NAR fine-tunes its 3-year plan, fast-tracking execution and trimming governance

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) released its first quarterly update on the 2026–2028 Strategic Plan on Tuesday, outlining early progress on initiatives tied to affordable housing, the Realtor brand and broker relationships.

In the first quarter of implementation, NAR said it initiated about two-thirds of the projects outlined in the three-year plan, which was approved during NAR’s NXT conference in November 2025. Association leaders framed the update as part of a broader push for transparency and execution following a period of scrutiny for the 1.4 million-member trade group.

“This plan was built for action,” Nykia Wright, CEO of NAR, said in a statement. “Rebuilding trust requires more than words—it requires visible progress. That’s why we’re committed to sharing clear, regular updates that show members how this work is making a real difference.”

NAR said initial strategic plan execution has focused on three areas closely watched by brokers and agents: expanding access to affordable housing, strengthening the Realtor brand with consumers and reinforcing broker relationships. The association said each project tracks back to member research, including committee work, focus groups and other feedback channels.

Additional activity in the first quarter spanned education, corporate partnerships, MLS relationships and governance reform, according to the association. Those efforts are aimed at modernizing NAR’s infrastructure and aligning programs with what members say they need to compete in a tighter, more regulated housing market.

“Members are actively shaping this work,” NAR President Kevin Brown said. “From education to governance to housing supply, Realtors are directly influencing the decisions and work that matter most to the industry.”

Key developments highlighted by NAR in the update include the Senate’s passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, the formation of NAR’s brand protection team, the launch of smallbroker.realtor to provide smaller brokerages with resources specifically tailored to their needs, hosting over 14 broker summits and conferences nationwide, integrating Realtors Property Resource (RPR) into the recently launched Realtor.com+ MLS product, restructuring the MLS Executive Advisory Group, launching resources to help MLSs and participants evaluate whether a listing marketed as coming soon complies with local MLS rules and NAR MLS policies, updating the application process for NAR committees and sunsetting eight governance bodies with the aim of modernizing and streamlining NAR governance. 

Looking to the second quarter, NAR said it plans to keep enhancing its education platforms, advance advocacy priorities and deepen collaboration with state and local associations and MLS partners. The association said it intends to provide regular progress reports so members can track how strategic plan projects connect to day-to-day business and regulatory challenges.

NAR has framed the 2026-2028 Strategic Plan as the first three years of the association’s next 100 years of business.

As the trade association focuses on its 2026-2028 Value Proposition, whose primary tenant is helping members “thrive in their business,” it remains to be seen if NAR’s members will feel the trade group has delivered that promised value. 

This article was written by Brooklee Han and generated with the assistance of HousingWire Automation. It was reviewed by a HousingWire editor before publication. The system helps convert company announcements and industry data into HousingWire-style news coverage.