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JOIN GCNKAA FOR THE FIRST EVER HAPPY HOUR ON THE GREEN: FOOD, DRINK, NETWORKING, AND MINI-GOLF! Wrap up your work week with an afternoon of casual networking, great food and beverages, and a little friendly competition at the newest GCNKAA social event! Join fellow multifamily housing professionals on Friday, July 17 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Oakley Greens in the Oakley area for a laid-back summer gathering designed to help you reconnect with industry friends while enjoying one of Cincinnati’s unique social venues. Your $50 per person admission includes networking, food, and beverages in a relaxed Friday afternoon atmosphere. Looking to add even more fun to the day? Upgrade your registration to include putt putt on the Oakley Greens mini golf course for an additional $18 per person and challenge your fellow attendees to a little friendly competition while networking your way around the course. Whether you’re joining us to network, unwind after the work week, or show off your mini golf skills, this is the perfect summer Friday out-

ing for multifamily housing professionals. Space is limited, so be sure to register early! Sponsorships are available for $150 each and include one admission. Thank you to our current sponsors including: America’s Floor Source, Apartments.com, Apply Rite Roofing, BRG Apartments, Calloway Cleaning & Restoration, Chadwell Supply, Denizen Management, DMG Management Group, Fath Properties, Hays and Sons Complete Restoration, HILLS Properties, Insurcomm Restoration, KangaRoof, Pinnacle Paving & Sealing, Rite Rug, Royal Finish, Sherwin Williams, Towne Properties, Uptown Rental Properties, VFP Fire Protection, Voda Cleaning & Restoration, and Zillow Rental Group. Register today and join us for an afternoon of great conversations, new connections, and plenty of fun on the green! Click here for details and registration.

BRG APARTMENTS WINS BIG AT 40TH ANNUAL SUMMER GOLF OUTING

What an incredible day on the course! Our 40th Annual Golf Outing was a tremendous success, bringing together 152 golfers for a day of friendly competition, networking, and perfect weather. Congratulations to this year’s championship team: Don Brunner, Bob Kohlman, Cass Hopkins, and Gerry Johnson with BRG Apartments. The competition was strong from start to finish, but this foursome earned the top spot with an outstanding performance. Congratulations on a well-deserved victory! Finishing in second place was the team from Towne Properties including: John Recob, Gabe Perkins, Dan Bayer, and Scott Arentsen. A special thank you goes to our generous sponsors for making this milestone event possible. We are especially grateful to Yardi, our Presenting Sponsor, and Gallagher, formerly Assured Partners, whose support of the golfer giveaways and Hole-in-One contests on every par-3 hole added to the excitement of the day. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, and sponsored this year’s outing. The positive feedback we’ve received is a testament to the incredible support of our GCNKAA members and partners. Your enthusiasm continues to make this event one of our most anticipated traditions. Be sure to check out more photos from this memorable day inside this newsletter. We can’t wait to see everyone back on the course next year!

2027 GCNKAA TRADE SHOW BOOTHS AND SPONSORSHIPS ON SALE JULY 20

Don’t miss out on your chance to register for the GCNKAA 2027 Trade Show at the Early Bird rate of $800 per booth*. After September 1, the price increases to $850 per booth. The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association’s 2027 Trade Show is scheduled for WEDNESDAY, March 24 at Sharonville Convention Center from 4 pm to 6:30 pm. Education Seminars and Leadership Forums will be held prior to the trade show floor. Booths are available on a first come first serve basis. If you would like to reserve a booth, please review the floorplan and download the booth contract. Review the available booth space, complete your contract. Then simply either a) reserve your booth online and email your contract to michele@gcnkaa.org or b) return your completed contract back to michele@ gcnkaa.org and we can reserve your booth for you. For more information on the 2027 Trade Show visit www.gcnkaa.org or watch your email for registration details.

Diamond Sponsors Management Group www.dmgcontractors.com

2026 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE JUSTIN SEGER HILLS Properties President JustinS@hillsinc.com

MEGAN LAWHON PLK Communities Vice President megan@plkcommunities.com CRAIG COFFMAN Uptown Rental Properties Treasurer ccoffman@uptownrents.com MIKE MARKUS BRG Apartments Secretary mmarkus@brgapartments.com MELISSA JOY Acre Real Estate Immediate Past President mj@choosejoyps.com

2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Heather Barrow, A&H Properties Brian Fullenkamp, Legacy Management Rod Herper, NCS 360 Associate Council President Todd Hignite, Joy Property Solutions Lisa Isham, CMHA Angela Lacy, Jeffrey R. Anderson Property Mgmt. Oksana Lukjanenko, Denizen Management Dennis Merkle, Advanced Turf Solutions Associate Council 2nd Vice President Jordann Morgan, Fath Properties John Recob, Towne Properties Grant Saunders, Hays + Sons Restoration Associate Council 1st Vice President

