Advocacy in the multifamily industry isn’t optional, it’s essential.

But lawmakers don’t work in the multifamily world, which means someone has to translate how policy decisions actually impact housing and operations.

In this episode of The Associated, Bryan and Todd sit down with Jon Lowder, Executive Director of the Apartment Association of North Carolina, to break down what advocacy really means for owners, operators, suppliers, and association members.

With leadership experience spanning the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association (PTAA) and Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition (TREBIC), Jon explains how associations help translate complicated regulations from building codes to environmental standards into real-world impacts legislators can understand.

In this episode, we unpack:

• Why advocacy directly impacts housing supply and development costs

• How associations serve as translators between lawmakers and the industry

• Why frontline property teams often deliver the most impactful advocacy stories

• What surprises people most when they attend Lobby Day

• The role associations play in connecting local, state, and national advocacy efforts

Jon also shares a preview of the Rental Housing Developers Day launching at the AANC CONNECTed Conference, designed to bring more development voices into the association conversation.

Jon offers a practical, eye-opening perspective on why advocacy is critical to the future of housing.

Guest Bio:

Jon Lowder has been the Executive Director of the Apartment Association of North Carolina since 2023. Before that he was the President of TREBIC (Triad Real Estate and Building Industry Coalition) in Greensboro, NC for two years, and before that he was Executive Director of the Piedmont Triad Apartment Association for 12 years. Earlier in his career Jon had a consulting business that provided communication and tradeshow management services for nonprofits. He lives in Winston-Salem, NC and when not working he enjoys family time with his wife, three adult children and one grandchild. He's also an avid tennis player and likes to travel when the opportunity arises, as long as not too many people are involved.

Connect with Jon on LinkedIn HERE.

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