Several AAMD and CAA representatives attended the 2013 National Apartment Association’s Capitol Conference in March in Washington D.C. This annual conference provides attendees with up-to-the-minute information on federal legislation that affects the multifamily industry. It provides attendees an opportunity to relay our messages and concerns to our congressional delegates. Meetings were scheduled with the Colorado delegation on Wednesday.
Pat Hutchison, Mission Rock Residential; Terry Simone, NAA Region 8 Representative; Tatianna Gruen, Apartment Association of Metro Denver, and Nancy Burke, Colorado Apartment Association, united to form an excellent lobbying force at the Capitol in Washington DC. They met with several congressional delegates to discuss GSE reform, and the need for capital as our industry requires adequate financing to build much needed multifamily properties. They also shared insight on immigration reform. Our concerns were relayed on the unnecessary mandate on property managers to serve as “police” in immigration reform. They also discussed the need for a comprehensive approach to the issue of immigration which includes increased security around the borders and a systematic approach to legalization.
Another educational talking point included the new dynamics in the rental housing market and explained that by 2015 we are expecting over 7 million new renter households. They shared information relating to the recent shift in single family rentals as the market is now 52% single family rentals and our concerns about the accidental landlord missteps.
Additionally, they were able to present our community outreach measure to the delegates. The Association’s efforts were very well received by our local community investment focus and were applauded. Outreach measures included Landlord 101 and the focus to assist residents to include their rent payments as part of the credit scoring analysis.
Overall, our message was well received. Our lobbying efforts benefited the Colorado multifamily industry in the fact that they were able to have one on one time with many of the delegates and their housing staff.
For more information on how you can participate in next year’s Capitol Conference, please contact the Government Affairs Department of the Association.