Sustainability Summit featuring Smart Growth

 Don’t Miss This Two-Day Summit!

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 Raleigh is growing fast — and REALTORS® have a front-row seat to how our communities evolve. As our city and county prepare their next comprehensive growth plans, this is your chance to deepen your understanding of smart growth concepts, sustainability, planning, and zoning and walk away ready to better serve your clients, your business, and our community. 

 Your ticket gives you access to 2 days of programming

(come for it all, or pick and choose sessions), along with food, drinks, networking, and a CE credit opportunity!

 Why You Should Attend

• CE Course: you will learn how smart growth principles build resilient communities, stronger businesses, and thriving cities
• Gain knowledge that will set you apart with new clients, builders, and community partners
• POWERHOUSE panel: hear directly from local leaders shaping Raleigh and Wake County’s future
• Network with peers, industry experts, and community changemakers
•  Breakout sessions tailored to your business interests
• Enjoy two full days of education, connection, and inspiration
• Food, drinks, resources, and high-value networking included with ticket! 

Event Highlights

Day 1

• NAR Smart Growth CE Course: “Planning and Zoning Resource: Advocating for your Community's Future”
• Engaging conversations with special guests: Raleigh city planner and Wake County advocate shape our future
• Networking reception with cocktails, conversation, and a vendor fair

Day 2

• Breakout Session Details:

  “Building Sustainable Careers: RRAR Membership Value & Political Advocacy in Real Estate”

  Discover how Raleigh Regional Association of REALTORS® (RRAR) membership creates lasting value for your real estate career while advancing industry advocacy. This interactive session explores the comprehensive benefits and opportunities available to RRAR members, from professional development to political engagement. 

  What You'll Learn:

  • Member Benefits: Exclusive resources, networking opportunities, and professional tools that differentiate RRAR membership

  • Committees & Councils: Leadership pathways and specialized groups that align with your expertise and interests

  • Education & Classes: Continuing education, certification programs, and skill-building opportunities to advance your career

  • Advocacy Impact: How RRAR represents member interests in local, state, and federal policy discussions

  • RPAC Power: Understanding the Realtors Political Action Committee's role in protecting property rights and supporting pro-real estate candidates

  • Upcoming Events: Key dates and opportunities to engage with fellow members and industry leaders

  Whether you're a new member or seasoned professional, learn how to maximize your RRAR investment while contributing to advocacy efforts that protect and promote the real estate industry's future.

  Speakers: Danielle Plourd, Amy Proffit, Jon McBride

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  “Rooted in Value: Trees as Hidden Assets in Real Estate”
  Help your clients avoid costly surprises and showcase lasting property value.

  Trees are more than just curb appeal — they’re a critical part of a property’s long-term value, just like HVAC, roofing, or foundations. In this session, Leaf & Limb will share what Realtors need to know about assessing tree health, spotting risks before they derail a deal, and using tree knowledge to build client trust. Walk away with practical tips you can put to work immediately to protect your clients, strengthen your reputation, and stand out in a competitive market. 

  Speaker: Fiona Matthews with Leaf + Limb

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  "1 Year Later: A Case Study About Developing NC’s First Net-Zero Community” 

  What does it really take to design and deliver a truly unique, industry-disrupting neighborhood in North Carolina? In this session, REALTOR® and developer Jodi Bakst shares the behind-the-scenes story of Array, NC's first net-zero energy community.

  From zoning and permitting hurdles to financing, builder education, and market reception, Jodi walks through the challenges, wins, and lessons learned over the past few years of bringing Array to life. You’ll gain practical insight into how net-zero communities are reshaping buyer expectations, what sustainability means for long-term property value, and how REALTORS® can position themselves as trusted guides in this growing market.

  As our region continues to grow, buyer demands are shifting—clients increasingly want homes that are energy-efficient, resilient, and future-proof. REALTORS® who understand these trends will be better equipped to answer questions, position listings, and seize new opportunities.

  Walk away with a clearer picture of how “big-picture” smart growth concepts play out on the ground — and how you can apply these lessons to your own clients, listings, and community.

  Speaker: Jodi Bakst, Broker/Owner, Real Estate Expert, Array Sustainable Living

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  “Solar and Real Estate - The Cost of Doing Nothing”

  Did you know that outside of the home mortgage, the home's energy bills are one of the next largest household costs? Even higher than groceries?  And with energy needs only increasing, homeowners can expect their electricity costs to continue to go up.  With Raleigh moving to smart growth solutions, communities can set homeowners up for success by removing barriers to energy independence.   In this session, we explore the option to lock in your electricity rate for the next 30 years, increase your home's value and resilience, while sourcing cleaner energy — also known as going solar.   Bring your questions, we've got answers!

  Speaker: Graham Alexander with Southern Energy Management

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  “Sustainable Retrofits that $ave”

  Summary: Come learn about the common causes of energy loss in the home and how to spot at showings, ways your clients can improve their homes energy efficiency, and homeowner incentives from Duke Energy and Energy Saver North Carolina. Add value to your client relationships! 

  Speakers: Marshall Dunlap and Scott Cline

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  “ADU’s and You - Are You Prepared for the ADU Revolution?”

  Don’t miss this primer on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for REALTORS! Jamie Ferguson (Cardinal ADU/HPW) will demystify ADU types and uses, explain how they drive buyer appeal, rental income, and resale value, and highlight current Triangle policies, permitting must-knows, and basic financing/valuation considerations. You’ll learn how to spot ADU-ready properties, position “flex/income potential” in listings, and see quick local case studies—then wrap with Q&A and a clear, client-ready playbook you can use the same day.

  Speakers: Jamie Ferguson and Amy Taylor Proffit 

You’ll Take Away

• A clearer understanding of how smart growth planning impacts your business and clients.
• Talking points and resources you can use immediately in daily business, educational content, and community involvement. 
• Actionable items on how to play a stronger role in shaping what Raleigh is becoming.

Connections to peers, partners, and local leaders who share your commitment to smarter, more sustainable growth for our region

From smart growth strategies to sustainability practices, this event connects the dots between your business, your clients, and the future of our region. Raleigh is growing…are you?

Seats are limited — reserve your spot today!

 $65 for Members | $75 for Non-Members

FLYER & AGENDA

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