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ARA hires John Blount as chief lobbyist to expand federal advocacy
ARA says Blount will help formalize a federal government-affairs program and the group projects member growth from about 30,000 to 100,000 by end-2026.
The American Real Estate Association, or ARA, appointed John Blount as its chief lobbyist, putting him in charge of expanding the trade group’s advocacy beyond local efforts into a federal government-affairs program. HousingWire reports Blount previously led NAR’s congressional affairs and advocacy work, and most recently served as a vice president of congressional affairs at the trade group from 1983 to 1991.
ARA said Blount will build a federal advocacy effort focused on issues including housing supply and affordability, tax policy, homeownership costs, and consumer protection. The association described the hire as its most significant investment to date in policy and government affairs and said it signals an intent to become a national voice on real estate policy.
According to HousingWire, ARA launched in 2024 and has grown from roughly 30,000 members to a projected 100,000 or more by the end of 2026, helped by partnerships with brands including RE/MAX and Compass International Holdings.
ARA also pointed to ongoing advocacy activities, including partnerships with state groups such as Missouri Realtors and plans for a rally and press conference at New York City Hall next week to protest the city’s rollout of a pied-à-terre tax.