GCNKAA STAFF

Rebecca McLean, Executive Vice President Michele Klusman, Director of Communications & Programs; Apartment Advantage Editor Rick Holste, Director of Membership Sales Zach Jameson, Social Media and Education Manager Susan Peck, AA Outreach Coordinator Nicole Metz, Membership & Belonging Manager

GCNKAA PAST PRESIDENTS

2002…Jim Ruh 2025...Melissa Joy 2001…Jay Ingram, CPM 2024...Melissa Joy 2000…Roy Wergers 2023...Tonya Petersen 1999…Roy Wergers 2022...Tonya Petersen 1998…Robert J. Wahlke, CAPS 2021...Don Brunner 1997…Terry Sievers 2020...Don Brunner 1997…Dave Lockard 2019...Jud Oscherwitz 1996…Jim Cohen, CPM 2018...Jud Oscherwitz 1995…Jim Ruh 2017...Stacy Walton 1994…Mark Robinson 2016...Stacy Walton 1993…David Noll 2015...Rusty Lykes 1992…Bernie Wessels ** 2014...Rusty Lykes 1992…Jerry A. Molique, CPM, CAPS ** 2013...Maria Stanton 1991…Jay O. Ingram, Jr., CPM 2012...Maria Stanton 1990…Ronald Bommer 2011...Jeff March 1989…John Cobey 2010...Brian Fullenkamp 1988…Robert J. Wahlke, CAPS 2009...Brian Hendy, CPM 1987…Robert J. Wahlke, CAPS 2008...Brian Hendy, CPM 1986…Charles Berling 2007...Becky Alejandrino, CPM 1985…Joseph Fullenkamp, CAPS 2006...Marc Cameron, CPM 1984…John Stalnaker 2005...Marc Cameron, CPM 2004...Gary Sanzone, CPM, CAPS, CAM, NALP 1983…Jerry A. Molique, CPM, CAPS 2003...Gary Sanzone, CPM, CAPS, CAM, NALP 1982…Harry Fath **Apartment Association of N. KY merged with GCNKAA

Office Hours:

Monday Through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

ADVERTISING RATES 2026 The following advertising rates are for full year contracts. Six month contracts are also available. Call the GCNKAA office at 513 407-8612 for more information. Business Card ........................................................................................ $95 Quarter Page........................................................................................ $115 Half Page .............................................................................................. $145 Full Page .............................................................................................. $165 Inside Front .......................................................................................... $209 Back Cover .......................................................................................... $219 Ad rates are for full color ads. Link from your ad to your website is included. Ads must be submitted as a press quality pdf file or high resolution jpg sized correctly.

ADVERTISING DEADLINES Ad deadlines are the first of the month for the next month’s issue. Placement of articles and ads is limited to pre-set space and dimensions of the Apartment Advantage. Submissions may or may not be used and placement is at the discretion of the editor. July 2026................................................................................... June 1, 2026 August 2026...............................................................................July 1, 2026 September 2026....................................................................August 3, 2026 October 2026................................................................... September 1, 2026 November 2026................................................................... October 1, 2026 December 2026............................................................. November 2, 20266 January 2027....................................................................December 1, 2026 February 2027......................................................................January 4, 2027 March 2027........................................................................February 1, 2027 April 2027..............................................................................March 1, 2027 May 2027.................................................................................April 1, 2027 June 2027.................................................................................. May 3, 2027 Apartment Advantage is a monthly publication of the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association, Kenwood Executive Center, 7265 Kenwood Rd, Ste. 100, Cincinnati, OH 45236; phone (513) 407-8612; fax (513) 407-7868. For up-to-date information check out our website: www.gcnkaa.org.

JULY 2026 8

SUNDAY

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY

JULY 2026 5

IRO Committee 10 am

NextGen Committee, 9 am

Voices Committee 11 am

SATURDAY

Independence Day Office Closed

Apartment Advantage Deadline, 5 pm

Education Committee, 10 am

FRIDAY

Membership Committee, 9 am

Legislative Committee 8:30 am

What The Fraud?! 10 am

A Dialogue on City Policies In Support of Apartment Recycling, 12 pm

Programs Committee, 10 am

Happy Hour On The Green 2 pm

Associate Council 11 am

Executive Committee, 2 pm

Board of Directors 8:30 am

Little Residents, Big Liability 12 pm

5K-4-Rent 9 am

COMING UP IN AUGUST 2026 COMMITTEES 5 IRO Committee, 10 am 11 Membership Committee, 9 am 11 Programs Committee, 10 am 11 Associate Council, 11 am 12 NextGen Committee, 9 am 12 Education Committee, 10 am 12 Voices Committee, 11 am 13 Legislative Committee, 8:30 am 17 Executive Committee, 7:30 am 18 Board of Directors, 8:30 am 20 AAO Board, 8:30 am

