Advocate for Real Estate Management at IREM’s Capitol Hill Fly-in
Public policy has a big impact on real estate managers. There are obvious topics, like the National Flood Insurance Program, and then the not-so-obvious, like assistance animals. IREM maintains a position on these issues, and advocates for legislation favorable to our industry.
To help advance our interests, it’s critical that IREM members engage in advocacy initiatives, as we cannot be successful in our efforts to influence public policy without your support. IREM makes it possible for your voice to be heard by lawmakers who represent your district with the Capitol Hill Fly-in, taking place March 10 – 11, 2020 in Washington, D.C.
Conducting face-to-face meetings with legislators is the most effective way to educate and influence members of Congress on how certain laws and policies impact the real estate management profession. “It’s essential to cultivate relationships with our lawmakers, to have a seat at the table, to talk to them face-to-face, to have a personal relationship, and for them to understand our industry,” says Dawn Carpenter, CPM® and IREM Legislative and Public Policy Committee chair.
Participating in the Fly-in allows you to:
- Build relationships with legislators that will grow over time
- Speak directly to the people who shape the laws and regulations that matter to you, your business, and your clients
- Gain valuable exposure to the legislative process
- Make a difference on Capitol Hill
Over the course of two days, IREM members will meet with elected officials and their staff, educate them about the importance of the real estate management industry as a driver of our economy, and position IREM as the expert in our field. And, you’ll have time to network with your IREM colleagues and learn how these issues are impacting their work.
To help members prepare for the Fly-in, we are offering a webinar in the first quarter of 2020 with details on the legislation scheduled to be addressed during the event, our position on those issues, and how to schedule meetings with legislators. On the first day of the Fly-in, IREM will provide an orientation manual with:
- The two day agenda
- IREM’s legislative priorities and points to lobby
- Congressional meeting etiquette, including the Top 10 Things Hill Staffers Hate to Hear
- Congressional staff roles
- Accessing the Capitol and Hill Office Buildings
- Getting around the Hill and around Washington, D.C.
- A list of members of the House of Representatives and Senate.
And, to pave the way for meeting follow-up, we will provide participants with leave-behinds that document the issues on the table, IREM priorities, and a description of our organization and expertise.
Our elected officials can’t be expected to know everything that affects their districts. Meeting with lawmakers in Washington to provide trusted guidance is critical for the future health and growth of our industry. For more information, and to register for the event, visit the Capitol Hill Fly-in page at irem.org.