The Hill named Argentum President and Chief Executive Officer James Balda as one of Washington, D.C.’s top lobbyists of 2025, marking his fifth consecutive year being named to the list. The award is a recognition of Argentum’s expanded advocacy focus, which this year included the signing of federal legislation to expand access to assisted living for veterans, defeating potential cuts to the Medicaid assisted living waiver program despite significant headwinds, and expanding its “I Love Assisted Living” campaign. The award also recognizes Argentum’s leadership in testifying before Congress on the role of senior living communities, along with a renewed Strategic Vision that will define the major policy aims of the association over the next three years, including advocacy efforts to increase access and affordability of care and address the workforce challenges of the industry.
A Year of Meaningful Advocacy Wins
The recognition comes on the heels of a year marked by major legislative and regulatory victories for Argentum members. Among the most significant achievements was the signing of federal legislation to expand access to assisted living for veterans, a milestone that reflects years of persistent collaboration with lawmakers and agency officials.
Argentum also played a critical role in defeating proposed cuts to Medicaid’s assisted living waiver program, which would have jeopardized access for thousands of seniors across the country. Despite challenging political and fiscal headwinds, the association’s advocacy team successfully rallied bipartisan support to preserve essential funding and services.
In addition, Argentum is expanding its nationwide “I Love Senior Living” campaign, an initiative designed to reshape public perceptions by sharing powerful stories from residents, families, and caregivers about the positive impact of assisted living communities. This storytelling movement has amplified awareness of the value and vitality of senior living, bringing the human side of care to the forefront of national dialogue.
Testifying for the Future of Senior Living
Balda’s leadership extended beyond behind-the-scenes advocacy. This year, he testified before Congress on behalf of the senior living industry, emphasizing the sector’s critical contributions to housing, health care, and workforce development. His testimony highlighted the urgent need for policies that expand access and affordability of care, support workforce growth, and promote innovation across senior living communities.
Setting the Course: Argentum’s Strategic Vision
The Hill’s recognition also reflects Argentum’s renewed Strategic Vision, which will guide the association’s major policy aims over the next three years. That vision is anchored in four imperatives:
- Develop Our People by expanding the workforce pipeline and retaining diverse talent across the industry
- Measure What Matters by advancing transparency, credibility, and data-driven insight
- Tell Our Story by advocating for senior living priorities and elevating the value of senior living and the realities of care through authentic and consistent storytelling
- Increase Access by driving policies that increase access and affordability of care
Through this framework, Argentum aims to not only advocate but to lead transformative change that ensures a sustainable and thriving future for the senior living industry.
A Trusted Voice in Washington
Balda’s continued inclusion among Washington’s top lobbyists is a testament to his reputation as a trusted and respected advocate, one who brings both data and empathy to the policymaking process. As the senior living industry faces demographic shifts, workforce challenges, and growing demand for care, his leadership continues to position Argentum as a powerful voice for solutions that work.
With five consecutive years of recognition from The Hill, Balda and the Argentum team remain focused on one mission: ensuring that every senior living community has the support, resources, and policy environment needed to thrive.