CREF Policy Update: MBA’s National Advocacy Conference Delivers Key CREF Messages to Policymakers
MBA’s National Advocacy Conference Delivers Key CREF Messages to Policymakers
Last week, MBA’s annual legislative fly‑in brought roughly 600 real estate finance professionals from across the country to Washington, D.C., for two days of concentrated policy engagement, industry collaboration, and direct action with lawmakers and a targeted set of regulators.
• #MBANAC26 attendees heard from Senate Banking Committee members Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), House Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-AR) and key committee members Bill Foster (D-IL) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), House Ways and Means member Rudy Yakym (R-IN), election analyst Charlie Cook, National Journal’s Kirk Bado, and more.
Go deeper: 439 MBA members from 43 states met with more than 300 lawmakers and congressional staff to discuss the most pressing issues shaping today’s real estate finance landscape—from the potential ban on institutional investors in some forms of housing to FHA multifamily loan limits to TRIA reauthorization to bank capital rules and more.
Commercial and Multifamily Issues Dominated the Discussion: Once again, MBA hosted a dedicated CREF track, featuring a Capitol tour; discussions with key legislators; an advocacy/networking lunch on Capitol Hill; meetings with Treasury officials, MBA partner organizations, and policy experts; and focused lobbying that delivered our messages to Congress.
• Topics included the 21st Century ROAD to Housing bill, proposed bank capital rules, FHA and GSE government lending programs, commercial/multifamily tax policy, CFPB/HMDA concerns, and insurance availability and cost pressures.
• Congratulations to the 2026 Burton C. Wood Legislative Service Award winner Rich Jordan of Freedom Mortgage. Save the Date for NAC27 – April 6-7, 2027, in Washington, D.C. MBA thanks all of its event sponsors!
Why it matters: NAC provides a unique platform for industry professionals to engage directly with elected officials and regulatory leaders on issues that influence the commercial/multifamily and mortgage markets. These conversations ensure that real‑world expertise informs policy decisions, strengthens relationships on Capitol Hill, and promotes lending and investing in communities throughout the country. The conference also reinforces the importance of sustained advocacy beyond the event itself.
What’s next: MBA will continue working with members and industry advocates throughout the year on key policy priorities. One immediate opportunity: Mortgage Action Alliance (MAA) Action Week, taking place May 11–15 (See below). It’s a free, accessible way for organizations and individuals to build on the momentum from NAC26 and keep the industry’s voice strong year‑round. Sign up to participate!
For more information, please contact Jamey Lynch, AMP at (202) 557-2818 or Megan Booth at (202) 557- 2740.
MBA Members Meet with Key HUD Staff at FHA Roundtable
Last Monday and Tuesday, MBA’s Spring FHA roundtable brought MAP and Healthcare lenders together with HUD staff, as more than 70 lender representatives met with a dozen HUD officials to discuss key issues including environmental policies, delays in loan closings, and upcoming regulations and mortgagee letters, while also engaging in a productive conversation about HUD’s transition to a single underwriter model and changes to independent living thresholds.
Why it matters: MBA’s dialogue with HUD has never been so impactful. Directly engaging with HUD staff provides timely, actionable insights to MBA members and helps HUD staff prioritize their actions. Streamlining HUD processing and requirements will help increase production of multifamily units nationwide.
What’s next: MBA and its FHA Council will continue working with HUD on changes to the program that encourage more lending.
For more information, please contact Megan Booth at (202) 557-2740.
CREF Empowerment Tools and Advocacy at the Center of MBA State and Local Workshop
Last week, state and local real estate finance association leaders from nearly 50 groups traveled to Washington, D.C., to learn from each other and share best practices at MBA’s State and Local Workshop. Attendees engaged in panel sessions and open discussions on strategies to enhance their advocacy effectiveness and build member value.
Go deeper: The program included a key policy session that featured a focus on CREF issues such as climate emission reporting, building performance standards, and rent control. Additionally, attendees heard from key MBA CREF staff on opportunities to partner and provide value to CREF membership.
In a separate event, MBA State program staff joined CREF members, Patricia Baumer from the Housing Solutions Coalition, and State Legislative and Regulatory Committee Vice Chair Kimberly Taynton, in a briefing on MBA’s coordinated advocacy opposing rent control around the country.
Why it matters: The industry’s 134 independent associations are essential to advancing real estate finance interests that benefit the industry and consumers at the state and local level. Their robust actions have led to an impressive string of legislative and regulatory accomplishments over the last decade including three statewide ballot measures in California.
• Because many of these independent associations are focused on residential policy, MBA has launched an initiative to help them embrace a CREF agenda in their advocacy so they may broaden their membership and more effectively represent CREF issues in their communities.
What’s next: MBA will continue to convene its partner associations to carry on the exchange of ideas regarding MBA’s CREF agenda and to expand the discussion at next year’s Workshop and regular State Relations Committee meetings.
For more information, please contact William Kooper (202) 557-2737 or Ainsley Zimmer (202) 557-2796.
MBA, California MBA Push California Regulator for Flexible Emission Reporting Rules
Last Monday, MBA and the California MBA (CMBA) submitted detailed comments to California’s Air Resources Board (CARB) on the SB 253 pre-rulemaking workshop, advocating for practical adjustments to ensure climate disclosures are reliable and cost-effective for financial institutions.
Go deeper. The letter urges CARB to: provide flexibility in Scope 3 emission requirements by aligning with existing global standards; unify deadlines with a single December 31, 2026 reporting date; recognize a de minimis threshold on reporting; use a phased in approach; and permit GHG Protocol-consistent methods and emission factors, with thoughtful disclosures rather than prescriptive lists.
