Builders to Push for Key Housing Priorities During 2020 Virtual Legislative Conference

Members looking to deliver the industry’s key priorities to Congress can make a difference by participating in the 2020 Legislative Conference on June 22-24 without traveling to Washington, D.C. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s conference will be completely virtual.

Because NAHB members will not be visiting Capitol Hill, the virtual meetings with your federal lawmakers will actually create greater opportunities for increased participation, as hosting meetings online allow more members to attend this critical grassroots conference and get involved with advocacy efforts. During these virtual meetings with lawmakers, members are encouraged to ask their representatives and senators to move forward on several key issues, including:

• Promoting policies and job training programs that will help ensure an ample supply of well-trained workers to build the nation’s homes;
• Strengthening the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC);
• Reducing regulations that harm small businesses;
• Preventing federal intrusion into the energy codes development process;
• Revising small business lending programs during the COVID-19 crisis to make those loans available to more home builders; and
• Providing rental assistance to struggling families during the coronavirus-caused economic downturn.

Tips to Prepare

In a recent Third Tuesday Town Hall, staff from NAHB’s Government Affairs and Membership teams spoke about the changes in the conference this year and how to use these changes to involve even more members. It’s an important opportunity for members to become more engaged and to help strengthen their local HBA. A goal of these virtual meetings is to keep them at the same level as if they were held in-person. Here are some tips to prepare:

• Dress the part — meetings on Capitol Hill usually require business attire.
• It is very easy to speak over others on a virtual call, so make sure you are waiting for the appropriate time to comment.
• Follow your local guidelines for social distancing and stay-at-home orders.

The following resources can help you prepare for your virtual meetings:

• U.S. House of Representatives
• U.S. Senate
• Template meeting invitation
• 2020 NAHB Legislative Priorities brochure
• NAHB key issues videos
• Lobbying Tips

Learn more about NAHB’s top legislative priorities by visiting nahb.org.