T
he National Association of Realtors (NAR) is undergoing a significant restructuring, cutting 61 positions nationwide, including 37 in its Chicago headquarters. This represents nearly 17% of the organization's total workforce and about a fifth of its local staff. The layoffs affect various departments, including communications, human resources, finance, and IT.

    The cuts are part of a broader reorganization strategy following a period of scandal, leadership changes, and legal challenges. NAR has faced turmoil since fall 2023, when an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment led to the resignation of two successive presidents and the ouster of longtime CEO Bob Goldberg. The organization's new CEO, Nykia Wright, has been working to rebuild the organization.

    NAR has also been hit hard by legal and reputational blows, including a $1.78 billion verdict in an antitrust lawsuit and a survey finding it to be among the least-liked organizations in the industry. As part of its restructuring efforts, NAR is settling the case and agreeing to overhaul commission standards, which kicked in last August. The organization's presence in Chicago may shrink further as restructuring continues.