Empowering Advocacy: VAMA's Strategic Initiative and Member Engagement in the Virginia General Assembly

By Erika Misseri

Beginning in 2024, VAMA undertook a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering its presence and influence within the Virginia General Assembly. Exceeding its initial target of 16 active member participants, the initiative saw an impressive turnout of 18 dedicated members from across Virginia actively engaging in rental housing policy discussions. These discussions involved interactions with 26 legislators and their aides, spanning both chambers of the General Assembly.

In addition to speaking to legislation affecting rental housing, several individuals showcased VAMA's commitment to excellence in providing quality and affordable housing – exemplified by inviting legislators to tour affordable properties post-session adjournment. Others passionately advocated for the industry's perception, drawing on personal experiences to emphasize the indispensable role rental housing plays. Additionally, these individuals stressed the expertise of VAMA's constituents, asserting the importance of their inclusion in stakeholder conversations. Many reported feeling empowered to advocate for rental housing following one-on-one meetings with their legislators, denoting the impactful exchanges that took place beyond the legislative discussions.

While the initiative achieved notable success, it also identified areas for refinement. Specifically, scheduling meetings before the bill crossover period emerged as a strategic opportunity to enhance impact and steer legislative outcomes in alignment with VAMA's mission and priorities. Despite the room for improvement, the initiative's overall success in raising awareness and advocating for VAMA's mission stands as a testament to the commitment and dedication of its members.

In addition to its achievements in member engagement at the 2024 Virginia General Assembly, VAMA is committed to further enhancing its legislative presence and visibility throughout the rest of the year. To achieve this goal, VAMA's staff will be coordinating legislator site visits at communities across the state, providing lawmakers with invaluable firsthand experiences of the challenges and successes within the rental housing sector. Furthermore, over the course of the next 9 months, VAMA will be prioritizing hosting political fundraising events at properties to increase legislative access and awareness of our organization’s mission and priorities.

In summary, surpassing the target for member engagement at the Virginia General Assembly in 2024 signals VAMA's growing influence in legislative affairs. Looking ahead, VAMA is poised to capitalize on this momentum by seizing strategic opportunities to enact meaningful change and amplify the collective voice of rental housing professionals throughout Virginia. 

Are you interested in hosting a legislative site visit at your community, or showcasing your property at a political fundraiser? Please contact Erika Misseri at Erika@vamaonline.org for more information or to coordinate.