Community association leaders advocate on Capitol Hill

Hundreds of community association leaders visited Capitol Hill this past Thursday for the Congressional Advocacy Summit hosted by the Community Associations Institute (CAI).

More than 200 advocates from CAI — representing more than 77 million homeowners association, condominium and co-op residents — met with members of Congress and their staff to discuss federal issues in those sectors.

Meetings with legislators addressed access to affordable insurance, disaster recovery, affordable housing, preservation of community self-governance and other policies affecting community associations nationwide.

“We are bringing the voices of millions living in homeowners associations, condominiums, and housing cooperatives directly to Congress,” said Dawn Bauman, chief executive officer of CAI. “Our members are everyday American homeowners and community association stakeholders seeking access to mortgage financing, disaster recovery assistance, and affordable housing for their families and future generations.”

Key legislative priorities for the 2025 summit included:

• ROAD to Housing Act: Advocating amendments to allow first-time buyers in condominiums, housing cooperatives or homeowners associations to use HUD counseling tailored to association finances, qualify for small-dollar mortgages, receive fair appraisals and access grants or low-interest programs for major repairs — reducing the need for special assessments.
• FEMA Act: Supporting legislation to ensure federal disaster recovery funds cover privately owned roads and facilities in homeowners associations for equitable access to cleanup and repair resources.
• Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act (HAM Radio): Opposing legislation that could infringe on community self-governance while supporting disaster preparedness within associations.
• Insurance: Addressing rising property insurance costs, limited coverage options and mortgage eligibility challenges for condominiums.
• Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lending: Advocating for fair condominium and cooperative lending policies and urging the Federal Housing Finance Agency to modify unrealistic lending requirements and disclose ineligible lists.
• Affordable housing: Supporting policies to increase housing affordability nationwide while maintaining community self-governance.