The Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS® (HAAR) hosted the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Candidate Training Academy on Wednesday, April 29th at the HAAR office on Monroe Street.

This one-day intensive, which was free and open to the public, focused on helping members of the local community prepare to run for political office.

“Strong communities are built on effective local leadership,” HAAR President Regina Mitchell said. “While we’re currently blessed with ambitious and responsible local leaders – we want to look ahead and build a deep bench of future community champions.”

During the workshop, NAR presenters covered the essential components of a successful political campaign, such as campaign planning and strategy, messaging development, field strategy, voter targeting, fundraising and effective communication. Any area resident interested in running for public office was encouraged to attend.

“By hosting this training, we are providing the tools necessary for motivated citizens to move from the sidelines into public service,” said Mitchell. “Whether it is a seat on the City Council, the School Board, or a County Commission, this academy demystifies the process of running a modern campaign.”

NAR offers candidate training as a service to local associations nationwide. Advocates from NAR travel to local offices on request, offering workshops and expertise across local and national politics. Facilitators represent experience on both sides of the political aisle.

According to Sean Magers, Director of Communications and Government Affairs at HAAR, NAR advocates have experience working for consulting firms in Washington, D.C., New York City and other locations across the country.

“We bring them here to teach people how to run for office,” Magers said. “A large part of [HAAR’s] advocacy is to support the American dream of owning a home, and private property rights. Who better to fight for those things than Realtors themselves?”

Magers said the majority of attendees were not currently involved in politics, though Huntsville council member Bill Kling attended.

“I found it to be a very valuable refresher course,” said Kling. “It was helpful to me; whenever I run for reelection, I run like I’m the challenger.”

Candidate training is designed to inspire and equip citizens to become public servants. Those with experience in business, such as Realtors, can then advocate for policies that benefit current or potential homeowners.

Magers noted that Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle is a former Realtor, in addition to other city officials.

“The experience they bring to office makes them so good at what they do, working for the entire community at large—particularly on housing issues,” Magers said.

Issues such as community development, housing affordability and property rights are directly impacted by local government decisions. Every election cycle, HAAR interviews candidates to make endorsements in Madison County and Huntsville city races.

For citizens on the fence about running for office, Kling said, “What are your motives? Are you working to make the city a better place? If you have a burning desire to improve things, help people make a positive impact on your city, then it’s a great thing to do.”

Keep up with future opportunities to attend candidate training at https://haar.realtor/.