Grassroots advocacy is most effective when the people closest to an issue make their voices heard. Throughout the first half of 2026, CAI legislative action committee member advocates, community association professionals, volunteer leaders, and industry partners demonstrated the collective strength of our advocacy network by engaging with policymakers on issues that directly affect the communities they serve.
From responding to call-to-action alerts, attending state advocacy days, directly meeting with state legislators, and participating in advocacy campaigns to sharing first-hand expertise with elected officials, members across the industry helped amplify a unified voice for community associations. Their strong engagement strengthened advocacy efforts and contributed to meaningful policy outcomes that reinforce the vital role grassroots participation plays in advancing the industry’s priorities at every level of government.
During the first half of 2026 with Congress and 46 states in session, CAI advocates achieved record grassroots engagement across the United States. Read the report here. These achievements include:
- 79 state and federal grassroots call to action email campaigns launched in 21 states.
- More than 8,400 community association advocates sent more than 73,250 emails to state and federal legislators. More than 7,000 people were first-time participants in a CAI advocacy campaign.
- More than 1,300 state and federal legislators were directly contacted by constituent community association advocates on behalf of the community association housing model.
- 11 state community association industry advocacy days held in state capitols and attended by more than 400 CAI advocates.
- This engagement resulted in 63% positive or neutral legislative outcomes with 32% of 2026 legislation still pending this year.
If you’ve ever wondered whether taking part in CAI’s grassroots advocacy can truly make a difference for the community association industry, the answer is a resounding yes. Every email sent, phone call made, meeting attended, and action alert completed helps build momentum for industry priorities and demonstrates to lawmakers that the community association sector is engaged, informed, and invested in the policies that shape our communities.
Advocacy isn’t reserved for seasoned advocates or policy experts; it is powered by CAI members willing to share their real-world experiences and explain how legislative decisions directly affect the communities they serve. There has never been a better time to get involved.
As local, state, and federal policymakers continue to consider legislation affecting community associations, every new advocate strengthens our collective voice and increases our ability to achieve meaningful outcomes. Whether you’re responding to your first action alert or participating in your 10th advocacy campaign, your participation helps ensure our industry is represented when important decisions are made.
Seven states continue legislative sessions through the end of the calendar year. If you are interested in getting involved with your state legislative action committee or general CAI advocacy efforts, visit our webpage here.
