NAR designates Jupiter, Fla., as an ‘Ambassador’ city

JUPITER, Fla. – March 10, 2009 – Five cities have been designated as 2009 Ambassador Cities by the National Association of Realtors® (NAR) and the U.S. Conference of Mayors. The list includes Jupiter, Fla., and the Jupiter-Tequesta-Hobe Sound Association of Realtors. Other Ambassador Cities are Houston; Lexington, Ky.; Helena, Mont.; and Tri-Valley, Calif.

NAR and the U.S. Conference of Mayors, through its Council on the New American City, launched the Ambassadors for Cities program in 2003 to encourage cities and local Realtor associations to form partnerships to promote and expand affordable housing opportunities in their communities.

“Realtors build communities and are committed to promoting safe, decent and affordable housing opportunities,” says NAR President Charles McMillan. “The five cities receiving the Ambassador for Cities designation this year should be commended for forming strategic partnerships with their mayors and local governments as well as public, private and nonprofit organizations to help create and maintain affordable housing in their communities.”

The goal of the Ambassador for Cities program is to highlight successful private and public partnerships that serve as models to other communities. The five Ambassador City designees will each hold public events during the year highlighting the success of their partnership and providing an opportunity to further discuss and encourage affordable housing.

Through the program, Realtor associations receive a plaque and $5,000 to help promote their event or initiative. Since its inception, the program has honored 34 cities and awarded $170,000 in grants to support local affordable housing initiatives.

NAR had this to say about Jupiter:

The town of Jupiter, Fla., and the Jupiter-Tequesta-Hobe Sound Association of Realtors have partnered to host several affordable housing and homeownership events. The events include a parade of affordable homes for sale in the community and a fair where residents can learn about affordable housing options and meet with lenders, Realtors and nonprofit home buyer assistance agencies to learn more about mortgages and homeownership.

© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

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