Housing Affordability Program: Victory in Maryland
The passage of rent control legislation in neighboring counties spurred advocates in Howard County, Maryland to introduce bills to implement rent control (CB 44-2023) and expand the right of first refusal (CB 43-2023). The legislation, introduced in October, saw strong support in the community and its passage was considered likely by November.
The Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) applied for and was awarded a $50,000 grant from NAA's Housing Affordability Program (HAP). Grant funds were used on advocacy and messaging efforts to mobilize voters in Howard County to contact their County Legislators. These efforts included patch-through calls, texts, tear-off mailers, digital advertising and a campaign web landing page.
In December, the legislation was “tabled” for consideration in January. After a failed effort to remove the vote from the “table” for a vote no action was taken, and the legislation perished after the January 15th deadline.
The coordination of NAA and MMHA staff along with our consulting partners at Real Strategies created a successful campaign to stop legislation that would inevitably increase housing prices and harm communities in Howard County.
NAAPAC Update
As of February 1, NAAPAC has raised approximately $129,500 and is steadily advancing toward our 2024 goal of $1.2 million. Suppliers continue to play an integral role in our fundraising success, as they have already contributed over $47,000. We are grateful for all your dedication and support, suppliers!
In 2023, 89 individuals contributed at the platinum level, a new milestone in NAAPAC's history. NAAPAC raised approximately $1,175,000 in 2023, which represents a new NAAPAC calendar year fundraising record and an 11% increase from NAAPAC’s 2022 fundraising total of $1.03 million. This year, we are looking forward to building on NAAPAC's shared success while continuing to help support our industry champions in Congress.
Map the Future of Rental Housing at Advocate
NAA’s Advocate event is a vital opportunity to shape the future of rental housing through impactful meetings and relationship-building with your members of Congress.
- Register Now. Register by March 5 to avoid a $50 fee.
- Book your hotel. The deadline to reserve a room is February 16 and NAA’s room block is already 80% full.
Come prepared!
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The Issue Briefing Session will include time for participants to coordinate their meetings, assign roles and practice their pitches.
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NAA will host a pre-event webinar on February 28 (more information to come).
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Sample meeting request forms along with the list of Congressional scheduling staff and the current list of registrants are available on the Advocate website.
New for 2024
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All meeting resources will be distributed digitally before the event, giving participants ample time to review meeting materials and prepare for their meetings. Attendees will still receive a physical folder upon registration with paper copies of materials.
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The digital “leave behind” materials will be stored on a secure portal for NAA members and Congressional staff to download. This portal will be ready by late February/early March.
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First-time attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a meeting simulation experience (Tuesday, March 12, 1:00-2:00 p.m. ET) to practice delivering their pitches to NAA staff.
NAA Attends U.S. Conference of Mayor's 92nd Winter Meeting
On January 17-19, 2024, NAA participated in the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) 92nd Winter Meeting in Washington DC. The meeting brought together mayors from cities of all sizes. Key priorities discussed included the surging mental health crisis, public safety, housing and homelessness, technology and innovation, workforce development and infrastructure investment.
NAA staff attended panel discussions and networking events with Mayors and fellow USCM Business Council members. Topics such as “Managing the Fire Risks of Lithium-Ion Batteries” brought to light the concerns and many unknowns of counterfeit batteries and EV charging stations. Experts from across the country raised awareness on the dangers and briefed attendees on best practices for developing sound policies to ensure that lithium-ion batteries used in e-mobility devices on the market comply with recognized safety standards.
NAA’s work with the USCM is part of our broader engagement with external stakeholder groups representing local elected officials, who play a crucial role in housing policy. NAA staff currently work with 5 groups including the USCM as part of this function.