NCAR Land Transfer Tax

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  • Ballot Issue GOTV PieceClick to view larger image

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North Carolina Association of REALTORS® Land Transfer Tax Ballot Campaigns

Challenge:  In 2007, the North Carolina General Assembly granted counties across the state the authority to place a land transfer tax on the ballot for voter consideration.  In November of the same year, 16 counties across the state placed the land transfer tax on the ballot. 

The North Carolina Association of REALTORS (NCAR) needed to move fast to develop a campaign strategy to help local grassroots groups educate voters about the perils of the transfer tax.

Solution:  Having served as a consultant on the statewide "Stop the Home Tax" campaign, NCAR once again turned to Cornerstone to help with the numerous ballot campaigns.   Cornerstone  quickly developed a comprehensive campaign plan and assisted with voter education, messaging and voter mobilization efforts.  With little time to spare, Cornerstone executed the plan and helped run the ballot measures.  Our services included:

  • Strategic counsel        
  • Messaging
  • Web site development   
  • Phone banks
  • Data services and voter targeting
  • GOTV efforts
  • Grassroots mobilization
  • Direct mail
  • Newspaper and radio ads

Result:  All 16 transfer tax initiatives were defeated by an average 78% margin against the transfer tax.  In an historic and unprecedented effort in North Carolina, since November 2007 through February of 2009, Cornerstone has helped NCAR and their local grassroots partners and campaign committees defeat the transfer tax 24 times in 22 counties across North Carolina.