Government Affairs Digest - February 2026

Federal Action Center — Action Center

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News from HQ

What to expect in 2026: Advocacy priorities for property managers

IREM’s latest blog summarizes the current political landscape and what property managers should anticipate in 2026. Read more about key federal legislation, state-level issues to watch, and opportunities for members to get involved in advocacy in the year ahead.View all IREM webinars

Learn more about advocacy with these IREM^® webinars:

February 18 – NextGen Advocates: Shaping the Future of Property Management
March 18 – IREM and NARPM Virtual Town Hall, with speakers Congressman Mark Alford and Lou Correa. Registration will open soon.

View all IREM webinars

New Advocacy 101 Handbook now available

A new comprehensive Advocacy 101 Handbook designed to support and empower our members is now available! This resource provides IREM members with a concise overview of advocacy and IREM’s role in the process, while dispelling common myths about engagement. It offers practical tools and resources for effective advocacy, including guidance on responding to calls to action, engaging with legislators, and building productive relationships with policymakers.

Download now

Rent Control Legislation Defeated in California

A statewide rent control proposal that would have significantly tightened California’s existing rent cap law has been defeated. AB would have allowed lower increases and would have extended rent control to housing types that are currently exempt under state law. AB 1157 is no longer moving forward in the California Legislature. IREM would like to thank all the housing and business organizations, including the California Apartment Association, for their hard work opposing this legislation.

See all the bills IREM  is monitoring this year by visiting our Action Center and clicking "View Key Legislation."

Updates to IREM’s Public Policy Priorities

Each year, IREM updates its Public Policy priorities. IREM’s Advocacy Committee annually prepares Public Policy priorities.  IREM encourages members and chapters to utilize priorities as a guide in monitoring legislative and regulatory issues and to assist in promoting active participation from members in state, local, and federal legislative matters. The Public Policy priorities for 2026 can be found here.