EVENTS 27 Management Forum, 2 pm

EDUCATION 12 Fair Housing for Maintenance, 10 am 19 Understanding Your Shopping Report, 10 am

8 APARTMENT ADVANTAGE 3

JULY 2026 8

Across the Board A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT By Justin Seger, President

Summer is well underway in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. As we enter the second half of the year, this is a good time to assess progress and sharpen our focus for the remainder of 2026. We recently wrapped up a strong stretch of events. Our Summer Golf Outing sold out, and a large contingent attended the National Apartment Association’s Apartmentalize conference in New Orleans last month. The event deJustin Seger livered solid educational sessions, a large HILLS Properties trade show with nearly 2,000 booths, legislative updates, committee meetings, and valuable networking. The conference highlighted both the challenges and the innovation driving our multifamily industry forward. I’m incredibly proud of how our Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association was represented on the national stage—our strong participation continues to elevate our association and spotlight our region as a leader in the industry. Congratulations to Abbie Huffman of PLK Communities on her election as Region 3 RVP and to Todd Hignite of Joy Property Solutions on his selection as Region 3 representative to the NAAEI Board of Directors. Their roles strengthen our voice at the national

This section contains articles and information concerning the Board of Directors and Association policies.

level. This month we have another key event on the calendar: our annual networking gathering at the new venue, Oakley Green, on Friday, July 17. I encourage you to join us. The multifamily industry continues to face significant headwinds— changing technology and its risks and rewards, increasing operating costs, financing constraints, and legislative issues. These topics were discussed extensively at Apartmentalize, and they reinforce the importance of active involvement at both the local and national levels. I appreciate the many GCNKAA members who already contribute their time and expertise. If you’re not yet involved in our committees or initiatives, I encourage you to step forward. Reach out to me or any board member to learn where your experience can help. A strong association is built on active participation and practical connections among members. The value comes from direct conversations, shared problem-solving, and working together on real issues affecting our properties and businesses. For details on upcoming education sessions and events, visit www.gcnkaa.org. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn—use #GCNKAA when posting so we can stay connected. Thank you for your continued membership and support. I look forward to seeing you at our July events and working together through the rest of the year.

8 APARTMENT ADVANTAGE 5

GREATER CINCINNATI NORTHERN KENTUCKY APARTMENT ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - NOMINATION APPLICATION The 2026 Nominating Committee will submit the names of candidates to serve on the GCNKAA Board of Directors for the 2027-2029 Term. (According to the GCNKAA bylaws Article I Section 2.a. Primary Membership is open to any person, firm or corporation that subscribes to the Code of Ethics of the Association and who is engaged in the business of construction, ownership and/or management of multi-family housing for sale or rent.) We currently have five (5) seats that are up for re-election. All applications must be received in the GCNKAA office by 5:00 pm, on Friday, September 11, 2026. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please submit this application to the GCNKAA offices. If you have any questions, please call Rebecca McLean at the Association office at 513 407-8612.

General Information: Name/Title:___________________________________________________________________________ Company Name:_______________________________________________________________________ Street Address:________________________________________________________________________ City:____________________________________State:___________Zip:_________________________ Phone Number: Fax: E-mail:_________________________ Experience: Please briefly describe your current job responsibilities: _______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Please briefly describe your past experience in multifamily housing: ______________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ Are you currently serving on any other Committees?__________________________________________ If yes, please list name(s) of the organization(s): _____________________________________________ Organizations or associations you are currently affiliated with or have been affiliated with in the past: ____________________________________________________________________________________ Additional Information: Why are you interested in serving on the Board? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ What do you see as the major local and state issues that affect our industry? _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ List any skills or experience you possess that you feel would be beneficial to the Board: _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

Signature

Date:_________________ Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association Kenwood Executive Center | 7265 Kenwood Road, Ste. 100 | Cincinnati, OH 45236 Phone 513 407-8612 | Fax 513 407-7868 | rebecca@gcnkaa.org

Article VII Government. Section 5. In the event a member of the Board of Directors should be absent three consecutive times, or four times in a calendar year from regularly stated meetings of the Board of Directors, or three times in a calendar year from general membership meetings, it shall be considered as a resignation from the Board of Directors unless a valid excuse is presented to and accepted by the Board at the following regularly scheduled Board Meeting. All Board Members must sit on a committee and report to the Board of Directors as necessary.

