What happens if affordable housing professionals stop telling their story? In this episode of The SAHMA Exchange, Larry Keys of NAHMA and Glenda Leduc of Mansermar, Inc. and Mid-America Apartment Management Co., Inc. discuss why advocacy matters, how public perception shapes policy, and why lawmakers need to hear directly from the people managing affordable housing communities every day. From housing supply and regulatory challenges to resident outcomes and industry misconceptions, this conversation explores what's at stake if affordable housing professionals stop speaking up. Because if we're not telling the affordable housing story, someone else will.
Guests:
• Larry Keys, Vice President of Government Affairs, National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA)
• Glenda Leduc, President, Mansermar, Inc. and Mid-America Apartment Management Co., Inc.
Episode Overview
Affordable housing advocacy is often viewed as something that happens in Washington, D.C., but the reality is that every affordable housing professional has a role to play in shaping the future of the industry.
In this episode, Larry Keys and Glenda Leduc discuss why advocacy matters, how public perception influences policy decisions, and why lawmakers need to hear directly from the people managing affordable housing communities every day.
Key Discussion Topics
The Challenges Facing Affordable Housing
• Housing supply shortages
• Preservation of existing affordable housing
• Funding pressures
• Resident outcomes and community impact
Why Advocacy Matters
• The importance of industry participation
• The role of property management voices
• Educating lawmakers on operational realities
• Moving legislation across the finish line
Policy vs. Reality
• Federal and state regulatory challenges
• Operational realities at the property level
• Compliance complexities
• The need for practical policymaking
Public Perception and Misconceptions
• Affordable housing stigma
• Workforce housing realities
• Seniors and housing affordability
• Why storytelling matters
Advocacy in Action
• How real-world stories resonate with lawmakers
• Larry's "People, Place, Purpose" framework
• Practical ways to engage in advocacy
• Why every housing professional's voice matters
Memorable Quotes
"Our job is to make it hard for lawmakers to look the other way."
"We're not just dealing with buildings. We're dealing with lives."
"If we're not telling the affordable housing story, someone else will."
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