AAWNC takes on Advocate 2024

Post-Lobby Day Update: Congressman Chuck Edwards cosponsored HR 802 according to Seth Turner, Sr. Manager, Grassroots Advocacy & Engagement with NAA, who share an update since our Lobby Day visits. 

AAWNC again participated NAA Advocate Lobby Day, our meetings were very productive and even helped move legislation forward. 

We met with the Office of Congressman Chuck Edwards on March 13 and discussed several pivotal legislative proposals, including the Choice in Affordable Housing Act, the Yes In My Backyard (YIMBY) initiative, and the Respect State Housing Laws Act. We emphasized the YIMBY Act's objective of promoting inclusive and sustainable urban development, our conversation focused on the importance of empowering communities to embrace increased housing options and overcome barriers to affordable housing development. We asked if the Congressman would be willing to sponsor this legislation knowing his recent history of sponsoring a similar bill in the North Carolina House in 2019. We were met with an encouraging “possibly.” The congressional staffer believed that Congressman Edwards would be open to the idea. 

In addition, we explored the provisions of the Respect State Housing Laws Act, which seeks to uphold state autonomy in housing policy and curb federal protocols that override state laws. We emphasized the significance of bipartisan collaboration in advancing these initiatives to tackle the urgent issue of housing affordability and ensure access to secure housing. Later that same day the Congressional office reached out with a recommendation to help move one of our key initiatives forward, currently NAA is coordinating this solution with his staff.   

For those eager to participate in public policy conversations or engage in the legislative process, we hope you join us next March at Advocate in Washington DC.