NAAPAC soars to new heights.

NAAPAC reached and surpassed its goal of $175,000 in 2006, the largest amount raised since its inception. This was accomplished through the fund-raising efforts of the NAAPAC Ambassadors and NAA's special events held at each of its three major conferences. Events including the Stars, Stripes and Diamonds, Annual Golf Challenge and Bucs & Booty raised over $75,000 towards its goal. NAA extends special recognition to its supplier partners for helping to raise awareness of NAAPAC this year. By holding their own poker tournament and raffles, they greatly increased fund-raising efforts. Fifteen states and 63 percent of all local affiliates have met or exceeded their Fair Share. Ninety-three percent of NAA's Board of Directors and 82 percent of the Legislative Committee participated in 2006.

NAAPAC succeeded in establishing an increase in its recommended Fair Share levels. Along with NMHC, NAA hosted 16 key congressional events in Washington, D.C., and in the districts. This not only put a face to NAAPAC, but it also aided in raising NAA's political influence.

Better Government Fund

The Better Government Fund (BGF) raised funds in excess of of $75,000--the largest amount since its inception. Its annual event at NAA's Capitol Conference was held in the U.S. Capitol building. Unexpectedly that evening, attendees were escorted into the Senate chamber to view the Senate debate over a historic attempt to censure President Bush.

The BGF was put to use this year aiding PAC initiatives and events across the country. Most important was its ability to fund NAA's legal research project on the growing inspections issue. As it is also used for supporting grassroots efforts statewide, the BGF has been helpful in assisting with funding for issue campaigns, such as the ballot initiative regarding Amendment 3 in Florida.

End Prior Approval Coalition

NAAPAC established a coalition of associations to repeal the tedious Prior Authorization legislation. EPAC or the "End Prior Approval Coalition" united more than 100 trade associations similar to NAA in the battle to put these organizations on a fair playing field with membership associations, 527s, unions and corporate entities in dealing with elected officials. Making much headway this year with educating Members of Congress and the Federal Election Commission (FEC) about the federal statute, NAAPAC was asked to lead a panel on the issue before the FEC. The panel will begin meeting with the FEC monthly in January 2007.

Getting Out the Vote

Also supporting NAA's political advocacy efforts is its new grassroots Web site, ApartmentVotesCount.org. In partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the site was structured to assist apartment communities with registering voters. To date the site has enlisted more than 18,700 new registered voters. Along with the voter registration efforts, ApartmentVotesCount.org was NAA's go-to tool for information regarding elected officials, candidates and their positions on important issues. It was also used in issue campaign efforts as a place to provide information, write to members of Congress, ask questions and learn about key actions at the state level. NAA plans to use this site on a permanent basis.