NALHFA Advocacy Resources

Helping NALHFA members confidently engage with lawmakers, share the local impact of affordable housing policy, and build stronger relationships with congressional offices.

Effective advocacy is about more than a single meeting on Capitol Hill. It is about building long-term relationships, sharing your expertise, telling the story of affordable housing in your community, and helping lawmakers understand the real-world impact of federal housing policy.

Whether you are preparing for your first congressional meeting or regularly engage with elected officials, NALHFA has resources to help you prepare, communicate your priorities, and represent the affordable housing finance community effectively.

Advocacy Resources

Start with these resources to prepare for meetings with Members of Congress and congressional staff and strengthen your advocacy skills.

NALHFA Congressional Advocacy Toolkit

NALHFA's Congressional Advocacy Toolkit provides practical guidance to help members prepare for and conduct effective meetings with lawmakers and congressional staff.

Use the toolkit before meetings on Capitol Hill, district or state office visits, site tours, and other opportunities to engage policymakers and communicate the importance of affordable housing in your community.

View the Advocacy Toolkit
Coming Soon

Advocacy 101: NALHFA University

Looking for an introduction to congressional advocacy or a refresher before your next meeting? NALHFA's Advocacy 101 training will walk members through the fundamentals of engaging elected officials and congressional staff.

The on-demand session will cover preparing your message, telling your local housing story, making an effective legislative ask, and developing lasting relationships with policymakers.

Advocacy 101 is coming soon to NALHFA University.

How to Conduct an Effective Congressional Meeting

A little preparation, a clear message, and a strong local story can go a long way toward creating a meaningful conversation.

1

Know Who You Are Meeting

Research the Member of Congress and their staff. Review the legislator's district or state, committee assignments, leadership roles, and any connection to housing or community development issues.

2

Prepare Your Message

Identify the two or three most important points you want the congressional office to remember and connect national policy issues to local impact.

3

Tell Your Local Story

Share projects, programs, data, success stories, and challenges that demonstrate how federal housing policy affects the communities you serve.

4

Make a Clear Ask

Be specific about the action you would like the Member of Congress to take, whether that means supporting legislation, protecting a program, or addressing a regulatory issue.

5

Have a Conversation

Leave time for questions and listen to the office's perspective. If you do not know an answer, offer to follow up with additional information.

6

Follow Up

Send a thank-you after the meeting, provide any promised materials, and continue the relationship beyond the initial conversation.

Congressional Meeting Tips

Keep these quick reminders in mind before, during, and after your meetings.

Before the Meeting

  • Review NALHFA's current federal policy priorities.
  • Research the Member of Congress and relevant staff.
  • Coordinate speaking roles if attending as a group.
  • Prepare concise local examples and data.
  • Know the specific action you want the office to take.

During the Meeting

  • Introduce yourself and your organization.
  • Explain the communities you serve.
  • Keep your message focused and easy to understand.
  • Connect federal policy to local impact.
  • Ask questions and listen to the office's perspective.

After the Meeting

  • Thank the congressional office for its time.
  • Send promised follow-up information promptly.
  • Share relevant NALHFA resources.
  • Continue communicating throughout the year.
  • Look for opportunities to engage lawmakers locally.

Advocacy Doesn't End on Capitol Hill

Some of the most effective congressional engagement happens at home. Building relationships throughout the year can help establish NALHFA members as trusted local resources on affordable housing and community development.

Invite Lawmakers to Visit

Invite Members of Congress and staff to tour developments, attend ribbon cuttings, or visit programs supported by your organization.

Share Your Successes

Keep congressional offices informed about projects, investments, milestones, and community outcomes.

Become a Resource

Offer your organization's expertise when congressional staff have questions about housing conditions, financing tools, development challenges, or local needs.

Stay Connected

Maintain relationships throughout the year, not only when legislation is moving or an important vote is approaching.

Be a Voice for Affordable Housing

NALHFA's advocacy is strongest when policymakers hear directly from the local housing finance agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners working every day to address America's housing needs.

View the Advocacy Toolkit