From NAA | Advocate 2026 Advances Housing Priorities

From NAA

Local solutions for national challenges take center stage for nearly 900 attendees. 

During the National Apartment Association’s (NAA) 2026 Advocate conference, nearly 900 attendees - including almost 200 newcomers - walked the halls of Capitol Hill and the Grand Hyatt in Washington, D.C. Step by step, attendees networked, discussed and used their voices to advocate and add their perspectives on key housing priorities. Through more than 300 meaningful conversations with federal lawmakers, Advocate attendees paved a clearer path to advance the Respect State Housing Act and a once-in-a-generation bipartisan housing package. 

Kicking Off the Conference 

Attendees were welcomed by a keynote speaker, a policy briefing and a session offering advice on how to best prepare for Lobby Day, where attendees spoke to Members of Congress or their staff about passing key housing bills. This year, Nick Johnston, Publisher at Axios, briefed attendees. As the housing industry continues to be a prominent feature of news and policy conversation, Johnston highlighted an evolving political landscape and how this could affect legislation and the midterm elections. Johnston also discussed how to incorporate a brief, bullet-pointed communication style to make for effective Capitol Hill meetings. First-time attendees also heard from a panel of experienced Advocate attendees, who shared key tips and tricks for successful Lobby Day meetings and how to make the most out of Advocate.

Lobby Day Asks 

Last year, comprehensive tax legislation was the key priority to Congress – leading to a new law that benefits the industry and broader housing affordability. This year, the Respect State Housing Act and the bipartisan housing packages in the House and Senate were the priorities for this year’s attendees. 

• S. 470/H.R. 1078, the RESPECT State Housing Laws Act - This bicameral, bipartisan bill acknowledges that the 30-day notice to vacate requirement, which required additional notice in covered housing during the pandemic, ended in 2020. Attendees encouraged lawmakers to pass this important bill. 
• H.R. 6644, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act – While this once-in-a-generation, bipartisan housing package outlines a number of pro-supply policies, a new provision would upend the nation’s growing build-to-rent (BTR) market, remove a flexible and affordable living option for families and exacerbate affordability challenges. Attendees encouraged lawmakers to fix Section 901 before final passage. 

Over the many years of Advocate, Lobby Day has continued to make an impact on housing legislation. Jenni Wilson, Executive Director of the Central Kentucky Apartment Association, said that her priority after Lobby Day will be “following up from this visit to make sure that we are all still aligned and it’s important for us to have continued communication through all of this.” 

Convening Federal Policymakers 

Advocate also hosted many of NAA’s spring governance committee meetings, covering a variety of different topics. Throughout these meetings, advocates were able to learn more about each committee’s important work. 

Several meetings featured the chance to learn more about changes to federal housing policy from decision-makers in the Trump Administration including:  

• U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner, who addressed NAA’s Board of Directors, provided important and timely updates on HUD’s housing and deregulation priorities. 
• HUD Assistant Secretary Craig Trainor, Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, who spoke to NAA’s Advocacy Committee, emphasized that the industry is “an essential partner for safe, affordable and fair housing.”  
• HUD Assistant Secretary Benjamin Hobbs, Public and Indian Housing, who addressed NAA’s Affordable Housing Committee, reiterated the industry’s important partnership through “the defining program of HUD,” the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. 

The Road Ahead 

Advocate 2026 was record-setting and helped move the needle on key priorities. Though this year’s conference has ended, the work toward a better future for the industry has not because advocacy is year-round. By speaking up in the industry to make a difference and advocating for solutions to national challenges, the rental housing industry can be on a stronger path forward, one step at a time. 

To learn more and get involved, visit naahq.org/advocacy. 

Samantha Taherian is Manager, Public Affairs for NAA.