Advocacy is most powerful when the voices of community association advocates are heard directly by the elected officials shaping public policy. In 2026, members of CAI’s legislative action committees are stepping into state capitals across the country for CAI State Advocacy Days where they meet face-to-face with legislators to share real-world perspectives from the communities they serve. These conversations build relationships, educate lawmakers, strengthen understanding, promote CAI’s resources, and help ensure the needs of community associations are represented in state policy decisions.
CAI legislative action committees monitor state legislation, educate lawmakers, protect the interests of those living and working in community associations, and execute these events in their state capitals. Each volunteer committee is comprised of homeowner leaders, community managers, and representatives from community association business partners.
NEW RESOURCE FOR LEGISLATORS: With 46 states in session in 2026, CAI LACs host advocacy and fly-in days to educate state legislators on sound public policy for the community association industry. Each of these CAI LACs also took this time to spotlight CAI’s Community Association Living webinar to elected officials and staff. This free and interactive webinar gives homeowner leaders, volunteers, and residents a perspective of how associations can develop and maintain a cohesive, supportive society within their boundaries so everyone can fully enjoy and benefit from community association living.
Here’s a roundup of recent advocacy events and activities:
Georgia
The Georgia Legislative Action Committee hosted its inaugural Advocacy Day at the Capitol on Feb. 26 in Atlanta. Over 100 members attended the event as did the chapter executive director and staff and the LAC’s lobbyist. The event was supported by Phoebe Neseth, Esq. Attendees visited legislative offices to drop off material about CAI and facts and figures on Georgia’s community associations. In advance of the event, a virtual call to action was emailed to CAI Georgia members and advocates, resulting in 68 messages sent from 30 advocates to 44 legislators. Ten of these advocates are first time advocates who never engaged with a CAI grassroots campaign.
Minnesota
CAI’s Minnesota Legislative Action Committee held its first CAI Minnesota Advocacy Day in Saint Paul, Minn., on March 11. More than 100 CAI Minnesota members and advocates attended to promote CAI’s public policies to state legislators and continue to combat bad legislation such as SF 1750, which would place harmful and burdensome regulations on community associations.
Missouri
The Missouri Legislative Action Committee hosted its annual Advocacy Day in Jefferson City on Feb. 24. The event was attended by 15 CAI members, the LAC’s lobbyist, and was supported by Phoebe Neseth, Esq. The LAC met with 10 legislators to advocate on bill positions, introduce CAI to legislators, and distribute information on facts and figures on Missouri’s community associations. In advance of the event, a virtual call to action was emailed to CAI Missouri members and advocates, resulting in eight messages sent from four advocates to eight legislators.
Virginia
Members of the Virginia Legislative Action Committee gathered in Richmond on Feb. 20 to meet with legislators and share information about CAI and the LAC’s ongoing work. Advocates coordinated strategic meetings with newer lawmakers and key committee members to hold focused discussions on the community housing model. Several meetings centered on active legislation including amendments to the Default Judgements Act, education surrounding restrictive covenants, and best practices for portable solar equipment. However, most discussions served as introductions to the LAC and opportunities to highlight CAI’s broad range of resources. A total of 12 advocates including LAC members, the committee’s lobbyist, CAI Central Virginia’s executive director, and CAI national staff participated in the annual event. Together, the group met with or delivered advocacy materials to 16 state legislators.
Washington
The Washington Legislative Action Committee hosted its inaugural Olympia Day Legislative Summit on Feb. 25 that was attended by 35 CAI members, CAI Washington State Chapter executive director and staff, and the LAC’s lobbyist. The LAC met with 51 legislators to advocate on bill positions, introduce CAI to legislators, and distribute information on facts and figures on Washington’s community associations. The event was supported by Tony Campisi, CAE. While CAI was onsite at the capitol, an agreement was reached with the sponsor of HB 1500 on amendments, causing the LAC to formally drop its opposition to the bill, proving that presence in state capitols has a critical impact on legislation. In advance of the summit, a virtual call to action was emailed to Washington members and advocates, resulting in 66 messages from 22 advocates to 54 legislators. Two of these advocates are first-time advocates who never engaged with a CAI grassroots campaign.
West Virginia
Members of CAI’s newest chapter-in-organization, West Virginia, held its second annual advocacy day March 4 in Charleston, West Va. CAI members were well represented by homeowner leaders, managers, management company representatives, attorneys, and bankers to promote CAI’s new chapter to state legislators and educate them on the resources CAI can provide to their offices and staff.
CAI’s advocacy efforts would not be successful without volunteers’ time and dedication. If you are interested in getting involved in CAI’s advocacy efforts, please visit our advocacy webpage today.
There is so much more to come across state capitals this year. As 2026 state legislative sessions continue, several other CAI LACs are advocating on behalf of community associations. State LACs conduct fundraisers like the Dollar-a-Door-More campaign to increase advocacy efforts. Individual and corporate donations are permitted and greatly appreciated. Donate or learn more about your CAI LAC here. For current legislation tracked and addressed by CAI’s LACs across the country, click here.