JULY 2026 8

8 APARTMENT ADVANTAGE 7

Brain Power YOUR NEXT CAREER‑SHAPING OPPORTUNITY STARTS HERE. The National Apartment Association (NAA) is proud to offer a range of scholarships designed to support and empower the next generation of rental housing professionals. Our Scholarship Track includes the Alexandra Jackiw Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship, the Innovation in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Grant and the Apartmentalize Credential Holder Scholarship. These programs provide invaluable opportunities for professional development, innovation and recognition within the industry. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, drive meaningful change or gain access to premier networking events, NAA’s scholarships are here to help you succeed. Apply today and take the next step in your career journey! If you need more information, please contact Tiana Heath for details on these programs and the application process for the scholarships. The 2026 NAA Scholarship Track brings together three distinct opportunities designed to support rental housing professionals and organizations at every stage—whether you’re deepening your expertise, advancing equity‑driven work or expanding your industry connections. Explore what’s available: • Alexandra Jackiw Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship A scholarship fund to provide professional development opportunities for members of racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ groups, people/persons with disabilities and veterans/active members of the military. • Six NAAEI credential course registrations awarded at no cost. • Courses may be redeemed online or in person. • Innovation in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Grant NAA will award grants to member associations, property management firms, supplier partners, and related organizations that have innovative ideas and will provide meaningful contributions to our industry. • Up to $25,000 available to support bold, innovative ideas that help move the rental housing industry forward. • Apartmentalize Credential Holder Scholarship If you’ve never been to NAA’s largest rental housing industry education and networking conference, then here’s your chance to advance your knowledge through networking and education sessions on a broad spectrum of topics. • Covers airfare, housing and registration for first‑time Apartmentalize credential holder attendees—opening the door to one of the industry’s most impactful learning and networking experiences. Each opportunity is designed to help you grow professionally, strengthen your network and make a lasting impact across the rental housing community. Applications close Friday, July 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Click here to apply.

JULY 2026 8

UPCOMING GCNKAA CLASSES: INVEST IN YOUR SUCCESS THIS JULY

Keep your professional development on track this summer with GCNKAA’s lineup of July education seminars. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your leadership skills, expand your industry knowledge, or stay current on the latest multifamily trends, our July programs offer valuable insights for professionals at every stage of their career. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to learn from industry experts, earn continuing education credits where applicable, and connect with fellow multifamily professionals. Review this month’s education offerings below and register early to reserve your seat. A Dialogue on City Policies in Support of Apartment Recycling Thursday, July 9th, 12 noon – 2:00 PM Seeking Cincinnati apartment managers and owners to join us in a discussion on apartment recycling implementation challenges and successes. We are also convening this meeting to begin discussing the development of apartment recycling city policies. Your opinions are greatly valued in this discussion. Sponsored by the City of Cincinnati Office of Environment and Sustainability and hosted by Mary Del Vecchio of 7 West 7th Apartments. Complimentary boxed lunch, sponsored by Rumpke Recycling. Click here to register by July 2 What the Fraud?! Friday, July 10th, 10 am – 12:00 PM, Virtual Seminar Application fraud has become a consistent norm in the multifamily industry. This webinar will guide you though proper techniques when reviewing applications to limit fraudulent applications passing through. Topics in the webinar will include: • Explore common types of application fraud in the multifamily industry. • Learn how to identify red flags that may indicate fraudulent applications. • Understand the importance of thorough application review processes. • Discover tools and techniques to help prevent fraudulent applications from being approved. • Gain insights on best practices for verifying applicant information. • Enhance your skills in detecting and combating application fraud effectively. Click here to register Assets, Bids, and Communication: The ABCs of Budgets Wednesday, July 22nd, 9 am – 10:30 AM, Live Seminar Let our speakers help you master the art of annual budget preparation! We’ll move beyond simple number-crunching and dive into a strategy that balances asset preservation, resident satisfaction, and solid financial performance. By understanding the connection between these factors, you’ll be able to build an effective budget that communicates a clear vision for your property’s success. Click here to register

8 APARTMENT ADVANTAGE 9

The Apartment Association Outreach, Inc.

A 501(c)(3) Charitable Organization

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT By Jordann Morgan, Fath Properties, Outreach President CHAMPIONS FOR OUTREACH This year, we are proud to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of our Champions For Outreach Sponsorship Program. We extend our sincere gratitude to our current Champions sponsors and offer special recognition to those that have supported the program since its launch five years ago. Champions For Outreach was created to strengthen the Apartment Association OutJordann Morgan reach’s (AAO) ability to serve those in need while providing a simple, annual way for our members to support our mission. Through this program, sponsors help ensure stable and consistent funding that allows us to expand our impact year after year. The support of our Champions sponsors helps fund rent assistance, food pantry donations, senior events, educational and industry scholarships, backpacks and school supplies, emergency assistance and volunteer initiatives. Together, we are providing hope and resources to individuals and families throughout our community while shining

