Why Advocacy Matters for Facility Managers - Locally, Nationally and Globally

Facility managers are uniquely positioned to shape how people experience the built environment every day. From energy efficiency to workforce readiness, their expertise informs decisions that ripple through workplaces, schools, hospitals and communities. 

However, policy decisions that directly affect facility operations are often made without facility managers’ input. Advocacy changes that. By engaging with lawmakers and regulators at the local, national and global levels, facility managers ensure policies reflect operational realities, protect resources, improve safety and advance the profession. 

Why Advocacy Is Essential at Every Level 

Local: Protecting Communities and Driving Practical Change 

At the local level, facility managers often feel the impact of decisions most immediately. City councils and county commissions shape building codes, permitting requirements and zoning ordinances. 

• Building codes and inspections: Advocacy ensures new requirements are safe and sustainable. 
• Emergency preparedness: Facility managers know the critical role buildings play in public safety during crises. Advocating locally ensures that resilience and business continuity are considered in municipal planning. 
• Community impact: Schools, libraries, hospitals and public buildings often rely on FM expertise. Engaging with local leaders highlights how facility operations strengthen community well-being. 

National: Shaping Standards and Resources for the Profession 

National governments set energy standards, labor policies and infrastructure priorities. Advocacy at this level helps facility managers shape regulations on workplace health, tax incentives for sustainable upgrades and workforce development programs. These issues resonate worldwide whether through federal legislation in the U.S. or government mandates in the EU, Asia and beyond. 

Global: Contributing to International Goals and Standards 

Facility managers also have a role in global conversations. International frameworks like the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and ISO standards on building performance guide local and national actions. By engaging in advocacy, FM professionals help connect on-the-ground realities with global sustainability and resilience targets. 

How IFMA’s Advocacy Forum Creates an Impact

IFMA’s Advocacy Forum held in Washington, D.C., is where facility managers can transform knowledge into action. Attendees will: 

• Advocate for policies that impact FM in the United States from funding for federal buildings to sustainability initiatives. 
• Meet directly with lawmakers and help them understand how legislation affects your operations. 
• Get ahead of regulatory changes that will shape compliance, budgeting and long-term planning. 
• Network with FM peers and industry leaders who share your commitment to advancing the industry. 

Related: Making an Impact: Reflecting on IFMA’s Advocacy Day

3 Steps Facility Managers Can Take Now 

1. Register for the Advocacy Forum and commit to bringing your expertise to policymakers. 
2. Engage locally: Join forces with your local IFMA chapter to advocate for policies and programs in your area to local leaders. 
3. Engage in international initiatives: Participate in the development of ISO standards, contribute to global sustainability forums such as the UN’s SDGs and share FM best practices that support carbon reduction, smart cities and resilient infrastructure.

Advocacy is not optional, it is essential. Facility managers bring practical expertise that policymakers at every level need to hear. By showing up, speaking out and sharing your perspective, you not only advance the facility management profession but also create stronger, safer and more sustainable community.

IFMA’s Advocacy Forum is your opportunity to be a part of that change. Join us in Washington, D.C. to ensure that the FM voice is not only heard, but truly influential.