The National Association of Realtors is eliminating eight volunteer committees and tightening guidelines for who can apply to serve on the remaining volunteer committees. This is the first stage of a broader governance review related to the 2026-2028 strategic plan.
The National Association of Realtors will eliminate eight of its volunteer committees and advisory groups while implementing stricter application requirements for those that remain. This is part of a wider governance review, which the association said was driven by member feedback and a full internal audit of more than 95 volunteer groups.
This change represents the first step in what NAR envisions as an ongoing data-driven effort to modernize how it governs itself and who has a seat at the table.
what is being cut
NAR’s leadership team approved a series of targeted deletions to the committee structure. Five groups will be discontinued on April 1, 2026: Large State Forum, Medium State Forum, Small State Forum, State Leadership Idea Exchange Council, and Reserve Investment Advisory Committee. Three more committees will follow on December 1, 2026: the Amicus Brief Advisory Board, the Leading Edge Advisory Board, and the Leadership Identification and Development Committee.
This change stems from the Commission Excellence Program, a key initiative in NAR’s 2026-2028 Strategic Plan. A review conducted through that program, which included member surveys, leadership feedback, and a full audit, found “decreased confidence in the committee’s effectiveness,” duplication of responsibilities between groups, and opportunities for better use of member and staff time.
NAR said the cuts “are expected to reduce structural redundancies, reduce the number of appointments, and direct resources to committees that provide the greatest strategic value.”
New requirements for those wishing to serve
At the same time, NAR introduced a new application process for governance committees in 2027, adding mandatory steps before members can submit their applications. All applicants must complete a professional profile that assesses the candidate’s background, association experience, and areas of expertise and informs how the applicant would fit into a specific role.
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“NAR’s committees help shape the future of our association’s efforts and industry, and we want members with the right experience, ideas and leadership to see a clear path to service,” NAR President Kevin Brown said in a statement. “The new process is designed to increase transparency in committee appointments, help committee members leverage their expertise, and better match talented applicants to roles where they can have the greatest impact.”
what happens next
NAR emphasized that the April announcement is just the beginning. The association said it will continue to engage members, volunteer leaders and stakeholders as it evaluates further changes to its governance framework.
“This process follows an intentional, data-driven approach,” Brown said. “We continue to audit our systems and follow feedback to identify where additional improvements can and should be made. These initial actions will inform further changes.”
Members can access the 2027 commission application and watch a video walkthrough of the selection process at nar.realtor/committee-selection.
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