Illinois REALTORS® President Matt Difanis addresses a meeting of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Industry Partners group. The meeting on April 30 in Chicago focused on brainstorming ways to better support communities and fair housing.

Illinois REALTORS® President Matt Difanis opened a meeting of the Chicago Association of REALTORS® Industry Partners to discuss how to enhance adherence to the federal Fair Housing Act, build diversity in REALTOR® organizations and create healthier communities in the process.

Difanis noted that traditional REALTOR® organizations weren’t always supportive of Fair Housing. Gradually, the organization has changed to where fair housing principles are at the core of what the national. state and local associations do.

The meeting at NAR’s headquarters on Monday featured a brainstorming discussion about how to best enhance the message of diversity and inclusion within REALTOR® organizations and promote awareness of fair housing issues.

Among the groups represented were the Dearborn Realtists®, the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, the Asian Real Estate Association of America, FIABCI and the Women’s Council of REALTORS®.

Chicago REALTOR® Zeke Morris facilitated the event. Morris is leading the 10-member panel shaping NAR’s commemoration of the historic act signed 50 years ago.