-pandemic growth.

To help steer elected officials toward good decisions that foster smart growth and sound financing to serve it, ETNR is working to create a course that will educate municipal officials.

MIAMI CITY COMMISSIONER RALPH “RAFAEL’ ROSADO WILL CREATE AN ADVISORY BOARD TO ADVOCATE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

HE ANNOUNCED THIS GIANT STEP FORWARD WHILE UNVEILING SUPERHERO PARK – THE FIRST FULLY ADA AND AUTISM-FOCUSED SENSORY PARK IN MIAMI

Miami City Commissioner Ralph “Rafael” Rosado unveiled the city’s first 100% ADA compliant/Autism-focused park. 

⁦He shared the concept plan for Superhero Park, the city’s &county’s first ADA plus Autism-focused sensory park at 235 NW 26 Ave. in Miami City Commission District 4.

I’m proud to support longtime friend Ralph “Rafael” Rosado at today’s press conference.

I have known Rosado for 2+ decades.

It is great to see him grow as a leader/elected official who truly understands the needs of people with disabilities.

At the press conference this month, Rosado also announced he will be forming a commission on disability for the City Of Miami.

HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE WITH A DISABILITY

MDA QUEST MEDIA

In addition to visiting a college campus, talking with students — especially students with similar disabilities — can give you a fuller picture of campus life.

Jonathan Lengel, who lives with congenital muscular dystrophy, (CMD) and uses a power wheelchair, is pursuing a double major in digital technologies/emerging media and music at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus in New York City, asked Fordham to connect him to another wheelchair user on campus.

He asked them if campus facilities have accessible entrances, if elevators are well-maintained, and whether the university does a good job of clearing ice and snow from the accessible paths of travel.

It was invaluable to get this information from a source with lived experience.

“They are the keys to the kingdom — find out how their experience has been,” he says.

 

HOW TO CHOOSE A COLLEGE WITH A DISABILITY

MDA QUEST MEDIA

“Start early.

Visit the school in your sophomore or junior year of high school. Reach out to the disability office and gauge how proactive it is.

This saved me a lot of time,” said Jonathan Lengel, who lives with congenital muscular dystrophy, (CMD) and uses a power wheelchair, is pursuing a double major in digital technologies/emerging media and music at Fordham University’s Lincoln Center campus in New York City.

…noting that he used in-person visits to weed out some campuses with old buildings that weren’t retrofitted with ramps and elevators.

However, if there are accessibility issues at a school you like, don’t write them off until you’ve asked if they will address the issues.

When Jonathan committed to Fordham, the school began modifying his on-campus residence and had it ready for his fall move-in.

“Always remember, self-advocacy is the most powerful tool,” he says.