Similar to the national FPC program, every member of the New Mexico Legislature is assigned a REALTOR® called a State Political Coordinator or SPC. SPCs are a specially selected group of REALTORS® who are the voice and the face of real estate to our New Mexico lawmakers. SPCs play an important role in the grassroots and advocacy efforts of the New Mexico Association of REALTORS® (NMAR). A State Political Coordinators (SPC) most valuable contribution to the New Mexico Association of REALTORS® is the relationship developed with each Member of the New Mexico Legislature.

Minimum Requirements for SPC Selection:

1. Must be a member of the New Mexico Association of REALTORS®.
2. It is recommended that SPCs invest in RPAC.
3. Complete and submit application.
4. Be willing to serve a term that corresponds to the elected term of their assigned official.
5. Participate in annual training session.
6. Meet all State Political Coordinator Responsibilities.
7. Register as a volunteer lobbyist (non-compensated) with the New Mexico Secretary of State. New Mexico law requires all persons attempting to influence legislation on behalf of an organization to register. The New Mexico Association of REALTORS® will provide SPCs with the proper applications and will submit the applications on behalf of the applicants to the New Mexico Secretary of State’s office.

Responsibilities of SPCs:

In addition to regular contact with the assigned Legislator, there are several specific tasks that are required to fulfill the role of SPC:

1. Respond to NMAR Calls for Action — SPCs are expected to respond to all NMAR Calls for Action they receive via email and by personally contacting their assigned Legislator. As the New Mexico Association of REALTORS® key REALTOR® communicators with the New Mexico Legislature, SPCs are looked upon as leaders by their REALTOR® colleagues and should lead by example. After responding to a Call for Action, SPCs should encourage their fellow REALTORS® to do the same. Most Calls for Action will take place while the New Mexico Legislature is in session.
2. Advocate on Behalf of all REALTORS® and the New Mexico Association of REALTORS® — NMAR takes a non-partisan approach to moving forward legislation that is of benefit and value to all REALTORS®. SPCs must be prepared to remain neutral on the issues, removing their personal bias on the issues to advocate on behalf of the New Mexico Association of REALTORS®-supported issues 100% of the time.
3. Contact Assigned Member of Legislature Throughout the year. SPCs are encouraged to communicate with their assigned Legislative Member as often as possible. Filing a field report after each meeting alerts the New Mexico Association of REALTORS® (if a check delivery was part of the interaction) that the meeting occurred and follow up may be required.
4. Have Knowledge of NMAR’s Priority Issues and Be Up-to-Date on Legislative Issues and the Legislative Process — SPCs will be provided with information, and an SPC also should have awareness of the current issues and activities of New Mexico state government.
5. Invest in RPAC (recommended not required) — Contributions to political candidates is an integral component in the political process and by investing in RPAC you are validating your commitment as a SPC.
6. Assist in the Delivery of RPAC-NM Contributions — SPCs will be asked to participate in the delivery of contributions to your assigned Member. Contributions are determined by the RPAC-NM Trustees as needed.
7. If possible, attend the Annual the New Mexico Association of REALTORS® Legislative Conference and/or REALTOR® Day at the Roundhouse.  The meetings are held in January in conjunction with the start of the New Mexico Legislative session.

For more information about the Political Coordinator programs, please contact:

David Saavedra, Government Affairs Director, 505-467-6303