Statement from the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and National Apartment Association (NAA) on today’s Congressional testimony before the House Financial Services Committee by Daryl Carter, former Chairman of NMHC and Chairman and CEO of Avanath Capital.
The apartment industry is a robust and diverse sector that serves 39 million people – providing homes and lifestyle options that are right for them. We help build and sustain vibrant communities, create millions of jobs and provide a range of housing options. Moreover, our nation’s housing dynamics have undergone a fundamental shift as changing demographics, economic factors and lifestyle preferences steer Americans towards rental housing.
Infrastructure and housing are closely tied. The supply and efficacy of housing is directly related to transportation and other infrastructure assets. Access to suitable transportation options, safe and reliable water and utility services and broadband and telecommunications are all vital to the livability and, importantly, to the affordability of housing.
Housing affordability is a significant challenge facing many Americans. Earlier today Congressional leaders met with President Trump to discuss infrastructure legislation. NMHC and NAA believe that any infrastructure package must deal with housing demand and affordability. Thoughtful planning and recognition of the real estate sector’s dependency on reliable infrastructure is a critical component to addressing today’s housing challenges for those at all income levels.
Carter’s full testimony can be found here.
About NMHC and NAA
For more than 25 years, the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and the National Apartment Association (NAA) have partnered on behalf of America’s apartment industry. Drawing on the knowledge and policy expertise of staff in Washington, D.C., as well as the advocacy power of 160 NAA state and local affiliated associations, NMHC and NAA provide a single voice for developers, owners and operators of rental housing industry. Apartments and their 39 million residents support more than 12 million jobs and contribute $1.3 trillion to the economy.