Chapter Government Affairs Manual & Handbook

The CCIM Institute is proud to introduce to you the CCIM Chapter Government Affairs Training Program. The intent of this program is two-told: 1) to equip CCIM chapters with the comprehensive knowledge necessary to understand the legislative process and 2) to teach members how to effectively influence state and local lawmakers to adopt policies and laws favorable to our position on issues pertaining to commercial investment real estate.

Part 1 - Introduction

•	The Importance of Government Affairs to the Commercial Investment Real Estate Industry
•	What is Government Affairs
•	What it Means to Become Involved in the Legislative Process
•	Why Get Involved in Government Affairs
•	Elements of an Effective Government Affairs Program
•	CCIM Institute as a Legislative Clearinghouse

Part 2 - Organizing Your Chapter Legislative Affairs Committee

•	Organizing Your Legislative Affairs Committee
•	Getting Started -- Setting Goals
•	Chapter Legislative Chairperson's Responsibilities
•	Chapter Legislative Affairs Committee Responsibilities
•	Information Gathering
•	Legislative Tracking Systems

Part 3 - The Lawmaking Process and Lobbying Techniques

•	The Lawmaking Process and Lobbying Techniques
•	Elected Officials/Direct Lobbying
•	Writing Letters
•	Personal Visits
•	Providing Testimony
•	Making Phone Calls
•	Other Methods of Communication

Part 4 - Communication Executing Your Legislative Agenda

•	Communication & Executing Your Legislative Agenda
•	Legislative Coalitions
•	Organizing a Coalition
•	Working With a Coalition
•	Grass-roots Lobbying
•	Mobilizing CCIM Members
•	Public & Community Relations
•	Using Public Service to Create an Image
•	Politics

Appendix

•	CCIM Logo
•	How to Address Letters
•	Actual Correspondence
•	Legislative "Call-to-Action"
•	Regulatory "Call-to-Action"

Revised September 2000