Longtime Realtor lobbyist Brian Bernardoni leaving post

Bernardoni has spent 17 years advocating for the association and the real estate industry

Brian Bernardoni (Credit: Illinois Association of Realtors and iStock)
Brian Bernardoni (Credit: Illinois Association of Realtors and iStock)

One of the leading advocates for the local real estate industry is leaving his longtime post as chief lobbyist for the Chicago Association of Realtors.

Brian Bernardoni announced he is stepping down as the association’s senior director of government affairs and public policy on Oct. 1, according to Chicago Agent magazine.

Bernardoni said he plans to open a public affairs firm, but declined to give details. He also said he’s not ruling out a run for elected office.

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Bernardoni has been an outspoken advocate for the real estate industry, fighting the so-far unsuccessful efforts to allow rent control in Illinois and pushing for changes to Chicago’s building code, among other issues. He’s also lamented the rising tax burden on property owners.

“Chicago is a vibrant city with a great business core … But how do we keep working to keep Chicago, the region and the state marketable? Those are the things I worry about,” he told Chicago Agent. “In the end, it’s the hard-working realtor who’s out there trying to convince consumers this is a good investment.”

Kristopher Anderson, who formerly worked in government affairs for the Illinois Association of Realtors, will become CAR’s director of government and external affairs next week. Adriann Murawski will focus on Cook Count as the state association’s local government affairs director, according to Chicago Agent. [Chicago Agent] John O’Brien