AAWNC Represents North Carolina at NAA 2025 Advocate in Washington, D.C.

The Apartment Association of Western North Carolina (AAWNC) participated in the National Apartment Association's (NAA) Advocate conference in Washington, D.C., joining housing professionals from around the country. This event allows industry representatives to discuss multifamily housing issues on Capitol Hill. AAWNC represented the western region of North Carolina and engaged with policymakers to ensure the rental housing industry's perspectives are considered during key decision-making processes.

Our Lobby day meeting was in the hall of the Rayburn House Office Building with Representative Chuck Edwards (NC-11) and his staffer, Heather Millett. With 20 advocates from across North Carolina in attendance, the group expressed gratitude for the Congressman’s work during and since Hurricane Helene. The meeting included personal stories from the rental community about the impact of Hurricane Helene and shed light on serious gaps in FEMA’s disaster response for multifamily housing. We also thanked the Congressman for support of the Respect State Housing Laws Act (H.R. 1078), a critical piece of legislation for local housing stability. A group photo with the Congressman—and even a visit with the office dog—made the moment memorable.

The next day, AAWNC met with Senator Ted Budd’s office. Legislative Assistant Benji Easter heard their concerns about rental housing post-Hurricane Helene. We discussed issues with FEMA and local communication, especially for renters. Senator Budd’s team is working to update FEMA’s procedures and emphasized including multifamily housing in policy discussions.

These meetings were more than just photo ops—they were powerful opportunities to ensure that lawmakers understand the challenges and opportunities facing the rental housing industry. We left Washington knowing that our stories were heard and that as an industry and association we will have more opportunity to engage with our elected leaders. Participation in Advocate strengthens our collective ability to influence meaningful housing policy, and AAWNC is proud to be a leading voice for North Carolina's rental housing providers.