In this issue

• President's Report

• Calendar of Events

• Resources

The Value of IAHA Membership

Membership in IAHA offers far more than a name on a roster—it provides access to a strong professional community, timely education, and resources that support members in their daily work. In a field that is constantly evolving and often challenging, IAHA ensures that members are never navigating issues alone.

One of the most immediate benefits of membership is exclusive access to IAHA’s private Facebook pages for both Administration and Maintenance. These member-only groups serve as active hubs for discussion, idea sharing, and problem-solving.                                         

Members regularly exchange information on policies, procedures, compliance issues, vendor recommendations, and real-world challenges. Time and again, these conversations reinforce an important truth: the issues we face are shared, and solutions are often just a conversation away.

Education and professional development are also central to IAHA’s mission. IAHA hosts a Maintenance and Management Clinic each spring and an Annual Meeting each fall, both offering affordable, relevant training focused on the realities of affordable housing operations. These events provide practical takeaways that members can apply immediately, helping staff stay current, confident, and effective in their roles.

Advocacy and awareness are another key benefit of membership. IAHA’s Legislative Committee closely monitors legislation coming out of Springfield, keeping a pulse on policy changes that may impact housing authorities and affordable housing programs. This proactive approach helps members stay informed and prepared in an ever-changing regulatory environment.

Beyond professional development, IAHA is also committed to giving back. Each year, the association sponsors scholarships for program clients who are entering college or continuing their education or job training. This commitment reflects IAHA’s broader mission of strengthening communities and supporting long-term success for the individuals and families served by its members.

Perhaps the most valuable benefit of IAHA membership is networking. Through meetings, events, committees, and online engagement, members build relationships with peers who understand their work and challenges. These connections foster collaboration, shared learning, and a sense of belonging that extends well beyond formal events.

In every way, IAHA works to keep members connected, informed, and supported—making membership a meaningful investment in both professional growth and organizational success. Make sure your membership has been renewed.

Legislative Update

During a recent Membership Call, the IAHA was very fortunate to be able hear from Gabriel Smith. Gabriel currently serves as the Legislative Affairs Manager at NAHRO, and prior to this position, he was a Congressional Black Caucus Fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives. Gabriel is extremely knowledgeable in all facets of the legislative process, and the IAHA was extremely fortunate to have him join our call. A special thank you to our President, Dr. Jackie Newman, and our Coordinator Kate Cole, for making this happen. One of the many points that Gabriel made, was the importance of advocacy in public housing operations, For those who were not able to join the call, Gabriel stressed that it is very important for public housing stakeholders to speak up and advocate for important public housing issues, because if we don't, opposing sides will.

At the basic level, advocacy is about building relationships, with the goal being to become a valuable resource for policymakers and others who exert influence over public housing programs. Do not be afraid to contact your local policymaker and let them know how a proposed rule or regulation might affect your housing program, and the people that you serve. Invite them to visit your Authority and see firsthand the important work that you do. Share positive stories about program successes (stories are often more compelling statistics). How many times have we had conversations with decision makers and heard "I did not even realize all that you do at the Housing Authority''. Working together, we can all make sure that our policymakers here in Illinois know how important our public housing mission is to the vulnerable clients that we serve.

Honoring Three Leaders Who Shaped America

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, and Martin Luther King Jr. each shaped the United States during pivotal moments in its history. Though separated by generations, their leadership helped define the nation’s core values.

As the nation’s first president, George Washington established the foundation of American democracy through principled leadership and a commitment to unity over personal power. Abraham Lincoln preserved the Union during the Civil War and took decisive action to end slavery, fundamentally advancing the nation’s promise of freedom. Nearly a century later, Martin Luther King Jr. led the Civil Rights Movement, using nonviolent action to push the country closer to equality and justice for all.

Together, their legacies remind us that America’s progress depends on courage, moral leadership, and the continual pursuit of liberty.