a positive light on our local multifamily industry. Champions For Outreach offers four sponsorship levels: Platinum ($25,000), Gold ($12,500), Silver ($7,500) and Supporter ($5,000). Three of the four levels include participation in all AAO fundraising events, and all four include recognition on our websites and in our newsletter, banner display, and an annual cocktail reception recognizing and thanking our Champion sponsors. Please see the Sponsor Form in this edition of Apartment Advantage for full details, and email Susan Peck at susan@gcnkaa.org if you want to learn more or participate. I would like to thank the following Champions For Outreach Sponsors that have been with us since we launched on June 30, 2021: Bellwether Enterprise Real Estate Capital, BRG Apartments, CIG Communities, CBRE, CMC Properties, FATH Properties, Heritage Hill Capital Partners, HILLS Properties, Jetz Service, KSM, March Family, McLean Family, NCS360, PLK Communities, Seger Family Foundation, TOWNE Properties, and Venture Communities. Their continued commitment over the past five years has helped strengthen our mission and expand our impact throughout the community. We are deeply grateful for their partnership and support.

GCNKAA GCNKAA

Happy Hour On The Green FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026 2 PM TO 4 PM OAKLEY GREENS

JULY 2026 8

Platinum - $25,000

Gold - $12,500

5k 4 Rent: 10 participants - (April) Night Out: 10 tickets/1 tables - (Sept/Oct) Holiday Cheers: 10 tickets - (December)

5k 4 Rent: 6 participants - (April) Night Out: 6 tickets - (Sept/Oct) Holiday Cheers: 6 tickets - (December)

Silver - $7,500

Supporter - $5,000

5k 4 Rent: 2 participants - (April) Night Out: 2 ticket - (Sept/Oct) Holiday Cheers: 2 tickets - (December)

Sponsor Recognition as noted below

Sponsor Recognition: Social Media recognition quarterly Banner: Displayed at our 5k, Night Out and Holiday Cheers Event AAO Newsletter: Quarter page designated with all company sponsored logos. GCNKAA Newsletter: Full page designated with all company sponsored logos. AAO Website: First page Champions for Outreach company sponsored logos Membership Directory: Annual publication will include your company logo on a TAB page. Recognized in slideshow for the Night Out for Outreach event. Recognized in slideshow for the State of the Industry event. Recognized in slideshow for the Holiday Cheers event. The Champions For Outreach will be invited to an annual private cocktail party.

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To become a Champion For Outreach, please contact Susan Peck - susan@gcnkaa.org

8 APARTMENT ADVANTAGE 11

JULY 2026 8

Government & Housing Legalities

This heading deals with housing & legal issues within the Governmental structure.

AMERICA IS GOOD, AND I’M DAMN LUCKY TO LIVE HERE By Kevin Coughlin, Ohio Government Relations Consultant America’s 250th birthday is upon us, and with your indulgence, I’m going to use this space to share my appreciation for this amazing republic and my optimism for its future. In the grand scheme of history, 250 years is nothing. It’s scarcely a long weekend by the measure of Rome or Athens. But what we’ve done with those two-and-a-half centuries is nothing short of astonishing. We Kevin Coughlin went from a handful of men writing revolutionary letters to King George to becoming the richest, most powerful, and most inventive society the world has ever seen. And we did it while arguing the whole time. Start with the founding itself. The words set down on the parchment of the Declaration of Independence established a new nation on a previously unheard-of premise: that all men are endowed by their Creator with natural rights—not by governments or rulers. These natural rights—life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness— are essential for humankind to flourish. Then we had the audacity to defeat the British Empire, the superpower of its day, and follow that up by inventing the Constitution. Our Founders had two main imperatives when designing our new

government: 1) Don’t let anyone get too much power, and 2) Prevent the majority from trampling the minority. Their final product was a masterpiece of political wisdom—a system of checks, balances, and federalism that has endured for more than two centuries. What followed was a period of dynamic growth never seen before. We expanded westward. The ancient curse of slavery, which America did not invent but which she resolved in blood and fire, was ended forever on this continent. We unleashed the innovation and entrepreneurship of our people by ending government chartering of businesses. We industrialized, electrified, motorized, and computerized the world. America faced down tyranny and fascism in Europe twice, put men on the moon, and buried Soviet communism, freeing Eastern Europe from decades of darkness. Sure, 2026 America has problems. Our government spends more money than it takes in and has neither a plan nor the will to stop. Social Security and Medicare are heading toward a cliff. Our large cities are badly governed. China is emerging as a true rival— smarter and economically stronger than the former Soviet Union. And K-12 education in some places is dismal. But America has always had challenges. Pick any year in our history and you will find problems to be solved, panic, scandal, and predictions of imminent collapse. Yet here we are at 250—richer, freer, and more American than ever.

