NAA Takes Industrys Case to Capitol Hill
WOBURN, MAOne of the hottest issues on the national political stage this year is immigration reform, and theres no shortage of media pundits from both ends of the spectrum to tell us what Congress should do. But separate from the media hype, immigration reform is a critical issue to commercial real estate and the apartment industry in particular. And its a top lobbying priority this year for the Washington, DC-based National Apartment Association in partnership with the National Multifamily Housing Council.
But immigration is just one of the critical issues the group is mounting, explains 2015 chairman Tom Beaton, who is also senior vice president of management of the locally based Dolben Co. Beaton sat down with GlobeSt.com recently to shed light on NAAs position on the issues and discuss the upcoming Lobby Day. (See sidebar on second page, and for more information, click here.)
GlobeSt.com: Why is there such an emphasis on member involvement in advocacy?
Beaton: Building, owning and managing apartments is complex work with a lot of moving parts and serving a wide variety of needs, whether it be what well call conventional housing or affordable housing or housing for military, students or seniors. This means that the public-policy decisions on tax, labor, the environment, energy, and many other issues will have an effect on our business. With so much at stake, we cant afford to be complacent, and we have to engage in the active education of Congress so they can make informed decisions. Weve made a lot of progress, but the education process is ongoing. Many of the members of Congress dont understand how our business works or the critical role it plays in local economies.
GlobeSt.com: In times of tax reform or economic down cycles, it always seems that Congress would be particularly tough on commercial real estate. How does the visibility and education that the industry achieves through its lobbying efforts counteract that?
Beaton: Its an accurate observation. In the past theyve looked to real estate to resolve so many issues. Today weve done a better job educating them on our industry, who we are and the great benefits we provide to the national economy. Namely, we house one-third of the people in this country; we provide jobs and enormous contributions to the local and national GDP. Its very important that they understand that.
GlobeSt.com: So what issues top the list for NAA and NMHC?
Beaton: There are many issues of concern to the apartment industry, such as immigration, affordable housing, the future of the GSEsGovernment Sponsored Enterprises such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mactax reform and energy efficiency and environmental regulation. These are just some of the issues. The two biggest are immigration and affordable housing.
GlobeSt.com: What is the apartment industry's stand on immigration reform?
Beaton: Immigration policy directly impacts the apartment industry. It drives demand for housing. Sixty-eight percent of the immigrants whove been in the United States for 10 years or less rent an apartment. Immigrants are also an important part of the labor force, and they contribute significantly to building and operating apartment communities throughout the country. Comprehensive immigration reform should provide for the following: strength in interior and border enforcement, an improved employment eligibility-verification system, a strong temporary visa program and a practical process for legalization.
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NAA Takes Industrys Case to Capitol Hill