Nearly 1,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., to advocate for the rental housing industry. 

A new record attendance was set as rental housing industry professionals gathered in Washington, D.C., during the final week of March for 2023 Advocate. Total attendance reached 864, with 345 newcomers. That breaks the previous attendance record of 853 in 2021—which was a virtual event. 

The National Apartment Association’s annual advocacy conference allowed rental housing professionals to meet, network and become advocates for the industry as they spoke with their state and local representatives. Attendees urged members of Congress to consider improving the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program and to end the CARES Act 30-day notice-to-vacate requirement. 

There were 262 Capitol Hill visits, and Congressional co-sponsorships for key NAA legislation reached nine on Lobby Day. 

The support for rental housing industry advocacy was also witnessed during the National Suppliers Council NAAPAC Happy Hour. In just that one hour, $12,000 was raised, and $30,000 was raised over the course of the conference.