Association executives and REALTOR® leaders have a new opportunity to expand their expertise and be active participants in resilient community planning and advocacy for smart growth. The Center for REALTOR® Development’s Planning and Zoning Certificate course, an Accredited Buyer’s Representative elective course, provides AEs and members with actionable ways that they can help local stakeholders understand the economic, environmental and housing aspects of effective land development.

The certificate course empowers attendees to effect positive change while gaining a competitive business advantage. Learning objectives include:

• Understanding how planning, zoning and smart growth benefit your community and your business.
• Identifying key components and stakeholders of the comprehensive planning process and how they play a role in community development.
• Summarizing how zoning has evolved and how this history has discriminated against and negatively impacted historically marginalized communities.
• Explaining how smart growth is changing the way real estate professionals approach business and how it will help meet the changing demands of home buyers and sellers.
• Discussing ways that you can implement smart growth principles in your town to enhance the community and build your business.

Association Classroom
Association Classroom
110 Point West Blvd.
St. Charles, MO 63301

Map & Directions

Blake Willoughby
Blake Willoughby is the Director of Education for MO REALTORS.  He manages all aspects of the educational programs offered through Missouri REALTORS® and the Missouri REALTORS® Educational Foundation (MREF). He serves as the liaison for the Professional Development Output Group and MREF. Prior to joining Missouri REALTORS® in 2023, Blake taught future K12 teachers for three years at the University of Missouri. He holds two bachelor’s degrees from Auburn University and a master’s degree from the University of Missouri. Currently, Blake is a doctoral candidate in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis with a K12 emphasis at the University of Missouri.