Building relationships with lawmakers is one of the most effective ways to advance policies that support the 78.1 million Americans living in 380,000 community associations. That’s why CAI’s Government and Public Affairs team traveled to Chicago this week to exhibit at the 2026 National Conference of State Legislatures Legislative Summit.
As one of more than 200 exhibiting organizations including corporations, government agencies, trade associations, and consulting firms, CAI connected with more than 4,000 state legislators, legislative staff, federal officials, and policy leaders representing 50 states and 20 countries. Throughout the summit, CAI highlighted its role as the leading international authority on the community association housing model while building new relationships with policymakers and their key staff who influence legislation affecting community associations.
These conversations are more important than ever. Each year, CAI tracks more than 2,000 pieces of legislation impacting community associations across the country. Meeting face-to-face with state leaders provides a valuable opportunity to discuss legislative priorities, emerging policy issues, share trusted resources, and increase understanding of the unique needs of community associations.
Advancing Key Community Association Policy Priorities
Condominium safety public policies, diversity, and equity efforts are at the forefront of our team’s discussions with state legislators. Staff shared CAI’s newly updated Condominium Safety Public Policy as well as CAI’s resources on rights and responsibilities for better communities with legislators and staffers.
These conversations won’t end at the summit. CAI will continue building relationships with lawmakers and state legislative action committees through ongoing outreach.
New Resources for Lawmakers and Their Constituents
During conversations with lawmakers, CAI showcased its brand-new Community Association Living: An Essential Guide for Homeowner Leaders webinar course for lawmakers to bring back to their staff and constituents. The free, easy-to-follow online course is available to all homeowners and outlines the fundamentals of community association living. CAI encouraged lawmakers to share it with their constituents when questions and concerns arise regarding community associations.
CAI also encouraged legislators and their staff to connect with community associations in their district through CAI’s Constituents in Your Communities program. This program allows CAI communities to invite state and federal elected officials and their staff to association events in their district to get to know their constituents, experience local community spirit, and learn about issues important to communities.
Advocacy Starts with Relationships
CAI’s advocacy efforts are strengthened by the dedicated homeowner leaders, community managers, and business partners who volunteer on state legislative action committees. Together, these volunteers advocate for legislation that supports effective community association governance while opposing policies that could negatively impact the community association housing model.
By fostering meaningful relationships with legislators and equipping them with trusted educational resources, CAI continues to strengthen its voice on behalf of the community association industry.
Help CAI Advocacy continue the conversation. Explore CAI’s advocacy resources and share them with your elected officials to help educate policymakers about the communities they serve.