8 APARTMENT ADVANTAGE 13

After all this time, the constitutional system our Founders created still affords more rights and freedoms to its citizens than any other place on the planet. America’s institutions have shown remarkable resilience, surviving wars, scandals, pandemics, impeachments, financial crises, market collapses, and bad leaders. Americans are freer than at any time in history, and the restorative powers of our constitutional order make that unlikely to change. The standard of living in 2026 America? It’s obscenely good. Economist and George Mason University professor Don Boudreaux once detailed how much better the present-day American lives compared to John D. Rockefeller in 1916—the year he became the world’s first billionaire. Today’s ease of travel, HVAC, package delivery, entertainment options, communications, automobiles, cuisine, technology, medicine, basic health care, and dramatically lower rates of maternal and child mortality were out of reach in 1916, even for the mighty Rockefeller. Yet the ordinary American of 2026 enjoys all this and more. Largely speaking, we have the same access to these things as Elon Musk and Bill Gates—private jets excluded. Compared to citizens of other Western countries, Americans are living quite well. Alabama’s median family income is nearly 25% higher than the median family income in the United Kingdom, and Alabama families enjoy a much lower cost of living than their UK counterparts. American household income is 38% higher than that in Canada. Our economy is the envy of the world, with incredible staying power even in the face of global turmoil. Natural disasters, wars, pandemics, and market crashes have routinely been brushed aside by America’s modern economy, which dwarfs the combined economies of all European Union nations. We have the highest concentration of top-ranked universities, the best scientists and engineers, the most Nobel Laureates, and loads of highly skilled tradesmen. America has abundant natural resources, energy dominance, plenty of land, and fresh water. No rival nation can squeeze our energy supply and force blackouts or heat-free winters. In 1838, Abraham Lincoln said that no foreign army could, by force, take a drink from the Ohio River. That remains true today, thanks to the most effective, efficient, and feared fighting force in the world. But the real miracle of this country is its people. One cannot truly love America without also loving Americans. We are extraordinary.

Americans give more charity than anyone. We’re inventive and entrepreneurial, holding more than 3.5 million patents—more than any other country except China. (That deserves an asterisk: China incentivizes patent filings with subsidies, prioritizing volume over quality. In other words, most of China’s patents are garbage.) We are the most enterprising people in the world, leading all nations in business starts. Four of the top five cities for startups are in the United States. Ninety-nine percent of all U.S. businesses are small-to-medium enterprises, meaning the little guy still dreams big in this country. Although the percentage of Americans who say faith is an important part of their lives has fallen to just under half, there are encouraging signs that young people are returning to faith in growing numbers. Yeah, the media and online algorithms love to highlight Americans behaving badly. One would think we are a country of airplane brawlers and pot-addled losers. But the numbers say otherwise. According to Gallup, only 15% of U.S. adults smoke marijuana, and only 9% use it regularly. Only 3% of American adults have been to prison, and only 8% have felony convictions. A mere 14% have misdemeanor convictions. Finally, Americans are opinionated and argue loudly. Even before the Founders put pen to paper in 1776, they were arguing—and we’ve been doing it ever since. Political disagreements can almost always be overcome. We are bound by one purpose: chasing that bright horizon called the American Dream. For most of us, the dream is modest but attainable: get an education or training, work hard, follow the rules and be able to afford a decent living, to raise a family, to live in a comfortable house in a safe neighborhood, and leave a better future for our kids. Each of us gets a chance at that dream thanks to the happy circumstance of being born or naturalized in the United States of America. America is good. And I am damn lucky to live here. Our pursuit of happiness—as the Founders envisioned it, guided and protected by the resilient constitutional order they crafted— propels us forward into the next 250 years. For in the hearts of our people—in our courage, our decency, and our restless spirit of invention—lies the promise that America’s best days are still to come. So on America’s birthday, I offer a short phrase that we often take for granted. It is an aspiration—a short prayer asking for divine protection and guidance for this country we love so much: God Bless America.

MAKE YOUR VOICE

HEARD SUPPORT OUR PACS

Influence at the local, state and national government levels would not be possible without your contributions. If you have not already done so, please invest in GCNKAA’s PAC. Our recommendation is $1 per unit. For More Information

513-407-8612 X 1

JULY 2026 8

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Our House

This heading contains membership, staff, committee information and events.

GCNKAA MEMBERS SHINE ON THE NATIONAL STAGE AT THE 2026 NAA APARTMENTALIZE CONFERENCE The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association proudly congratulates our members who represented our organization with excellence at the 2026 National Apartment Association (NAA) Apartmentalize Conference and Excellence Awards in New Orleans. A special congratulations goes to HILLS Properties for earning one of the industry’s highest honors. Graphite Oakley was recognized as the New Construction Community of the Year, showcasing the innovation, quality, and commitment to excellence that continues to set HILLS Properties apart. Congratulations also to Marci French with HRG Management Group for being named the Apartment Career & Education (ACE) Industry Practitioner of the Year. We also applaud PLK Communities for an outstanding showing as a national finalist in multiple prestigious categories: • Factory 52 – Finalist, Large (More than 150 Units) Community of the Year • American Can Lofts – Finalist, Small (Up to 150 Units) Community of the Year • PLK Communities – Finalist, #NAAGives Award, recognizing its commitment to community service and charitable engagement These national recognitions reflect the exceptional work being done by multifamily professionals throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky and highlight the strength of our local apartment industry. Congratulations are also in order for two outstanding leaders who will represent our region on the national level: • Abbie Huffman, PLK Communities, on her election as

