by Perry Pillow, FWAA Vice President of Government Affairs
“There is no one alive that is you-er than you.” —Theodore Geisel (Dr. Suess)
Last month, we examined our second B12 advocacy vitamin: honesty. Effective advocacy requires honesty, and lasting advocacy depends upon authenticity. This month, we get very personal and explore Be You.
Meeting with elected officials can be intimidating, especially if you are meeting them in their Washington, Austin, or City Hall offices. Representing FWAA at these meetings adds additional anxiety. The pressure to “look right” and “get it right” can overwhelm even the most experienced FWAA member. The solution: be yourself.
When meeting city council members, mayors, state representatives, members of Congress, government officials, elected officials’ staff, etc., remember that you are the expert on all things rental housing. Your unique, personal insights matter. Share your story. Personalize the issue under consideration. For example, if you are meeting with a member of Congress, tell them how the CARES Act 30-day notice to vacate impacts your portfolio. If you are meeting with a city council member, tell them about your experiences (good or bad) with city code compliance, police, or fire officials.
Pro tip: Assume the elected official or staff has researched your social media (Linkedin, Facebook, etc.) in preparation for the meeting. They know something about you and your company.
Remember, this vitamin supplement has unlimited refills and is prescribed by a doctor . . . Dr. Seuss!
NAA ADVOCATE – FWAA leaders Adam Keck, Alexis Carreiro, Bryan Downer, Cayce Coon, Kyle Gambrell, Lani Gardner, Micah Stateson, Sarah Turner, and Taryn Lewis, along with FWAA staff members Kevin Pellegrino and Perry Pillow will be in Washington, D.C. for NAA Advocate March 24th through 28th. During this week, FWAA will meet with Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz and the entire FWAA area congressional delegation. Issues to be discussed include the repeal of the CARES Act, the 30-day notice to vacate, and the removal of barriers to increase housing supply.
THANK YOU – FWAA MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN TAA DAYS AT THE CAPITOL – FWAA leaders met with FWAA service-area state senators and state representatives during TAA’s Days at the Capitol on February 4th and 5th. Issues discussed included squatters, eviction process integrity, property taxes, and various affirmative and adverse landlord-tenant matters. Big shout out to Alexis, Amy, Becca, Bobby, Brent, Bryan, Chris, Heather, James, Jamie, Jim, Jeff, John, Kate, Katy, Kristen, Lani, Laurie, Lezlie, Micah, Nicole, Patty, Robert, Sarah, Stephanie, & T Jaye for taking time out from their busy schedule to represent FWAA!
2025 TEXAS LEGISLATURE – The 140-day 2025 Texas Legislature Session began January 14th and ends June 2nd. The Texas Apartment Association (TAA) expects more than 10,000 bills to be filed during the session. TAA is currently tracking more than 200 bills that impact our industry. FWAA’s voice is strong with TAA: FWAA Treasurer Nicole Zaitoon serves on the TAA Legislative Committee; FWAA Past President Cayce Coon is TAA Secretary; and FWAA Past President Patty Utley in a TAA Vice President At-Large. To better understand how the Texas Legislature functions, click on the following link: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/01/13/texas-legislature-2025-bills-laws-how-works/
EVICTIONS AND SQUATTERS ANECDOTES NEEDED – TAA needs real-life anecdotes about your bad experiences with the eviction process, as well as any squatter stories you can share. Please share that information at govtaffairs@taa.org
MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS – MAY 3 – More than seventy-five candidates filed to run for city council and/or mayor in cities within FWAA’s service area. FWAA’ Government Affairs Committee will consider FWAA PAC contribution recommendations for municipal candidates at the March meeting.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE FWAA PAC – FWAA advocacy efforts depend on all our members doing their part to financially support candidates that align with FWAA’s interests. Please https://form.jotform.com/220464310148143
Perry Pillow is FWAA’s Vice President of Government Affairs. For more information, contact Perry at perry@livefw.org or call 817-701-6353.
