The REALTORS® Land Institute is committed to representing and increasing exposure for the issues that matter most to land professionals. We keep our members up to date with the latest news from DC on the Clean Water Act / Waters of the United States (WOTUS), 1031 Like-Kind Exchange Tax Reform, Endangered Species, and more. RLI is also proud to take a stand and engage on many local issues that hit home for our members. The Institute has a voice through its member-driven Government Affairs Committee, and as an RLI Member so will you! Make sure to visit the RLI Advocacy Center regularly for the latest legislative updates impacting the land industry.

RLI Advocates Against Tax Changes Detrimental to Family Farmers and Ranchers

Increasing estate taxes and eliminating the step-up basis would have serious consequences for American family farmers and ranchers. More Information

• Statement for the Record – Hearing on Funding and Financing Options to Bolster American Infrastructure, Senate Finance Committee

RLI Builds the Case for the Value of Like Kind Exchanges
President Biden has proposed eliminating 1031 like-kind exchanges for gains over $500,000 to help fund his American Families Plan. The REALTORS Land Institute and the National Association of REALTORS® oppose any reform to this provision and have been working to educate Congress about the value these exchanges bring to the real estate sector and the economy as a whole. More Information

• Ernst & Young Macroeconomic Study
• Ernst & Young Macroeconomic Study Summary
• Ling & Petrova Microeconomic Study
• Ling & Petrova Microeconomic Study Summary

Articles by RLI Member Dan Wagner, Inland Real Estate:

• Chicago Agent Magazine: Ending 1031s Hurts Land Conservation-Farmers
• Atlanta Agent Magazine: The 401(k) of Real Estate: The 1031 Like-Kind Exchange
• Boston Agent Magazine: The 1031 Like-Kind Exchange is a Key Tool for Investing in Diverse and Inclusive Communities

Use this form to tell NAR about how you used 1031 to bring development and economic benefit to your community. Your stories will help put a human face on a critical issue for commercial real estate.

RLI Seeks Clarity on Final WOTUS rule
The REALTORS® Land Institute and National Association of REALTORS® support the review of the WOTUS rule as laid out by President Trump’s Executive Order last year to ensure that both private property rights and clean waterways are protected.  More information.

Using Drones for Commercial Purposes is a Reality
The FAA small drone rule became effective August 29, 2016 and regulates how drones are integrated into the national airspace.  The rule is a positive step forward in helping RLI members use drones in their businesses. More information.

RLI Looks for Broad Reform of the ESA
The definition and interpretation of the Waters of the US rule has been changed significantly by the last two administrations, creating confusion in which waters are under federal regulation.  As President Biden has ordered all federal agencies to review all federal regulations, the likelihood that the EPA will review the current WOTUS rule is high.  RLI believes that any rule should make clear federal and state jurisdiction, should protect waterways, and should be able to implemented clearly and without confusion. More information.