The National Association of Realtors is eliminating eight of its volunteer committees and advisory groups while simultaneously introducing stricter application requirements for the ones that remain, part of a broader governance overhaul the association says is driven by member feedback and a full internal audit of its more than 95 volunteer groups.
The changes represent the first phase of what NAR is framing as an ongoing, data-driven effort to modernize how it governs itself — and who gets a seat at the table.
What’s being cut
NAR’s Leadership Team approved a series of targeted eliminations to its committee structure. Five groups will be sunsetted effective April 1, 2026: the Large State Forum, Medium State Forum, Small State Forum, State Leadership Idea Exchange Council and Reserves Investment Advisory Board. Three more will follow on Dec. 1, 2026: the Amicus Brief Advisory Board, Leading Edge Advisory Board and Leadership Identification and Development Committee.
The changes stem from NAR’s Committee Excellence Program, a key initiative within its 2026–2028 Strategic Plan. A review conducted through that program — which included member surveys, leadership feedback and a full audit — found “declining confidence in committee effectiveness,” overlapping responsibilities across groups, and opportunities to better use member and staff time.
NAR said the cuts “are expected to reduce structural redundancy, decrease appointment volume and redirect resources toward committees that deliver the greatest strategic value.”
New requirements for those who want to serve
At the same time, NAR introduced a new application process for its 2027 governance committees that adds a required step before members can even submit an application. All applicants must now complete an Expertise Profile, which evaluates a candidate’s background, association experience and areas of expertise and informs how applicants are matched to specific roles.
Kevin Brown | AJ Canaria Creative Services
“NAR’s committees help shape the work of our association and the future of our industry, and we want members with the right experience, ideas, and leadership to see a clear path to serving,” NAR President Kevin Brown said in a statement. “The new process is designed to bring more transparency to committee appointments, help members put their expertise to work, and better match talented applicants to the roles where they can make the greatest impact.”
What comes next
NAR emphasized that the April announcements are only the beginning. The association said it will continue engaging members, volunteer leaders and stakeholders as it evaluates further changes to its governance framework.
“This process is following a deliberate, data-driven approach,” Brown said. “We are continuing to audit the system, follow the feedback, and identify where additional improvements can and should be made. These initial actions will inform further changes.”
Members can access the 2027 committee application and watch a video walkthrough of the selection process at nar.realtor/committee-selection.
