On December 12, NAA’s Executive Committee sat down with Representative Steve Stivers (R-OH-15) to discuss leading policy concerns of the apartment industry including resident screening, housing affordability, Section 8 reform, flood insurance and emotional support animals. A recognized consensus-builder known for his effectiveness at working across the aisle, Congressman Stivers was recently named the Ranking Republican on the Housing, Community Development and Insurance Subcommittee of the House Financial Services Committee. In this important role, his voice will be crucial as the Committee considers many issues within its jurisdiction that impact rental housing. The Congressman is in his fifth term as a member of the House of Representatives and represents the Columbus area of Ohio.

During the meeting, he held aloft his cell phone and showed the Executive Committee how easily he was able to register his dog as an emotional support animal and indicated that he fully understands the challenges housing providers face with fraudulent ESA documentation. Participating in the meeting from NAA were 2020 Chairman Mike Holmes (Easlan Management), Chair-elect Rick Graf (Pinnacle), Vice Chairman Don Brunner (BRG Realty Group), Treasurer Ronda Puryear (Management Services Corporation), Secretary Rick Snyder (R.A. Snyder Properties), Immediate Past Chairman Mike Clow (Greystar), 2020 Apartmentalize Co-Chair Alan King (Berkshire Residential Investments) and 2020 Apartmentalize Co-Chair Greg Cerbana (Weidner Apartment Homes).

The meeting with Congressman Stivers took place as part of the NAA Executive Committee’s winter planning retreat at NAA headquarters in Arlington, Virginia.