Property Managers' Day on Capitol Hill brought IREM® members face-to-face with federal policymakers to share the real-world challenges affecting today's housing
Property managers are influential advocates for the profession.
Rental application fraud remains a growing industry concern.
Workforce shortages continue to affect property operations.
Rising costs and expanding regulations are creating new challenges.
Advocacy benefits both members and the industry.
The Congressional Briefing equipped congressional staffers with timely information on key federal housing and property management issues, creating a shared understanding of the policy landscape before members headed to Capitol Hill meetings.
During the briefing, Tikia Neblett, CPM®, focused on the growing challenge of rental application fraud and the need to develop a skilled workforce to keep properties operating effectively. "Property managers are increasingly confronted with sophisticated rental application fraud while also facing workforce shortages that affect building operations and resident service. Effective policy solutions must address both challenges to support stable housing communities."
Trevor Ankeny, CPM®, highlighted the financial pressures facing commercial property owners and managers as inflation continues to drive operating costs higher while compliance requirements become more complex. "Property managers are facing persistent operating-cost inflation at the same time that a growing patchwork of state and local building performance mandates comes into force. Policymakers need to understand how these overlapping pressures affect investment and operations."
His presentation highlighted the challenges of balancing sustainability goals with the economic realities of operating and maintaining properties at a time when inflation continues to affect labor, insurance, utilities, maintenance, and capital improvement costs.
These presentations provided important context for members as they met with lawmakers and congressional staff, helping define the policy issues that are shaping housing operations today.
IREM members also met with congressional offices to discuss the issues affecting properties, businesses, and communities in their states and districts. Drawing on their professional experience, members shared practical examples of how federal policies, regulations, and market conditions influence housing availability, affordability, resident services, property operations, and investment decisions.
These conversations allowed lawmakers and staff to hear directly from the professionals responsible for managing apartments, office buildings, commercial properties, and mixed-use communities. Members provided real-world context on challenges including workforce shortages, fraud prevention, compliance requirements, rising operating costs, and evolving building regulations.
By connecting policy proposals to operational realities, IREM members served as trusted resources for policymakers and helped ensure that property management perspectives were represented in discussions about housing and real estate issues.
Property Managers' Day on Capitol Hill offered members a unique opportunity to build advocacy skills while cultivating relationships with elected officials and congressional staff.
Participants gained a better understanding of the federal policymaking process and learned how effective advocacy can help shape conversations around housing and commercial real estate policy. They also connected with property management professionals from across the country, exchanging ideas and experiences that extended beyond their time in Washington, D.C.
Perhaps most importantly, members saw firsthand how their expertise can inform policymaking. By sharing their experiences and perspectives, they helped federal policymakers better understand the challenges and opportunities facing housing providers, commercial property operators, and the communities they serve.
Building on the success of Property Managers’ Day on Capitol Hill, IREM will continue its advocacy efforts through its next Hill Day, held in conjunction with the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Legislative Meetings.
The event will provide another opportunity for IREM members to engage directly with lawmakers and advocate for policies that support effective property management, strong housing markets, and thriving communities. Participants will receive policy briefings, advocacy training, and coordinated meetings with congressional offices, equipping them to continue bringing real-world industry expertise to Capitol Hill.
By maintaining a consistent presence in Washington, D.C., IREM members help ensure that property management insights are included in discussions about housing and real estate policy. Together, they help create a more informed policy environment while reinforcing the essential role property managers play in maintaining commercial properties, providing quality housing, and supporting thriving communities.