State outdoor advertising associations are essential partners in protecting and advancing the industry. They deliver on-the-ground advocacy, timely policy updates and a forum for collaboration that reaches beyond any one market. For media owners, these groups provide a line of communication to the issues that shape permits, operations, safety and growth.
What State Associations Do
State associations track legislation and rulemaking, engage transportation officials and help members navigate rights of way, vegetation management, permitting and enforcement. Because they work closest to local stakeholders, they surface emerging issues early and translate policy into practical steps companies can take to stay compliant and productive.
They are also hubs for education and resources. Many lead public service initiatives and safety programs that demonstrate industry stewardship and strengthen relationships with local leaders.
Regular meetings and workgroups create a consistent forum where operators, agencies, vendors and policymakers compare notes on trends and challenges. The result is a shared understanding of what is changing and why, with space to align on solutions that work in specific markets.
How OAAA Partners With State Associations
OAAA works alongside state associations throughout the year to align efforts across local, state and federal levels. National updates on legislation, litigation and agency activity are paired with state perspectives on implementation and timing, so members see the full picture. Together, we facilitate conversations with transportation agencies and we support rapid response when issues arise with policy notes, talking points and member outreach calibrated to local conditions. We also collaborate on education and public service programming that highlights industry stewardship and creative standards.
Why Annual Meetings Matter
Annual meetings bring legislative briefings, regulatory updates, case studies and networking into one agenda. For media owners, they are a direct channel to connect with OAAA’s government affairs team, hear from state leadership and engage local legislators and transportation officials in the same room. This helps companies anticipate upcoming changes, clarify timelines and compare operational impacts with peers across the state.
How Members Can Participate
Start by checking your state association’s calendar and blocking time for the annual meeting for your company leaders across government affairs, operations and sales. Come prepared with the questions your teams are hearing on permits, vegetation control, construction impacts or sign maintenance. Use the sessions to listen for trends, then use the networking time to compare experiences with neighboring operators and to speak directly with policymakers about implementation details. After the meeting, circulate the key takeaways internally, align timelines with your teams and stay connected through association newsletters and alerts so you are ready when guidance evolves.
Explore State Associations
Find your state association and view upcoming events and contacts. Have questions about policy topics to watch this year? Connect with OAAA Government Affairs at amcdonald@oaaa.org.
Insiders Take: We cannot emphasize enough the importance of a strongly united state association. We have found Andy McDonald to be reachable, proactive and committed to building strong state associations. Don’t hesitate to reach out to him.
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