Jeff Deboer | Founding President and CEO of Real Estate Roundtable
Dec 16, 2024
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Jeff DeBoer, Founding President and CEO of The Real Estate Roundtable, shares his extensive experience in lobbying for the real estate sector. He discusses the importance of public policy in promoting energy efficiency without mandates and the need for collaboration across political lines. The conversation highlights the housing crisis, advocating for government incentives and zoning reforms to balance affordability and new construction. DeBoer also calls for interagency cooperation to address housing and infrastructure challenges, underscoring the industry's evolving landscape.
The real estate industry is proactive in adopting sustainable practices without government mandates, seeking supportive policies to overcome challenges.
The Real Estate Roundtable unifies diverse stakeholders to advocate for beneficial public policies, enhancing the industry's influence in Washington.
Addressing the housing crisis necessitates multifaceted strategies that consider local regulations and encourage collaboration amid political polarization.
Deep dives
Importance of Voluntary Action in Real Estate Sustainability
Businesses in the real estate sector are motivated to adopt energy-efficient practices and sustainable measures without needing government mandates. The dialogue emphasizes the industry’s willingness to invest in energy-efficient technologies but highlights obstacles presented by public policy and infrastructure challenges. For example, discussions around gaining access to a clean energy grid underscore that while the industry is ready to act, it needs supportive policies rather than imposed requirements. This approach suggests a proactive stance in addressing climate issues rather than reactive compliance.
Real Estate Roundtable's Role in Advocacy
The Real Estate Roundtable serves as a pivotal organization representing the interests of diverse real estate stakeholders before national policymakers. With a membership that includes influential leaders from various real estate sectors, the Roundtable aims to unify voices to advocate for beneficial public policies that promote sustainable and profitable real estate practices. Its historical context reveals that the organization was founded to establish a cohesive industry stance, recognizing that fragmented interests would weaken the industry's influence. This collaborative effort has proven crucial in maintaining a strong presence in Washington across different administrations.
Bipartisan Approach to Real Estate Issues
While political polarization can complicate deliberations, real estate issues are often framed in a way that garners bipartisan support. Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers generally seek outcomes that improve housing availability, stimulate job growth, and promote sustainable communities. This common ground allows the Roundtable to navigate complex political landscapes effectively, making clear that real estate's overarching benefits are of mutual interest across party lines. Consequently, this emphasis on shared goals helps in fostering relationships with various political representatives.
Challenges of Current Housing Crisis
The housing crisis is multidimensional, reflecting a significant shortfall of approximately five million housing units that impacts various income levels, particularly middle-income households. The conversation stresses that solutions are not one-size-fits-all but must involve multiple strategies, including enhancing low-income housing tax credits and addressing local zoning regulations. Additionally, the dialogue acknowledges the role of NIMBYism versus YIMBYism in neighborhood development as a contentious issue that requires delicate balancing. Acknowledging the complex nature of these challenges allows for targeted policy discussions rather than simple fixes that may lack effectiveness.
Anticipating Tax Policy Changes
Upcoming changes in tax policy are expected as critical components of the 2025 budget, with discussions centered around extending provisions from the 2017 tax reforms. The low-income housing tax credit and other incentives are likely to see revisions aimed at revitalizing investment in affordable housing. However, ongoing debates about the treatment of capital gains and tax incentives will be vital to shaping the financial landscape for real estate investments. Thus, real estate stakeholders must remain vigilant to influence favorable policy outcomes and articulate the importance of sustainable financial incentives.
Jeff DeBoer, Founding President and CEO of The Real Estate Roundtable, provides an insider’s view of what to expect for the real estate industry going into the new Trump Administration.
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