Why it matters: Rigid rules risk forcing mortgage lenders into costly, unreliable financed emissions calculations using immature data, diverting resources from core operations and setting a poor precedent for national standards. Flexibility enables focus on material risks, reduces model inaccuracies, and aligns with investor needs for credible insights—potentially influencing SEC and other regimes.
What’s next: MBA will continue monitoring CARB’s actions, including any draft rules that incorporate these flexibilities ahead of the future Scope 3 rollout, and will submit additional comments as appropriate.
For more information, please contact William Kooper at (202) 557-2737 or Megan Booth at (202) 557- 2740.
CRE Private Credit Council to Meet on April 23 With Back Leverage on the Agenda
Thursday, April 23, at 3pm ET, MBA’s Private Credit Council is set to meet to discuss the current state of the market as well as the current headlines regarding Private Credit. There will also be discussions regarding back leverage and how it is used in CRE private credit.
Why it matters: The Private Credit Council brings together MBA members for timely conversations about key market developments. It is the destination to hear from experts, discuss trends, opportunities and challenges, and meet and connect with partners, peers, and prospects.
For more information and/or to join the Council, please contact Trey Wells at (202) 557-2846.
MBA-Opposed Rent Control Ordinance Passed City Council in Providence; Mayor Promises Veto
Late last week, the Providence, R.I., City Council gave its second and final approval to a rent control law for the city before sending it to Mayor Brett Smiley. Ahead of the vote, MBA and the Rhode Island Mortgage Bankers Association (RIMBA) sent a letter to the Mayor endorsing his stance opposing the policy and his public vow to veto the measure.
• The Council’s 9-6 vote is insufficient to override the Mayor’s expected action. The language approved by the Council would impose 4% annual caps on selected multifamily properties, creating a Rent Regulation Board for adjustments. MBA also signed on to an opposition letter sent from the members of the Housing Solutions Coalition.
Go deeper: While acknowledging housing affordability challenges, MBA warned that rent control reduces rental supply, defers maintenance, and deters investment—making it harder to finance new construction and property rehabilitations. Instead, the associations recommended market-based alternatives: zoning reforms for multifamily/mixed-use development, streamlined permitting, and incentives for rehabbing existing stock. These approaches promote long-term affordability without market distortions.
What’s next: MBA will continue to oppose the issue in Providence as well as in neighboring Massachusetts, where a statewide ballot referendum may appear on the November ballot. They have also pledged collaboration on supply-focused solutions to bolster Providence’s housing market.
For more information, please contact William Kooper (202) 557-2737 or Megan Booth (202) 557- 2740.
MAA Action Week, May 11-15: Sign Up to Run a MAA Enrollment Campaign
With Congress considering a ban on institutional investors in build-to-rent (BTR), new bank capital rules, a reduction in FHA multifamily loan limits, the reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), and so much more, there has never been a more important time to be engaged and involved.
• On May 11–15, MBA will rally members nationwide to engage with policymakers, share their stories, and help shape the future of real estate finance during MAA Action Week. SIGN UP to lead a campaign at your company or state association (if applicable) and help grow MBA’s FREE grassroots network of industry professionals. Your participation strengthens our collective impact and ensures our voice is heard.
Why it matters: A strong grassroots campaign does more than raise awareness — it builds a lasting advocacy engine that drives progress well beyond Action Week. When companies mobilize their employees for advocacy, participation grows, momentum builds, and policymakers hear directly from the professionals engaged in commercial real estate finance. With more than 100 organizations joining us last year, 2026 is our moment to set a new benchmark.
• MBA provides ready‑to‑use resources—email templates, social content, active MAA rosters, and more—so participation is a simple and efficient exercise.
What’s next: Let’s make this milestone year truly monumental. Complete our sign-up form, and we will begin preparing your customized campaign materials.
For more information, please contact Jamey Lynch, AMP at (202) 557-2818.
Upcoming MBA CREF Council and Committee Meetings
MBA’s CREF Councils and Committees are a key way to connect to everything MBA has to offer around policy, advocacy, market intelligence and research, education, and networking. Visit www.mba.org/yourCREF to find out more. Councils and Committees are built around specific capital sources and serve as an opportunity for you to join other commercial real estate finance professionals to hear from experts, discuss opportunities and challenges, and connect with peers.
Upcoming virtual meetings include:
• Private Credit Finance: April 23
• Commercial Council: April 29
• FHA Committee: May 12
• Life Company Council: June 16
• Bank Council: June 18
• Structured Finance Council: June 24
For more information, click on the links above and/or contact Kelli Burke at (202) 557- 2742.
Upcoming MBA Education Webinars on Critical Industry Issues
MBA Education continues to deliver timely commercial/multifamily and single-family programming that covers the spectrum of challenges, opportunities, obstacles and solutions pertaining to our industry. Below, please see a list of upcoming and recent webinars – all complimentary to MBA members:
• Basics of Commercial Loan Closing and Loan Documentation – May 12
• HUD’s Role in Multifamily Financing – May 20
• Mastering Commercial Insurance Modeling: Key Insights and Applications – May 21
• Understanding Tax-Exempt Private Activity Bonds in Affordable Housing Finance – June 12
• Fundamentals of Commercial Insurance Issues and Problems – July 15
MBA members can register for any of the above events and view recent webinar recordings by clicking here.
For more information, please contact David Upbin at (202) 557-2931.
