Global Perspectives from NAR’s 2026 Legislative Meetings

The 2026 REALTORS® Legislative Meetings, held June 13–18, 2026, in Washington, D.C., brought together REALTORS®, lawmakers, and industry leaders from across the United States and around the world. In addition to advocating for real estate policy, the meetings featured discussions on international business, immigration, investment, and emerging trends that affect REALTORS® and their clients in an increasingly global marketplace.

Strengthening Global Leadership

As a 2026 CIPS Advisory Board Member, former NAR Global Ambassador, and Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Instructor, I was honored to participate in discussions that continue to strengthen international collaboration and expand global opportunities for REALTORS®.

Expanding the CIPS Network

The Certified International Property Specialist (CIPS) Advisory Board celebrated the continued growth of the designation, which now includes 2,847 active CIPS designees worldwide, including 650 international designees. During 2026, 191 new designees earned the credential, including 32 international members, while 29 CIPS Institutes, including four international Institutes, are scheduled throughout the year.

Members also received updates on enhanced benefits, including expanded marketing resources, monthly CIPS Mentor Sessions, Global Perspectives educational content, and improvements to The Hub, NAR’s online collaboration platform.

The Global Alliances Advisory Board welcomed updates from Regional Coordinators representing markets around the world, while the Global Business & Alliances Committee explored strategies for strengthening international partnerships and expanding opportunities for REALTORS®.

Learning from Global Success

One of the highlights of the week was the Global Business Councils Forum, where local associations shared innovative strategies for growing international business. A keynote presentation by Teresa King Kinney, CEO of the MIAMI Association of REALTORS®, titled Building a Global Real Estate Dynasty, chronicled the organization’s transformation from its first international partnership in 1996 into one of the world’s premier global real estate networks. Her presentation emphasized the importance of leadership, strategic vision, market intelligence, education, and cultivating long-term international relationships to create lasting value for members and their clients.

Another informative session was presented by Russell Riggs, Senior Policy Representative at the National Association of REALTORS®, who reviewed federal immigration and investment policies impacting real estate. His presentation included updates on the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program, proposed legislation to expand EB-5 investment for residential housing, the H-2B Temporary Worker Visa Program, and emerging proposals such as the Gold Card and Platinum Card visa initiatives. He also discussed increasing federal and state attention to foreign property ownership and investment, issues that continue to influence international real estate.

The meetings concluded with the annual CIPS Networking Reception, where REALTORS® from around the world gathered to exchange ideas, strengthen professional relationships, and celebrate the continued growth of NAR’s global community.

A Global Perspective for Every REALTOR®

Whether serving local buyers and sellers or clients with international connections, today’s REALTORS® benefit from understanding the global forces shaping our industry. NAR’s Global programs and the CIPS designation continue to provide the education, relationships, and resources needed to help REALTORS® succeed in an increasingly interconnected marketplace.