Looking Back at the first 6 months
As I look back on my first six months as National President of the REALTORS® Land Institute, I’m both humbled and energized by what we’ve accomplished together.
The journey so far has been marked by collaboration, resilience, and a shared commitment to advancing our industry. Building on the legacy of those who came before, these initial months have only deepened my respect for the passion and dedication within our RLI community.
I’m excited to share some of the milestones and lessons from this pivotal beginning, and to look ahead at the opportunities that lie before us.
Read on to learn more:
A deeper appreciation
When I stepped into the role of National President of the REALTORS® Land Institute this year, I knew it was an honor but living it every day has given me an even deeper appreciation.
This position isn’t just about holding a title; it’s about carrying the responsibility to guide an organization that has shaped so many of our careers and continues to set the bar for land professionals nationwide.
“Land Mastery: Defining professionalism by promoting integrity, expertise, and excellence in every aspect of land real estate”
This statement, isn’t just words on a website… It’s what drives everything we do, from education to advocacy to member support. I’m proud to serve alongside an organization that embodies those values in real, tangible ways.
Major Milestones and Initiatives in the last 6 months
Looking back at the first half of my term, a few RLI highlights stand out:
Expanding Education Access
- We rolled out new LANDU modules and virtual roundtables, giving members more flexibility to sharpen their skills while staying connected to peers
Building Stronger Partnerships
- We strengthened ties with advocacy groups, conservation organizations, and industry partners, helping us expand our influence and resources
Making an Impact in the Courts
- This year, we joined forces on several key property rights cases
- Our support for the amicus brief in Sheetz v. County of El Dorado was especially rewarding. When the Supreme Court ruled unanimously to limit excessive local development fees, it was a clear win for private property owners
- Something our members fight for every day
Celebrating Member Wins
- From APEX Award recipients to local chapter successes, our RLI members have been raising the bar
- I’ve heard incredible stories of deals that not only closed but also preserved land for future generations. Something close to my own heart after brokering several conservation-focused transactions through M4 Ranch Group
Challenges and Opportunities
The land industry is never without its hurdles:
- Rising interest rates
- Regulatory uncertainty
- The ongoing tug-of-war over water and mineral rights
These have all kept us on our toes, but here’s the upside:
“These challenges open doors for innovation and advocacy”
Under my leadership, RLI has been leaning in:
- Educating members about:
- Carbon credits
- Renewable energy opportunities
- Conservation strategies
- While actively engaging lawmakers on:
- Critical property rights issues
- Supreme Court victories in cases like Tyler v. Hennepin County and Sackett v. EPA have given us momentum, and we’re not letting up
“Its given us momentum, and we’re not letting up”
Teamwork and the Wider Community
RLI’s strength isn’t just in its leadership, it’s in our people. Our national team may be small, but they’re mighty. And our members? They’re out there every day, closing deals, advocating for landowners, and raising the standards of our profession.
This year I had the privilege of standing in a room with over 100 Colorado RLI members representing nearly a billion dollars in active buyer interest. That energy and shared drive, reminds me why this organization matters.
Personal Growth & Perspective
This role has challenged me in the best ways.
It’s reminded me that leadership is about listening as much as it is about guiding. I’ve been inspired by conversations with members who are innovating in their markets, by advocates fighting for land rights, and by the stories of stewardship that mirror my own passion for land and wildlife.
“One thing I’ve learned: when we work together, our impact stretches far beyond a single deal or policy, it shapes the future of the land itself”
Its also given me so many moments I’m proud of, the three things that comes straight to mind:
- Living our mission statement
- Not just saying it, but acting on it through education, advocacy, and leadership
- Defending property rights at the highest levels
- The legal wins we’ve supported under this term will ripple across our industry for years to come
- Seeing our members thrive
- The passion, innovation, and grit I’ve seen from RLI professionals across the country has been inspiring
Looking Forward – 2025 and beyond
There’s still plenty to do. For the rest of my term, I’m focused on:
- Rolling out more cutting-edge education on emerging land opportunities
- Keeping RLI at the table in Washington and state legislatures, where property rights and land use policies are decided
- Elevating member success stories: because when our members shine, our entire industry benefits
Thank You
To every RLI member: thank you.
Thank you for your trust, your passion, and your commitment to excellence. Let’s keep pushing forward together, to make sure RLI continues to lead, advocate, and define what it means to be a land professional.
“This journey is far from over, and I’m excited about where we’re headed”
Author: Dan Murphy
Dan Murphy, ALC (Accredited Land Consultant), Broker, Partner, has called the mountain west home his entire adult life. Dan’s extensive and diverse business experience reveals a track record of success. His service on numerous organizational boards throughout the mountain region demonstrates a commitment to improving communities through an applied, big-picture perspective. He has served on the Colorado DOW’s Big Game Allocation Program (BGLAP), the Colorado Wildlife Federation Board of Directors, the Colorado Outfitters Association, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission Advisory Board, and is a founder of Sportsmen for Wildlife Conservation.
Dan also dedicates much of his time and effort building relationships within the Realtor Land Institute, serving as Colorado President in 2021- 2022 (National Chapter of the Year), National RLI Vice President in 2022-2023 to over 2,100 of the top land agents across the country. And now serving as the National RLI President from 2025.
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