More than 200 REALTORS® from across Alabama traveled to Montgomery last week for the 2026 REALTOR® Day at the Capitol, an annual event focused on strengthening relationships with policymakers and highlighting the real estate industry’s role in Alabama’s economy and communities.

The event, held at the Renaissance Montgomery, opened with remarks from AAR President Mary Jane Owen and featured a full day of policy-focused programming. Highlights included panel discussions with state leaders and experts, a luncheon address by Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth, and a legislative update. REALTORS® also recognized outstanding advocacy efforts by local associations during the presentation of the 2025 ARPAC Awards.

Morning programming began with a legislative panel moderated by Todd Stacy, host of Capitol Journal on Alabama Public Television. House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter (R–Rainsville) and House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels (D–Huntsville) shared insights on the 2026 legislative session and key issues expected to impact Alabama REALTORS®.

A second morning panel featured veteran political analyst Steve Flowers, who joined Stacy to discuss the 2026 elections, voter trends, and the potential influence of national politics on state races.

Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth headlined the luncheon, outlining recent statewide accomplishments and Alabama’s priorities for 2026, including economic development and infrastructure investment.

Afternoon sessions included a Real Estate, Banking, and Cybersecurity panel moderated by Yellowhammer News Editor-in-Chief Grayson Everett. Panelists Amana Senn, Director of the Alabama Securities Commission; Helena Duncan, President and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama; and Scott Latham, President and CEO of the Alabama Bankers Association, addressed emerging risks, regulatory trends, and cybersecurity best practices.

The day concluded with an infrastructure-focused panel moderated by Everett and featuring Alabama Public Service Commission President Cynthia Almond and Clay Scofield, President of the Energy Institute of Alabama, who discussed energy, broadband, and utilities as key drivers of long-term growth.

2026 ARPAC Chair Sherri McCollum and Vice Chair Jeff Dickey recognized local REALTOR® associations that met or exceeded fundraising benchmarks.

Governor's Cup Awards

Governor’s Cup Awards were presented to 12 local associations achieving benchmarks in Major Investors, Participation, and Overall Fundraising:

• Athens-Limestone Association of REALTORS®
• Baldwin REALTORS®
• Covington Association of REALTORS®
• East Alabama Board of REALTORS®
• Lake Martin Association of REALTORS®
• Lee County Association of REALTORS®
• Morgan County Association of REALTORS®
• Northeast Alabama Association of REALTORS®
• Southeast Association of REALTORS®
• St. Clair Association of REALTORS®
• Tuscaloosa Association of REALTORS®
• Wiregrass Association of REALTORS®

Robert C. "Bob" Meeks Award

The Meeks Award recognizes the local boards that aggressively defend and promote the legislative interests of Alabama REALTORS®, maintain positive communications with elected officials, and surpass all other boards in ARPAC support. The three recipients were:

• Small Board Winner – St. Clair Association of REALTORS®
• Medium Board Winner – East Alabama Board of REALTORS®
• Large Board Winner - Baldwin REALTORS®

The fourth annual “Day in the Life of a REALTOR®” photo contest once again showcased the dedication and professionalism of REALTORS® across the state. Congratulations to this year’s winner, Bonny Wilson, and thank you to all who participated.

Following the morning program, REALTORS® visited the Alabama State House to meet with senators and representatives and discuss issues affecting residential and commercial real estate, property rights, and homeownership. The day concluded with a legislative reception at the AAR building where REALTORS®, legislators, and state officials gathered for networking, conversation, and fellowship.

AAR thanks all who participated in making the 2026 REALTOR® Day at the Capitol a success and for continuing to advocate on behalf of the real estate industry and Alabama communities.