Government affairs advocates for industry.

CSG Includes NAA Note in Suggested Meth Lab Cleanup Legislation

The Council of State Governments (CSG) accepted without any amendments a seven-page note, drafted by NAA, for inclusion in the 2006 Suggested State Legislation

(SSL) volume. This note outlines existing state laws on methamphetamine lab cleanup and raises several points regarding property rights and liability. NAA was appointed to the CSG's Public Safety and Justice (PS&J) Task Force this year, which examines topics such as homeland security, Megan's Law, methamphetamine and immigration.

NAA and REAGS Have Active Year

During 2005, NAA and the Real Estate Advocacy Group for States (REAGS) sponsored two events at national public policy organization meetings. REAGS has hosted events for elected officials, given awards to officials that have been friends to the real estate industry and provided opportunities for coalition members to partner on research.

A lunch was sponsored for the Economic Development, Trade and Cultural Affairs Committee at the National Conference of State Legislatures annual meeting, Aug. 17, in Seattle.

At the National Association of Counties Annual Conference, July 15-19, in Honolulu, NAA with REAGS was a chief sponsor of the 2005 Large Urban County Caucus (LUCC). In December, the organization will honor State Rep. Donna Stone (R-Del.-32nd) with the Policymaker of the Year Award at CSG's annual meeting in Dover, Del.

NAA Sponsors Reception at APA Conference

In March, NAA was a sponsor of the Virginia Tech Alumni Reception at the American Planning Association National Planning Conference in San Francisco. The reception was held to announce the Planning Academy at Virginia Tech: Educating Professionals for the New Metropolis. NAA was invited to sponsor this event because of its relationship with the Urban Affairs and Planning department through the impact fees research project.

NAA Hosts First-Ever Legal Symposium

NAA hosted its first-ever legal symposium for industry attorneys Nov. 16-17 in San Antonio. The two half-day sessions provided education and networking opportunities to industry counsel overseeing property operations. Topics included legal compliance on accessibility, liquidated damages, overtime rules and privacy.

NAA PAC, BGF Contributions Climb

The NAA PAC Ambassadors and the Legislative Committee approved new candidate criteria for NAA PAC disbursements and also a strategic spending budget for the 2005-2006 election cycle. A plan has been set for recommended giving levels down to the local associations' board of directors. This has resulted in participation from 80 percent of the NAA Board of Directors and 93 percent of the Legislative Committee. Fifty percent of affiliates have met their NAA PAC Fair Share.