Why Your Voice Matters Now More than Ever at PHADA’s Legislative Forum
PHADA President John T. Mahon.
This month, our nation celebrates a remarkable milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. For two and a half centuries, the United States has been built on a simple but powerful idea—that government works best when citizens participate. Independence Day is more than fireworks and parades. It is a reminder that democracy depends on engaged people making their voices heard. For those of us in affordable housing, that lesson feels especially relevant.
Federal housing policy has never been static. It has evolved over generations because people identified challenges, shared their experiences, and worked with elected leaders to find solutions. The foundation of modern public housing can be traced back to the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, which established the federal government’s first permanent public housing program. Decades later, Congress created what would become the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, providing families with greater choice and flexibility in the private rental market. Together, these programs have helped millions of Americans access stable, affordable housing.
Every year, Congress makes decisions that directly affect public housing authorities, voucher programs, capital needs, regulatory requirements, and the ability of agencies to serve residents. PHADA works every day to advocate for increased local flexibility, sensible guidance and regulations, and adequate funding. But, the most powerful advocates are often the people living and working in communities across the country—you.
Advocacy is a word we use frequently, but it does not have to be complicated. At its core, advocacy means sharing real stories about your residents and communities and your expertise with decision-makers. It means calling a congressional office when a policy proposal affects your residents. It means inviting a Member of Congress to visit one of your properties. It means explaining how a funding shortfall, a burdensome regulation, or a successful local program impacts real people. No one understands the realities of housing assistance better than the professionals who administer these programs every day.
That’s one reason PHADA’s Legislative Forum is one of the most important events we hold each year. From September 13–15, members from across the country will gather in Washington, DC, to learn about emerging policy issues, hear directly from federal officials and policymakers, and engage with Congress on behalf of their residents and agencies. Staying informed and participating in these conversations is one of the most meaningful ways to remain actively engaged in our democracy and assist our residents and communities.
If you have never participated in congressional meetings or PHADA’s Legislative Forum before, don’t worry, you don’t have to do it alone. In the weeks leading up to the Legislative Forum, PHADA will be providing advocacy resources designed to make the process easier and more effective. Members will have access to advocacy guides, webinars, and practical tools covering everything from scheduling meetings with congressional offices to developing talking points and delivering your message with confidence. Our goal is simple: to help every member feel prepared to tell their story and make their voice heard.
As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, it is worth remembering that democracy is not something we observe from the sidelines. It is something we participate in. Whether you are a housing authority executive director, commissioner, staff member, or industry partner, your experiences matter. Your perspective matters. And your voice can help shape the future of housing policy for the communities
we all serve.
That’s a tradition worth celebrating—and one worth continuing for the next 250 years.