Over 100 IREM® members held over 100 meetings to advocate for positive change

The recent IREM and IREM Foundation's Advocacy Impact Day + ESG Summit held on February 27 and 28, 2024, in Washington, D.C., confirmed that advocacy efforts are improved by live, in-person interaction with our legislators. In fact, an IREM member’s meeting with Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ 8th District) during the event had a favorable outcome – Rep. Lesko has agreed to cosponsor H.R. 802, the Respect State Laws Housing Act. The Act allows states to establish their own housing guidelines once again, as they did pre-pandemic - a bill that IREM supports.

Over 100 IREM members were in D.C. for programming on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), networking opportunities, as well as learning how to schedule and execute successful meetings with their legislators. Their training was put to the test with IREM members holding over 100 meetings with their members of Congress while at the Summit!

Advocacy

Highlights of this two-day event included:

• A fireside chat with Liza Benson, Partner, Moderne Ventures, and Matt Ellis, CEO, Measurable, to discuss actionable strategies and technology initiatives that keep IREM members on top of current and upcoming regulations and learn about new tools, technologies and companies that are reshaping the ESG real estate landscape.
• Valuable insights from Ben Evans, Federal Legislative Director at the U.S. Green Building Council, into available incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act, and how members can effectively advocate for sustainability.
• The chance for a group of students from Virginia Tech's Property Management program to network with industry professionals and hear from a wide range of experts. They even had the opportunity to speak with Ben Evans about their student-run project to convert a vacant rural school building into a mixed-use, multi-family housing development.
• A discussion with Ted Thurn, IREM Senior Director of Government Affairs, Ryan Rusbuldt, NAR Director of Government Advocacy, and Vijay Yadlapati, NAR Director of Federal Legislative and Political Affairs, on conducting successful meetings with legislators. These three experts presented the current legislative issues on the table, and recent IREM advocacy initiatives, such as the efforts of Ralph Amicucci, Esq., CPM, CCIM, and IREM instructor. Mr. Amicucci provided testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance on Restoring Prosperity in American Communities: Examining the Failures of Status Quo Housing Policy.

ESG

A defining feature of this year's Summit was the expanded focus on ESG principles. While many property managers understand the importance of ESG, applying these principles to their businesses and properties remains a

challenge. However, embracing ESG offers a significant opportunity for property managers to gain a competitive advantage while also contributing to sustainable and socially responsible practices within the built environment.

Environmental considerations play a crucial role in property management, encompassing energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and sustainable materials usage. By advocating for and implementing eco-friendly practices, property managers can not only reduce environmental impact but also enhance the long-term value of their properties.

IREM + the IREM Foundation = maximum impact

IREM and the IREM Foundation have long stood by the principle that a healthy real estate landscape is essential to thriving communities. When real estate management professionals learn to work effectively with legislators, when they can advocate for responsible corporate governance, regulatory compliance and stakeholder engagement, they promote trust and accountability with those they serve.

This year’s Advocacy Impact Day + ESG Summit was a testament to the commitment of real estate managers towards shaping a healthy built environment and a sustainable future. By advocating for positive change and embracing ESG principles, property managers are driving industry innovation and contributing to a greener future. As the real estate management landscape continues to evolve, events like these serve as catalysts for progress, empowering stakeholders to lead with purpose and passion.

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