Advocacy is my vocation; fishing is my avocation! I love to fish. Ponds, rivers, lakes; freshwater, saltwater; bays, streams, inlets; cane poles and corks; rods and reels; boats and waders; offshore or from the bank; trot lines and nets—you name it! I have fished in a variety of waters, but nets see to work pretty well. I have not always been successful (that is why it is called fishing, not catching), but there is always next time.
In 2023, Pillow Talk explores personal advocacy. Last month, we emphasized the importance of relationships (who you know). This month, we discussed networking. Which begs the question, how do you establish and expand your advocacy network? More precisely, is your net working?
Start with who you already know. Chances are, someone you know will have a contact, a connection, or a link to someone you need to know—a friend of a friend of a friend.
Next, look for small connections. Recently, I discovered that I had known a newly elected city council member’s father-in-law for more than 25 years! I had no clue that they were related! Small world.
Finally, if your schedule allows, get personally involved with various organizations in the community where you live and work. If your time is limited or you are in a season of life that does not afford you the extra time and resources to get involved, that’s okay. Sometimes standing on the bank and scouting out future opportunities is the best place to be.
Advocacy tip: Advocacy, like fishing, involves persistence. Cast your net everywhere so you can engage with new people and groups regularly. Do not discount a relationship because of political affiliation. It is healthy to have relationships with folks that do not share your ideology. It strengthens your convictions and expands your connections.
TEXAS LEGISLATURE SESSION REVIEW – The 140-day Texas Legislature finished May 29th. TAA’s affirmative, industry-related legislative priority regarding the eviction process (HB 2127) awaits Governor Abbott’s approval. Unfortunately, the city fee transparency bill (SB 767) was defeated on the point of order by Dallas-area Democrat State Representative John Bryant. As of this writing, property tax legislation has yet to be resolved. TAA’s top priority is to prevent adverse industry-related legislation from becoming law. Fortunately for our industry, there were no unfavorable industry legislation items enacted. Big thanks to AATC members Candy Maxey, Greystar, and Cayce Coon, Madera, who serve on the TAA Executive Committee, and John Gillespie, WAK, and Patty Utley, Portico serve on the TAA Legislative Committee. John Gillespie also serves on the TAA Minute Man Committee, which directs TAA staff on time-sensitive legislative issues. Huge thanks to AATC-member state representatives Craig Goldman and Stephanie Klick for their incredible efforts to ensure that Texas remains the most business-friendly state in the nation. Special thanks to the TAA lobby team: Chris Newton, Sandy Hoy, and Kyle Jackson.
SAGINAW & BEDFORD INSPECTIONS – AATC members and staff are actively engaged in repealing a $125 per unit per year registration and inspection fee in the City of Saginaw—special thanks to Teresa Alvarado with Cushman-Wakefield for bringing the Saginaw overreach to our attention. The City of Bedford continues to make inspections difficult. AATC is working with Bedford owners/operators to address these concerns.
CONTRIBUTE TO THE AATC PAC – AATC’s advocacy efforts depend on all our members doing their part to financially support candidates that align with AATC’s interests. Please contribute to the AATC PAC by clicking on the following link: https://form.jotform.com/220464310148143
JUNE 10TH – FORT WORTH CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 11 RUN-OFF ELECTION – Jeanette Martinez (36%) and Rick Herring (34%) will face off in the June 10th run-off election for the newly created District 11 Fort Worth City Council seat. District 11 includes the Riverside, Meadowbrook, and Worth Heights neighborhoods east and near southside Fort Worth. AATC is not endorsing a candidate in this race.
TAA LEASE WITH THE BEST – JUNE 28TH – Join your industry peers on June 28th at the Hurst Conference Center for a full-day seminar on the latest updates on the TAA Lease and lease forms featuring AATC member attorney Kimberly Sims. Whether you have been in the multifamily housing industry for twenty-five years or twenty-five days, this is an excellent opportunity to learn about the latest state and federal statutes that impact the industry. To register yourself and your team, go to: https://www.aatcnet.org/events/aatc-legal-summit-copy
BUSINESS EXCHANGE – NAA PAC FUNDRAISER – AUGUST 8TH – Owner/operator registration is open for the 2023 AATC Business Exchange presented by Perma-Pier. This year’s event is Tuesday, August 8th, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon at the Hurst Conference Center. Click on the following link to register your team: https://form.jotform.com/221114921448046 The AATC Business Exchange is the nation’s premier multifamily networking event. The Business Exchange allows you to meet with DFW’s top multifamily supplier partners one-on-one. More importantly, your attendance ensures we can maximize our supplier donations to the NAA Political Action Committee (NAA PAC). NAA PAC helps to fight onerous federal legislation like the CARES Act mandatory 30-day Notice to Vacate. So do not wait; register today.
FORT WORTH CRIME-FREE MULTIFAMILY HOUSING – Last month, AATC staff met with Fort Worth police officials to discuss renewed efforts to implement the Crime Free Multifamily Housing program. AATC looks forward to partnering with Fort Worth and other AATC-area law enforcement agencies on crime prevention initiatives.
Perry Pillow is AATC’s Director of Government Affairs. For more information, contact Perry at
ppillow@aatcnet.org or call 817-701-6353
