GFAA Brings Fayetteville’s Voice to Capitol Hill During NAA 2025 Advocate

The Greater Fayetteville Apartment Association (GFAA) proudly joined rental housing professionals from across the nation at the National Apartment Association’s (NAA) Advocate conference in Washington, D.C. This important event gave GFAA the opportunity to share local insights and advocate for federal policies that support the strength and stability of the multifamily industry. As a vital voice from Eastern North Carolina, GFAA brought forward the real-world concerns facing housing providers and residents in the greater Fayetteville region.

The first stop on Capitol Hill was a meeting with Representative David Rouzer’s office, where GFAA representatives met with staffer Bubba White. The team urged the Congressman to support the Respect State Housing Laws Act (H.R. 1078), which would clarify the expiration of the CARES Act and restore eviction authority to state laws. The conversation also focused on rising operational costs—like the staggering 26% increase in property insurance in 2023—and how those increases put pressure on communities where 93 cents of every rent dollar go toward expenses. GFAA also spotlighted the need for urgent FEMA reform, pointing out how multifamily residents are often excluded from crucial recovery programs and funding.

GFAA’s second meeting was with Representative Richard Hudson’s office, where the group met with Congressman and his staffer Katie McNiffe. We thanked him for his sponsorship of the Respect State Housing Laws Act, and he reassured us that he was working on moving the bill forward. The conversation shifted toward tax policy, where GFAA emphasized the urgent need for a pro-housing tax agenda. From expanding the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit to promoting adaptive reuse of commercial properties, the team laid out a multi-pronged approach to increase housing supply and affordability. They also cautioned against proposed changes that would harm development, such as eliminating like-kind exchanges or taxing carried interest as ordinary income.

These impactful meetings reinforced the importance of showing up, speaking out, and advocating for the rental housing industry at the national level. GFAA left Washington energized and encouraged, knowing our efforts are helping shape housing policy that affects millions. The Advocate conference continues to be an essential platform for apartment associations to connect with lawmakers, promote smart legislation, and help build a stronger housing future for North Carolina and beyond.