Building Relationships
State associations host annual connection events at the capitol.
During what can seem like the endless months of an Iowa winter, several state associations have established a tradition that brings a little brightness into those gray days.
The Home Builders Association of Iowa, the Iowa Association of REALTORS®, and the American Institute of Architects, Iowa Chapter all host member events at the state capitol to shine a light on key legislative issues and to build relationships between members and representatives.
These events, always held during the slower construction months of January and February, have become a highlight on the calendar. The gatherings offer members the opportunity to see the legislative system in action and allow legislators to hear directly from the constituents they represent.
Here’s a glimpse of the activities that took place during the 2025 events, as well as the issues each organization is following this legislative session.
Mark your calendars and join your fellow association members for next year’s event. We all have a voice in the process, but you have to show up for your voice to be heard.
Home Builders Association of Iowa (HBA Iowa)
Last year at this time, HBA Iowa members were closely watching a bill that had been under discussion for some time. As Jay Iverson said then, the bill would have a significant effect on land development and home construction, so educating legislators and encouraging wise amendments to the bill was a key goal for 2024.
“That was a really big win,” Iverson says now. “Developers had been required to go above and beyond with the previous stormwater laws, so getting that passed was huge. It took about four sessions and a lot of discussion, but we were really pleased with the final result.”
The HBA Iowa legislative event for 2025 was held in mid-February in conjunction with the association board meeting as always.
“The event is open to all members, and we usually see a few new faces each time. But we also have a number of members who have been attending consistently over the years,” says Iverson. “We like to see more members take advantage of the opportunity so that they can get a sense of how our legislative system really works. It’s one thing to understand it in theory and another to actually witness it.”
Iverson says first-time attendees are often intimidated by the idea of participating in the legislative process, so the annual HBA Iowa event is a great way to get started.
The HBA Iowa day at the capitol is kept purposely informal. Members can come and go, and they can set up meetings with legislators if they prefer, or just visit with them during the meet-and-greet time.
Looking ahead to the 2025 session, Iverson says there are a number of bills he and the HBA Iowa are watching closely, as well as a couple of issues in general the association has been concerned about for some time.
“Property tax relief is certainly a big issue with everyone right now, not just the HBA,” says Iverson. “Any bills that can help bring relief to homeowners and provide clarity would spur growth and economic development.”
He expects the legislature will need to address building codes at some point, but he doesn’t anticipate that will be on the agenda for 2025. “Building codes are intended to protect the health and safety of residents. But anymore, changes to the code have little to do with that. And the added cost they bring just escalates the price of housing even further,” he says.
Relationships built at this year’s event and all the years prior give HBA Iowa members the foundation to have those conversations when issues arise in the future.
“This event is always really about building relationships, getting to know our representatives, and giving them a chance to hear directly from us about issues that affect us and our members and their customers,” Iverson says. “Participating in the legislative process shouldn’t be intimidating.”
Learn More. Find out about the Home Builders Association of Iowa’s views on key issues. HBAIowa.org/hbaiowapac
Iowa Association of REALTORS®
Looking back at advocacy issues for 2024, Ashlee Kieler says the Iowa Association of REALTORS® had a banner year.
“For the most part, every issue we addressed passed with bipartisan support,” she says, “and that’s been really rewarding for our members. It can be a long process with a lot of work, and to see that pay off is exciting.”
The state association always has a good turnout for its annual event at the capitol, and 2025 was no exception. “We had over 300 attendees from across the state, which is just slightly more than we had last year,” Kieler says.
The day’s activities included a luncheon with an informative panel discussion that included House Majority Leader Matt Windschitl, Rep. Lindsey James from Dubuque, the Iowa REALTORS® Government Affairs Director Greta Haas, and lobbyist Jen Kingland.
“It was a very positive, engaging discussion,” says Kieler. “We were able to hear perspectives about how we as members can work together with our legislators to move forward on issues that concern us.”
Other highlights of the day included a group photo on the rotunda stairs, small group meetings with members and their local representatives, and an evening reception attended by both members and legislators.
“Capitol Conference is an amazing avenue for our members to further foster relationships with their legislators,” Kieler says. “Each year, we champion legislation that protects private property rights and ownership rights and elevates the real estate industry. This event is a great point of contact to remind legislators of the great work our members do in their communities and for Iowa.”
One issue of focus for Iowa REALTORS®, a Home Inspection Accountability Act, would provide protection for both buyers and sellers during the inspection process. “Our main focus is always making sure Iowans are protected and seeking bipartisan support for our legislative issues,” she says. “No matter who is in office, we continue working with all legislators to ensure our members’ voices are heard.”
Although the association has several bills it is currently following, Kieler says it keeps a close eye on all the activity at the legislature. “We assess any proposed legislation to see how it will affect our members and their clients so that we can be prepared to advocate for them when those bills are debated,” she says.
The Iowa REALTORS® has hosted its annual day at the capitol for several years and prior to that held a bus-in day to bring members from across the state to attend a legislative session at the capitol.
“The event has evolved over the years,” says Kieler. “But we’ve been doing this long enough that we’ve built some great relationships with members, partners, and legislators. And because of that, we always have great participation from our members.”
Learn More. Find out about the Iowa Association of REALTORS® views on key issues. IowaRealtors.com/political-affairs
American Institute of Architects, Iowa Chapter
The AIA Iowa also had a successful legislative year in 2024, according to Executive Director Jessica Reinert.
“Our advocacy team was able to contribute toward the effort to maintain the autonomy of the Iowa Architectural Examining Board, which has been in place since 1927 to protect Iowans and promote high standards of architecture in our state, similar to other architectural boards across the U.S.,” she says. “Professional licensure for architects is integral to the health and safety of the public in terms of the design of buildings in which we all live, work, play, and worship.”
Having autonomy for the examining board that licenses architects and regulates the practice of architecture in Iowa ensures that oversight is in the hands of those who have the necessary professional expertise. “Our members are committed to Iowa’s licensure standards as well as to a strict code of ethics and professional conduct that covers obligations to the public, clients, colleagues, the profession, and the environment,” she states.
In 2025, Reinert says the association is looking at issues that particularly relate to cost savings for Iowa taxpayers, finding efficiencies and freedom for the design of public projects, and allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to be built near single-family homes.
“AIA Iowa’s advocacy platform includes three major principles that enhance Iowa’s viability and vitality through livable, resilient, and prosperous communities. Iowa architects advocate for responsible design that results in beautiful and healthy places that respect and accommodate society’s diverse needs. As stakeholders in the architecture, construction, and engineering communities, we also participate in and advocate for the development and application of appropriate regulations and standards, as well,” she says.
Because of that, Reinert says the AIA Iowa advocacy team is closely watching proposed changes resulting from the 2024 elections.
Late in February, representatives from AIA Iowa attended the AIA Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., advocating for support at the federal level for several key issues, including housing, tax incentives for energy efficiency, historic tax credits, and more resilient hazard mitigation programs.
Enthusiastic participation in activities like this is the direct result of a successful history of member events at the state capitol as well as in Washington, D.C. Both are always well attended by AIA Iowa members, and relationships built over nearly two decades continue to grow year after year.
“In April, we will be hosting our 18th annual event at the state capitol,” says Reinert. “We have a come-and-go breakfast planned for legislators and members, and we are looking forward to what the remainder of the 2025 session will hold as well.”
Learn More. Find out about the American Institute of Architects, Iowa Chapter views on key issues. AIAIowa.org/page/legislativeadvocacy