HOA Power Surge: Millions Lobby DC for Housing, Insurance Relief

Washington, D.C. – November 3, 2025 – Today, hundreds of community association leaders descend on Capitol Hill, representing the interests of 77.1 million Americans – a demographic increasingly making its voice heard in the nation’s capital. The Community Associations Institute (CAI) is spearheading a concentrated lobbying effort focused on critical issues impacting homeowners associations, condominiums, and housing cooperatives nationwide.

For decades, community associations were primarily focused on maintaining common areas and enforcing bylaws. But a confluence of factors – rising insurance costs, increasing natural disasters, and a growing housing affordability crisis – have pushed these groups to expand their influence beyond local governance and into the realm of federal policy.

“We’re not just talking about landscaping and pool maintenance anymore,” explained a CAI representative. “Our members are everyday homeowners facing real challenges – challenges that require federal solutions.”

A Growing Political Force

The sheer scale of representation – over one-third of all U.S. housing stock falls under community association governance – is undeniable. This demographic isn't easily ignored, and lawmakers are taking notice. The CAI’s Congressional Advocacy Summit aims to leverage this collective power to push for key legislative changes.

“The numbers speak for themselves,” stated a political analyst specializing in housing policy. “With 77.1 million residents, these associations represent a significant voting bloc. Politicians are increasingly attuned to their needs and concerns.”

Key Legislative Priorities

The summit focuses on several critical areas. A key priority is the ROAD to Housing Act, a bill designed to streamline financing for condo and co-op buyers. Current lending guidelines from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac often present hurdles for these purchases, requiring higher down payments and stricter underwriting standards. The Act seeks to address these issues by providing access to tailored counseling, small dollar mortgage products, and grant programs for major repairs.

“The current system disadvantages condo and co-op buyers,” said a representative familiar with the legislation. “This Act aims to level the playing field and make homeownership more accessible.”

Another pressing concern is disaster relief. Community association infrastructure – roads, utilities, common areas – often falls through the cracks in FEMA’s funding mechanisms, which primarily focus on publicly owned infrastructure. The CAI is advocating for expanded FEMA programs to include privately owned community association infrastructure. This is particularly critical in areas prone to natural disasters like hurricanes and floods.

“After a major storm, our communities are often left to rebuild on their own,” explained a community association board member from Florida. “We need FEMA to recognize that our infrastructure is essential to the safety and well-being of our residents.”

The Insurance Crisis

Perhaps the most immediate crisis facing community associations is the skyrocketing cost of insurance. In states like Florida, premiums have surged over 40% in recent years, driven by increasing natural disaster risks, aging infrastructure, and recent high-profile condo collapses. Many insurers are withdrawing from the market altogether, leaving associations with limited coverage options.

“We’re facing a potential insurance apocalypse,” warned an insurance industry analyst. “If something isn’t done soon, many associations will be unable to afford coverage, putting their communities at risk.”

The CAI is urging Congress to explore federal solutions to stabilize the insurance market, including risk mitigation measures and reinsurance programs. They argue that addressing the insurance crisis is essential to protect homeowners and maintain property values.

Beyond Emergency Relief

The CAI’s advocacy efforts extend beyond emergency relief and insurance reform. They are also pushing for policies that promote affordable housing, sustainable development, and community resilience. They believe that community associations can play a vital role in creating thriving, equitable, and sustainable communities.

“We’re not just about maintaining property values,” said a CAI board member. “We’re about building strong, vibrant communities where people want to live, work, and raise their families.”

The summit marks a turning point for community associations, signaling a shift from local governance to national advocacy. As these groups continue to flex their political muscle, lawmakers are likely to pay closer attention to their needs and concerns. The future of community association governance may well be shaped by the events unfolding on Capitol Hill today. The group's increasing influence highlights a growing recognition that the well-being of these communities is inextricably linked to the broader health and stability of the nation. “We’re here to stay,” concluded a CAI representative. “And we’re committed to making our voices heard.”