As we approach the end of another year, CAI’s government and public affairs team finds itself with a cornucopia of success. From amicus wins to legislative victories to a first-ever virtual advocacy summit, the hard work of CAI’s growing network of dedicated volunteers is truly a blessing.

Grassroots Advocacy

In 2022 alone, more than 11,000 advocates sent nearly 30,000 messages to state and federal legislators in support of the community association housing model. These dedicated individuals also involved more than 5,000 of their industry colleagues in advocacy this year. We look forward to another amazing legislative season with our grassroots advocates.

Virtual Advocacy Summit

In October, CAI hosted its first-ever virtual summit. Over the course of three days, we welcomed more than 200 advocates who met with 75 congressional offices to promote CAI‘s federal priorities. This endeavor would not be possible without the strong voices of advocates in each of the 27 states represented.

Legislative Action Committees

In 2022, CAI’s legislative action committees experienced a unique year. These committee members monitor state legislation, educate lawmakers, and protect the interests of those living and working in community associations. Each committee comprises homeowner leaders, community managers, and representatives from community association business partners who graciously volunteer their time. This year, 113 of these members nationwide reached their 10-year term limit. We look forward to the new cohort of LAC members in all 36 states.

Government and Public Affairs Committee

In the past year, the committee has successfully passed two new public policies. The first, about accessory dwelling units, was adopted in February. The second, regarding the display of political and noncommercial signs, was adopted last month. Both were the result of exceptionally hard work from the committee and subcommittees and provide integral guidance to community associations across the country.

Federal Legislative Action Committee

The committee has worked diligently to garner federal support for our priorities in 2022. Members helped discuss CAI’s condominium safety legislative and regulatory initiatives with representatives from several key federal offices, including members of the Senate, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, Federal Housing Finance Agency, Department of Housing and Urban Development, the House Financial Services Committee, and the White House. The group has successfully progressed our federal priorities throughout the year.

CAI’s advocacy accomplishments would not be possible without the hard work and commitment of each of our advocates and committee members. Their unmatched commitment has given us so much to be grateful for, and we are anxiously awaiting the start of the 2023 legislative season.

Sign up to be an advocate, get emails when we need your help, and support your state’s LAC in their efforts to keep community associations the preferred place to live.

From all of us at from CAI’s government and public affairs department, we wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!

  • Dawn Bauman, CAE

    Senior Vice President, Government & Public Affairs

    Executive Director, Foundation for Community Association Research

  • C. Scott Canady

    Scott Canady's 13-year record of public service includes experience gained in the U.S. House of Representatives and in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

    In Congress, Scott served as chief policy and political aide to a senior member of the House Financial Services Committee, working to reform the National Flood Insurance Program and improve the regulation of housing finance giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

    Following his time in Congress, Scott was appointed Deputy Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Scott served as a key legislative liaison with members of the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Banking Committee.

    In 2009, Scott began his partnership with Community Associations Institute by launching Tambala Strategy. Through this partnership, Scott has worked with CAI's members and leadership team to advance the views of common interest communities on a variety of issues including federal condominium standards, federal disaster assistance for community associations, and community association lien priority.

    Scott earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Louisiana State University and a Master of Public Administration from the George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government.

  • Phoebe E. Neseth, Esq.

    Senior Director of Government and Public Affairs and the College of Community Association Lawyers

  • Lula Fekadu

    Fekadu is the Senior Manager, Government & Public Affairs and PAC Compliance, and works with hundreds of volunteer leaders throughout the 50 states serving on CAI legislative action committees and CAI government affairs committees to advocate for strong and sensible public policy-impacting community associations. As Senior Manager, of Government & Public Affairs and PAC Compliance, Fekadu is a liaison as well as a team leader and has been with the Community Associations Institute for over 20 years. Managing the Legislative Action Committees (LACs) nomination process, the Political Action Committee (PAC), and Lobbying reporting compliance and filing deadlines by ensuring CAI complies with the laws and regulations. Manage CAI Designation Code of Ethics Committee Docket and handle complaint inquiries and provide project management support for special projects at the direction of the SVP. Fekadu holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration – Management from Colorado Technical University.

  • Hannah Engber

    Manager, Government & Public Affairs

  • Ben Price

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