It’s hard to imagine another time in American political history as unpredictable and historical as the 2024 presidential race.

While there have been other sitting presidents who did not seek re-election, President Joe Biden’s decision is unique in that he is the first who did not ascend to the presidency due to the death of his predecessor. The 2024 race will also mark the first time in over 50 years that a major party nominee was selected outside of the primary and caucus process.

For former President Donald Trump, he joins only one other president, Grover Cleveland, who has ever come back after being defeated for reelection to win their party’s nomination for a second nonconsecutive term.

The political intrigue and changing landscape that surrounds this race has understandably dominated much of the news media’s attention. And if past elections are any indication, this focus is unlikely to change.

There are, however, other races taking place this November that will have a far greater impact on your business and your community. These include city and county positions, as well as local school boards.

You’ve likely heard the famous cliché “all politics is local,” which roughly means voters tend to care about issues that affect them directly.

Since local elected and appointed officials have significant and sometimes total control over issues such as zoning laws, property taxes, school funding and infrastructure development, the influence and power that local government has on your bottom line cannot be overstated.

As a result, the outcome of these local races is far more important in shaping the environment where people live and work. And, it’s this environment that impacts the local real estate market.

Real estate professionals are the most impactful advocates for real estate policy at all levels of government, but especially at the local level. You bring unparalleled experience and first-hand market information to the discussion. You have the unique opportunity to lay the foundation for the future of real estate in our region.

I get it, we are all busy and it’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed by the idea of getting involved in local politics. Even so, becoming more informed about what’s going on in your community doesn’t require a significant time commitment and it can provide invaluable insights into the individuals and issues that affect your investments and real estate business.

Your involvement can be something as simple as subscribing to a local newsletter, following your municipality and/or county government on social media, setting up media alerts about issues important to you and your clients, or volunteering on a local campaign.

Inviting an elected official to your sales meetings is another great strategy and it offers mutual benefits. Your office learns more about local policies and development issues, while the official has the chance to meet with constituents and understand what issues are important to the real estate market in their area.

Also consider reaching out to your local council member or commissioner and offer your expertise. We often believe our elected officials are experts in every area. This is simply not true, nor is it possible. Just like you, they are busy and likely work full time in addition to their responsibilities as an elected official.

Most local officials would be thrilled to have a trusted real estate expert they can count on.

Other easy opportunities to get involved are as simple as joining your local REALTOR® association and participating in the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) and/or the governmental affairs committee. For most local associations, including the Atlanta REALTORS® Association, advocacy committees such as the Governmental Affairs Committee and the Affordable and Equitable Housing Committee are the largest and most active committees.

Finally, don’t underestimate the value of your participation. Regardless of your involvement level, you will not only be contributing valuable information, you are developing stronger professional relationships and becoming a better-informed member of your community – all of which benefits your business and the local area.

Whatever you decide, keep your participation manageable. This will ensure you stay informed and involved without feeling overwhelmed. Take advantage of any opportunity to become involved. It’s your voice, make it count.

Frankie Callen Elliott is vice president, governmental affairs, for the Atlanta REALTORS® Association.