Contributed by Sandy Denton, CMCA, LSM, PCAM; John Krueger; Kimberly Lilley, CMCA, CIRMS; and Lisa Magill, Esq.
One of the great rights and privileges in this country is the ability for citizens to personally petition for government action. And while technology provides multiple avenues for engagement, nothing substitutes for in-person conversation and persuasion. As the community association housing model continues to face increasingly intrusive legislative attacks, it is important for associations nationwide to actively engage with elected officials to develop and implement thoughtful policies that impact our homes and communities.
A perfect example of this kind of valuable legislative advocacy takes place Nov. 6 in Washington, D.C., as community association advocates converge to meet with federal lawmakers during the CAI 2025 Congressional Advocacy Summit. CAI’s legislative advocacy efforts have been instrumental in protecting the common interest housing model on the state and national levels and educating lawmakers about the industry and its benefits and challenges.
On a basic level advocacy is about relationships, and its importance cannot be overstated. CAI members have worked tirelessly to promote good accounting practices, transparent financial management, building safety, effective conflict resolution, and training and education for community leaders and homeowners. The next logical step is to share that knowledge with policymakers to prompt positive change.
Case in point: CAI served as a significant and credible voice in shaping the dialogue and policy in response to the tragic partial collapse of Champlain Towers South in Surfside, Fla. We’ve seen how CAI’s advocacy work in Florida and other states can change the conversation and raise awareness about mandatory building inspections, reserve studies, and financial planning obligations.
Advocacy educates policymakers to influence legislative outcomes. The most effective way to sway results is by telling personal stories about how a proposed bill or policy affects a community.
While legislative advocacy can feel intimidating, it’s simply having a conversation to influence laws or government regulations impacting an industry. Our stories help educate them and defend against harmful proposals.
In addition, legislative action committees in 36 states track legislation and actively advocate on behalf of the community association industry. LACs review legislation, identify priority bills, develop messaging and alternative bill language, communicate with legislators, testify at committee hearings, and personally advocate for positive results.
Opportunities to advocate help build relationships and create trust between the industry and legislators. Effective advocates also build coalitions with local and state homebuilder associations, insurance providers, the banking industry, real estate agents, and other advocacy organizations.
Advocacy efforts are not limited to promoting helpful legislation. They can be employed to defeat or amend harmful legislative proposals or instrumental in crafting comprehensive common interest ownership legislation.
Community association board members, managers, and business partners play a critical role in preventing harmful proposals and can affirmatively shape beneficial legislation on the state and federal levels.
Don’t be shy. Get involved and help us keep a seat at the table in state capitals around the country.
Sandy Denton is with Sienna Associations in Missouri City, Texas. John Krueger is with Associa in Dallas. Kimberly Lilley is a community association volunteer in Oceanside, Calif. Lisa Magill is with Kaye Bender Rembaum in Pompano Beach, Fla.
>>A version of this article was originally published in Common Ground November/December 2025.
>> Stay tuned for updates on CAI’s 2025 Congressional Advocacy Summit.
