BY ASHLEY LEWIS
Image: Four people, two men and two women, stand together inside an ornate capitol building.
Born from the Day at the Capitol earlier this year with AAMD, we, as multifamily leaders, were challenged to have conversations with our legislators. Challenged because this isn’t a battle of what ‘side of the aisle you are on’ but a battle because as an industry we must come together and advocate.
In today’s housing environment, conversations about affordability, supply, resident protections, and operational regulations are taking place in legislatures across the country and Colorado is no exception. As more housing-related proposals emerge nationwide, multifamily professionals have an opportunity and responsibility to ensure policymakers understand how legislation impacts residents, housing providers, and communities. We all know that – but what do we intend on doing about it?
We at Camden wanted to take a stand – a stand that we proudly call ‘Coffee with Legislators.’ Coffee with Legislators is a grassroots advocacy program designed to create meaningful connections between multifamily housing professionals, including the boots on the ground leadership, and elected officials. The effort is built on a simple premise: the best policy outcomes often begin with open dialogue, mutual understanding, and strong relationships.
Launched earlier this year, the program began by bringing together those regional and onsite multifamily leaders who have volunteered to engage with their respective State Senators and Representatives throughout the year. Participants are encouraged to connect with legislators as constituents, offering to meet over coffee, virtually, or in person to discuss housing issues and share perspectives from the front lines of the industry.
Proactive engagement is the key, and rather than waiting until legislation is introduced or debated, we are looking to establish relationships before critical housing issues reach the Capitol. By doing so, multifamily professionals can serve as a resource for the many lawmakers who are tasked with making critical decisions regarding legislative bills. Coffee with Legislators opens the door, starts the dialogue and allows lawmakers to call on a friend when needed.