Legislative Advocacy: Federal Advocacy

Recognizes agencies demonstrating the most efficient, effective, and creative use of resources to achieve federal legislative objectives.

Judging Criteria

Legislative Advocacy entries will be judged on the degree to which they:

  • Advance the overall mission of the agency
  • Are innovative
  • Are replicable
  • Demonstrate coalition building
  • Forge effective relationships with state and/or federal legislators
  • Achieve strategic objectives
  • Anticipate, identify, and prioritize legislative issues
  • Reach target audiences
  • Employ analytical skills to anticipate and identify the potential ramifications of issues
  • Provide benefits that outweigh costs
  • Demonstrate effective use of resources

If you have questions, please email awards@ncsha.org or call 202-624-7710.

2023 Winner

MassHousing

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency

2023 Entries

MassHousing:
IRS/DPA Tax Implications

MassHousing used strong relationships with the powerful House Ways and Means Chair (and Massachusetts Congressman) and Treasury to eliminate the tax burden on new buyers receiving down payment assistance. The resulting Treasury clarification benefits states all across the country that have created homebuyer assistance programs with ARPA funds.

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency:
North Carolinaā€™s Federal Advocacy Paves Way for $14 Billion Investment in Affordable Housing

Determined to preserve LIHTC deals facing COVID-19 repercussions without forgoing future funding, NCHFA launched a state campaign that secured $170M SLFRF. Yet, U.S. Treasuryā€™s unfavorable guidelines forced these efforts to a halt. Seeking a federal solution, an unlikely partnership between Congresswoman Adams and Congressman Rouzer bore the LIFELINE Act. This act informed to new Treasury rules issued in July 2022, resulting in at least $14B of SLFRF nationally allocated for affordable housing.

Oregon Housing and Community Services:
Building Trust and Deepening Relationships from 3,000 Miles Away

In recent years, OHCS worked to tear down silos and intentionally work to increase partnerships to advance our shared goals of increasing housing opportunities for Oregonians. This includes advocating for more private activity bond flexibility and usage, collaborating consistently with the federal delegation, establishing OHCS as an expert in affordable housing, and lifting voices of lived experience and expertise.