Stronger Together: Amplifying Our Industry’ s Voice on Capitol Hill
ADVOCACY
BY ERICA SANCHEZ
Attending NAA Advocate on Capitol Hill for the third year continues to be one of the most impactful experiences in our industry. Each year brings a renewed sense of purpose, this year was no different. Walking the halls of Congress alongside peers from across the country is a powerful reminder that our voices, when united, truly matter.
Advocate is more than just meetings, it’ s about ensuring that the realities of our industry are heard directly by those shaping policy. From housing supply challenges to regulatory impacts like those outlined in the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act and the Respect State Housing Laws Act, these conversations are critical. They allow us to connect real-world operational challenges with legislative decision-making, helping our representatives understand the direct impact on housing providers and residents alike.
Being on the Hill reinforces how important it is to move beyond assumptions and into dialogue. Our U. S. senators and representatives rely on input from constituents and industry professionals to make informed decisions. When we share our experiences, whether it’ s navigating evolving regulations, addressing affordability concerns, or managing day-to-day operations, we bring clarity to complex issues that data alone cannot fully capture.
One of the most rewarding parts of this experience is the relationships we continue to build. Seeing both familiar faces and new advocates each year is a testament to the growing engagement within our industry. These connections matter, not just during Advocate, but
Liz Tennyson, Brett Frank, Drew Masten, Terry Simone, Stacia Foreman, Melissa Pasquale, Stephanie Glowczewski, Lyn Jacobs, Irving Lopez-Gallarza, Rocky Sundling, Erica Sanchez, Luis Razo
throughout the year as we continue to engage, follow up, and serve as trusted resources for policymakers.
A special thank you to the teams from the Apartment Association of Metro Denver( AAMD) and the Apartment Association Southern Colorado for showing up, engaging in meaningful conversations, and representing our industry so well.
We also appreciate the time and insight from the offices we had the opportunity to meet with; including Senator Hickenlooper’ s team, Representative DeGette’ s office, Representative Neguse, Representative Crow’ s office and others. These conversations are critical in ensuring our industry’ s voice is heard and understood at the federal level.
And of course, there are the traditions, like gathering for lunch at the Capitol Hill Club, that remind us that advocacy is also about community. These moments create space for collaboration, idea-sharing, and strengthening the bonds that make our collective voice stronger.
Relationship-building with our elected officials is not a one-time effort, it’ s an ongoing commitment. The more we engage, the more effective we become in shaping policies that support housing accessibility, affordability, and operational sustainability.
Advocate is a reminder that our role in this industry extends beyond our properties and portfolios. We are part of something larger, an industry that plays a critical role in people’ s lives. Showing up, speaking up, and staying engaged is not just important; it’ s essential.
Erica Sanchez is the Vice President Operations of Places Management LLC. www. aamdhq. org TRENDS APRIL 2026 | 13