Senior living leaders from across the country are gathering in Washington this week for Argentum’s Public Policy Fly-In, bringing the voices of providers directly to policymakers at a time when issues such as workforce, affordability, and access to care are central to national conversations.
Over the next two days, owners, operators, and executive leaders will engage directly with federal policymakers through congressional meetings, policy discussions, and high-level briefings designed to ensure that senior living perspectives are heard where decisions are made. This year’s Fly-In reflects a renewed focus on direct engagement and meaningful access, giving participants the opportunity to move beyond policy updates and into real conversations with lawmakers and federal agencies.
A Congressional Reception with Unprecedented Participation
One of the most anticipated moments of the Fly-In will take place before the formal meetings begin, as senior living leaders gather with members of Congress at the Congressional Reception.
To date, 15 Members of Congress from both parties have committed to attend, representing committees and leadership roles that influence senior living policy, workforce initiatives, housing programs, and healthcare access. The reception offers a rare opportunity for informal, face-to-face dialogue between policymakers and the professionals responsible for serving older adults every day. These conversations often lay the groundwork for the more formal congressional meetings that follow and help lawmakers better understand the real-world impact of federal policy decisions.
For many participants, the reception represents one of the most valuable elements of the Fly-In because it provides a chance to build relationships and ensure that senior living remains part of the national policy conversation.
A Keynote Focused on Expanding Care Options for Veterans
The Fly-In will also feature a keynote address from Howard L. Manuel, Deputy Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, who will discuss the federal government’s ongoing efforts to expand care options for aging veterans.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to ensuring that veterans have access to care settings that support dignity, independence, and quality of life. Assisted living communities play an important role in that continuum, and partnerships between the VA and senior living providers continue to evolve.
Manuel’s keynote will highlight initiatives designed to improve veterans’ access to assisted living and will provide insight into Argentum’s ongoing collaboration with the VA to expand opportunities for veterans to receive care in residential settings.
As the number of aging veterans grows, these partnerships are expected to become increasingly important in ensuring that veterans and their families have meaningful choices in how and where care is delivered.
Direct Engagement Through Congressional Meetings
At the heart of the Public Policy Fly-In are the congressional meetings, where senior living leaders meet directly with Senators, Representatives, and key staff members to discuss the issues shaping the industry. These meetings allow providers to share firsthand perspectives on the challenges they face and the solutions that can help expand access to senior living for older adults across the country.
Topics expected to be discussed include:
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Workforce recruitment and retention
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Access to affordable senior living options
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Regulatory complexity and compliance challenges
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Expanding housing and care choices for older adults
By bringing real-world experiences into congressional offices, Fly-In participants help ensure that policy discussions reflect the needs of residents, families, and the professionals who serve them.
Strategic Conversations with Federal Housing Leaders
In addition to congressional meetings, selected participants will take part in a high-level policy roundtable with senior leadership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The invitation-only session will continue a series of ongoing discussions between Argentum and HUD leadership focused on strengthening federal housing programs that support senior living communities.
Participants will meet with Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner Frank Cassidy. The roundtable will focus on key priorities including:
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Simplifying and streamlining the Section 232 application process
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Reducing FHA Section 232 closing times
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Developing assisted living–specific loan standards
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Expanding eligibility for independent senior living communities
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Providing greater program flexibility
These ongoing discussions represent an important step toward improving financing pathways that support the development and sustainability of senior living communities nationwide.
Turning Advocacy into Action
The Public Policy Fly-In is designed to ensure that senior living professionals are not just observers of policy decisions, but active participants in shaping them. From conversations with Members of Congress to strategic discussions with federal agencies, this week’s Fly-In demonstrates the growing recognition that senior living providers play a vital role in supporting older adults and strengthening communities across the country.
As participants head to Capitol Hill, the focus is clear: ensuring that the voices of senior living are heard and that the policies shaping the future of aging in America reflect the realities of those who serve older adults every day.