News from the Chicago Chapter

Report from IREM Spring 2016 Legislative and Leadership Summit: A First-Time Attendee’s Perspective

By Elaine Finley, ARM®
Urban Innovations
IREM Chicago 2016 Secretary

As Secretary of the Chicago Chapter, 2016 marked the first time I attend the IREM® Legislative and Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C.  I quickly learned that the issues addressed closely correspond with so many issues faced daily by real estate property management. Chicago Chapter leaders are seasoned Summit attendees, and they didn’t mine passing the baton to me to continue support of IREM goals and leadership objectives.  

Here are some brief thoughts from my time at the Summit:

CONFERENCE ROOM ACTION

At each event I attended, the presenter would welcome all participants and then introduce the panelists. The information that was delivered, often highlighted by photographs, certainly captured my interest and attention. 

Here are some highlights from meetings I attended:

HEAR THE OPTIMISTIC ROAR

• Sustainability Advisory Board – Insight into modifying, implementing, and promoting the IREM® Certified Sustainability Property certification program.

• Chapter Leadership Forum – Sharing best practices while learning from each other --with the goal of enhancing chapter success and effectiveness.

• Presidents of Decades Keynote – Great overview by retired White House reporter Ann Compton. What a treat! 

INDUSTRY ROUND TABLE

• Transgender Bathroom Best Practices:  A property manager from Alabama was in attendance and has started the process to include space for this request.  She stated it is still in the early stage of commitment, and the project had not been approved yet for construction.

CAPITOL HILL VISIT DAY

• An IREM contingent of 220 members marched one by one in groups by region to their scheduled meetings with “Agendas for Action” in hand. 

• H.R. 3700 “The Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act”

House & Senate Action: This bill was passed by the House unanimously, by a vote of 427-0; our visit to representatives in Congress was just to thank legislators in person for such swift action.We urged the Senate to act on this important legislation during this presidential term.

Today, I feel very honored to have been a part of history on the Hill during 2016 with some of the most powerful IREM® members in the nation.  I take away that, IREM® truly believes in the power of knowledge and the importance of sharing it.