NAA Region III Vice President. • Todd Hignite, Joy Property Solutions, on his appointment to the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) Board of Directors representing Region III. GCNKAA is equally proud of the many associate members who showcased their companies by exhibiting on the Apartmentalize trade show floor, connecting with thousands of multifamily professionals from across the country and demonstrating the expertise and innovation our local supplier partners bring to the industry. We also extend our appreciation to the GCNKAA members who shared their knowledge by presenting education sessions during the conference. Congratulations to Heather Barrow with A&H Properties, Anne Baum with Towne Properties, Don Brunner with BRG Apartments, Kristi Fickert with Kurie, Marci French with HRG Management Services, Todd Hignite with Joy Property Solutions, Melissa Joy with ACRE Real Estate, Sara Perry with HILLS Properties, Jeff Rowe with CORT, and Liz Werner with Sandstone Management for helping educate and inspire multifamily professionals from across the nation through their presentations. The success and visibility of our members at Apartmentalize continue to reinforce what we already know—Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky are home to some of the most talented, innovative, and engaged professionals in the multifamily industry. Congratulations to all of our members who represented GCNKAA so well on the national stage. Your accomplishments make our entire association proud, and we look forward to celebrating your continued success.

2026 NAA Apartmentalize Conference New Orleans

8 APARTMENT ADVANTAGE 23

MAY 2026 NEW MEMBERS PRIMARY Edgewood Management Corporation Claudia Garcia 9711 Washingtonian Boulevard Suite 200 Gaithersburg, MD 20878 (240) 650-7511 info@pratumco.com

ASSOCIATE A Better Life Roofing & Solar Melissa Pallotta 4527 Hanley Drive Cincinnati, OH 45247 (513) 477-0101 abetterlifeindustries@yahoo.com General Contractors / Roofing

Pothole Heroes Dean DePhillips 394 Wards Corner Road Suite 140 Loveland, OH 45140 (888) 363-1111 info@phheroes.com Pavement Maintenance and Repair

ARJ Amenities Ankit Patel 444 Home Avenue Oak Park, IL 60302 (563) 613-0994 ankit@arjamenities.com EV Charging / Safety & Security

TreeIQ - LEFKE Teddy Woodhouse 7219 Dearwester Drive Cincinnati, OH 45236 (513) 500-8351 twoodhouse@treeiq.com Consulting / Tree Removal / Property Analysis

Eagle’s Locksmith Cincinnati 414 Walnut Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 (513) 202-4240 kieagleslock@gmail.com Key Control / Door Sales and Service / Locks and Access Control Systems

United Contracting Louie Leger 5981 Peoples Court Burlington, KY 41005-9578 (513) 818-7126 louie@unitedcontractingky.com Gutters / Roofing / Siding

Keidel Supply Taylor Lane 1150 Tennessee Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45229 (513) 351-1600 tslane@winsupply.com Appliance Sales / Plumbing Supplies

US Lawns Parker Ruggles PO Box 62042 Cincinnati, OH 45262 (937) 707-4745 lindsey.copley@uslawns.com Landscaping / Snow Removal

Miracle Maintenance Pros Jason Smith 1825 Sunnybrook Drive Cincinnati, OH 45237-1101 (513) 748-4541 office@miraclemaintenancepros.com Contracting / Remodeling

Welcome Home Monifa Scott 3627 Shaw Avenue Apt. 8 Cincinnati, OH 45208-1468 (513) 368-3929 adddepth@outlook.com Marketing Services / Promotional Products

Open Architecture Tim Dwyer 1201 Harrison Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45214 (513) 702-0571 tim.dwyer@openarxhitecture.com Architectural Services

JULY 2026 8

Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

End of June, 2026

New Construction Summary Property Type

# Projects

# Units

Garden

138

24,723

Mid-Rise

6,291

High-Rise

2,228

Build-to-Rent

245

184

33,487

# Projects

# Units

Pre-construction

130

23,128

Under Construction

5,856

Construction/Lease-up

2,027

Lease-up

2,476

Total

184

33,487

Total Progress

Conventional Summary Property Type

# Units

Garden

22,910

Mid-Rise

5,919

High-Rise

1,978

Build-to-Rent

245

Total

31,052

Progress

# Units

Pre-construction

21,662

Under Construction

5,476

Construction/Lease-up

1,526

Lease-up

2,388

Total

31,052

Non-Conventional Summary Property Type

# Units

Garden

1,813

Mid-Rise

372

High-Rise Total Progress Pre-construction

250 2,435 # Units 1,466

Under Construction

380

Construction/Lease-up

501

Lease-up

Total

2,435

For additional details and definitions, visit our methodology page: . https://alndata.com/methodology

