Looking back on 2025, we have advocacy successes to celebrate. From tax reform and the ACRE tax deduction for interest earned on agricultural real estate loans to President Donald Trump signing into law legislation to bar credit reporting agencies from selling “trigger leads” when consumers apply for a residential mortgage, we have seen developments that signal a deeper understanding of the role community banks play. 

We’ve also witnessed a rising awareness of the ways community banks differ from other financial institutions. Rule writing that promotes a more level playing field has begun to emerge, and reforms at the banking agencies and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are more accurately addressing the unique role community banks play in the financial services ecosystem. These and other wins mean our message is resonating in Washington and beyond.

But we are far from done.

Let’s Dive Deeper

These wins are only the tip of the iceberg; there’s a whole foundation of issues that we need to dive deeper into to address. That’s why we implore you to get involved in our advocacy efforts. When you speak up on behalf of community bankers, you truly make an impact. 

For instance, on trigger leads, I heard from a bank leader who said he had a residential lender in the bank who was appalled at what was happening. This lender became involved with ICBA, attended ICBA’s Capital Summit and met with her legislators to discuss the issue. As a result, she helped resolve the issue, in part because she took the time to speak up. Now she has shared with me that she’ll be a community bank advocate for life.

Pushing Into the Future

As 2026 gets underway, we should take a moment to reflect with pride on our successes, but then we must move on to what’s next. We cannot and will not let up on the pressure we must exert on policymakers to ensure we have a level playing field to better support our communities. 

We must lean in further and harder to represent the industry. In a world where everyone wants to call themselves a bank, we must ensure that legislators and regulators understand what makes community banks different.

We need you to engage and become even bigger advocates to ensure that all our communities have access to the financial services they deserve. We look forward to seeing you in the starting lineup in the weeks to come.

On behalf of everyone at ICBA, I wish you a prosperous start to the new year.