Homeownership is the bedrock of a strong community, a stable economy, and generational wealth-building. The American Property Owners Alliance (The Alliance) is carrying this torch for the millions of American homeowners and those who dream of owning their own home.
As 2024 comes to a close we reflect on the challenges and opportunities these past 12 months brought. We celebrated Homeownership month, placed homeownership issues at the forefront of the 2024 election and advocated for pro-housing policies like abolishing home equity theft, reforming housing -related taxes and improving housing affordability and supply. Through it all, we are proud of our growing Alliance of motivated Americans ready to stand up for fairness, opportunity and community.
Sharing Americans’ Housing Stories
During Homeownership month, the Alliance amplified the voices of those who matter most: the real-life Americans who are navigating today’s tenuous housing market and dreaming of a brighter future. The #OurHousingStory campaign received more than 500 stories from individuals across the country impacted by today’s housing challenges. Individuals told stories of struggling to find a home big enough for their children, of sky-high property taxes and being pushed out of their desired neighborhoods. The Alliance took these stories directly to lawmakers so they could hear firsthand from constituents. Together, they painted a clear picture of housing disarray and a mandate for action.
Leading the Charge
The Alliance is made great by the passionate advocates who join us. This year they combined their passion and their voices to demonstrate the critical need for housing policy change and the breadth of this movement. Advocates sent over 2,000 messages to Congress and acted on five pieces of legislation on restoring tax incentives for homeowners, expanding financial education for first-time home buyers, ending home equity theft and improving housing supply and affordability to help ensure Americans are getting their fair share and homeownership remains a powerful investment. Throughout 2024, the Alliance added over 12,000 new Americans to our ranks. These individuals come from every corner of the country, and all walks of life, but share the common purpose of inspiring policy change to create a fairer housing market.
What’s more, our Executive Director Colin Allen offered his insights on homeownership, home equity, and the latest happenings throughout the year, publishing newsletters, building partnerships across the country, attending events, and using his platform to educate and advocate on behalf of pro-housing policies. Colin’s leadership is a compass rose for the Alliance, acknowledging that “for many Americans, owning a home is one of their most substantial financial investments and a cornerstone of their retirement strategy.”
Boots on the Ground
This year we continued our efforts to reach communities across the country with events in three cities: Atlanta, Georgia; Cleveland, Ohio; and Little Rock, Arkansas. In each city, Colin connected with community members and local leaders to hear first-hand how housing affordability, housing supply and other homeownership concerns are impacting their lives.
We are grateful to our partners at National Black Empowerment Council, Douglass Leadership Institute, Georgia REALTORS®, Cuyahoga Community College, the Presidents’ Council, NAACP Cleveland Branch, Financial Foundations University and 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, Little Rock REALTORS® Association and Financial Foundations University for helping make these events a success.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead to 2025 with a new Congress and new administration, the Alliance will prioritize reforming the State and Local Tax deduction and Capital Gains exclusions. President-elect Trump has promised to address tax reform swiftly and the Alliance will stand ready to meet the moment. Further, we will work with partners and policymakers to create improved housing supply and affordability. We will restore fairness, strengthen communities and put money back in the pocket of American homeowners.
Related Posts