www.alndata.com NATIONWIDE MULTIFAMILY DATA

8 APARTMENT ADVANTAGE 25

Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

End of June, 2026

City Stats Top 5

# Units

Cincinnati

13,089

Springdale

1,826

Lebanon

1,535

Middletown

1,211

Newport

1,202

Submarket Stats Top 5

# Units

Bottom 5

# Units

Downtown / Midtown Cincinnati

10,642

Covington / Newport

3,316

Mason / Lebanon / Middletown

6,751

Cincinnati Intl Airport

2,716

Tri-County /Reading

4,451

Forest Park / Woodlawn

560

Eastern Cincinati

4,096

Fairfield / Hamilton

552

Covington / Newport

3,316

Western Hills

363

Pipeline Rankings Market by Units

Rank (of 209)

# Units

Market by Capacity*

GA - Savannah

35,730

TX - San Antonio

35,014

Lease-Up Comparisons**

OH - Cincinnati

33,487

OH - Cincinnati

VA - Richmond

30,770

National

UT - Salt Lake City

30,736

Rank (in tier)

# Units

Capacity %

Avg # Units/mo

Velocity

727

14.8

145,567

15.9

*Capacity percentage is calculated by dividing the number of units in the pipeline by the total number of existing units in the same market. Tier based on market size. **Velocity is the average number of months to reach an 85% occupancy. Average is over the past 24 months.

ALN Apartment Data tracks more than12K management companies with over 202K properties, comprised of over 26.2 million total units. We offer our clients feature-rich, user-friendly platforms to perform research with confidence, and our comprehensive services are available nationwide. Copyrights: All data, information and material provided through ALN Platforms or Reports are copyrighted. All resales, redistribution, or other forms of dissemination is strictly forbidden. For ALN editorial inserts, sourcing, questions, or additional information about our services, please contact Sales@alndata.com or call 800-643-6416 x 3.

JULY 2026 8

www.alndata.com NATIONWIDE MULTIFAMILY DATA

Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

End of June, 2026

General Overview

Stabilized and Lease-up Properties Conventional Properties

Jun 2026

Occupancy

90.9

Unit Change

3,528

Units Absorbed (Annual)

3,627

Average Size (SF)

Annual Change +0.4%

927

+0.7%

Asking Rent

$1,488

+3.2%

Asking Rent per SF

$1.60

+2.6%

Effective Rent

$1,469

+2.9%

Effective Rent per SF

$1.58

+2.3%

% Offering Concessions

14%

+9.5%

Avg. Concession Package

6.8%

+17.8%

Stabilized Only Properties Conventional Properties

Jun 2026

Occupancy

94.2

Unit Change

Annual Change -0.9%

Units Absorbed (Annual)

-854

Average Size (SF)

920

+0.3%

$1,448

+2.2%

Asking Rent per SF

$1.57

+1.8%

Effective Rent

$1,430

+1.9%

Effective Rent per SF

$1.55

+1.5%

% Offering Concessions

14%

+10.4%

Avg. Concession Package

6.5%

+17.3%

Asking Rent

www.alndata.com NATIONWIDE MULTIFAMILY DATA

8 APARTMENT ADVANTAGE 27

Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN

End of June, 2026

Age Breakdown By # Units

50,263

3,021

329

10,569

13,281

2,014

458

2,403

10,657

1,481

288

4,198

8,964

1,025

337

2,474

11,802

1,479

1,956

1,310

15,755

1,439

832

1,834

Market Breakdown Property Type

% of

Market

Props

Units

Occ.

Avg

Average Rent

Mkt

Eff

Rent Concessions Props Offering

Avg Package

Conventional

73%

989

114,941

90.9%

927

$1,488

$1,469

14.2%

6.8%

Affordable

16%

260

25,509

91.6%

932

$1,139

$1,133

3.8%

6.0%

Senior Living

152

12,173

93.5%

747

$1,910

$1,905

2.6%

8.3%

Student Housing

4,257

72.0%

1,031

$2,392

0.0%

1,430

156,880

Totals

Top 5 Submarkets Occupancy Annual Change

Jun-26

Change

Effective Rent Gains

Jun-26

Change

Covington/Newport

96.0%

11.5%

Western Hills

$1,102

8.4%

Downtown/Midtown Cincinnati

86.6%

5.4%

Tri-County/Reading

$1,586

4.9%

Dearborn - Ohio Counties IN

97.6%

5.2%

Cincinnati Intl Airport

$1,398

3.4%

Fairfield/Hamilton

94.3%

4.3%

Fairfield/Hamilton

$1,377

3.0%

Cincinnati Intl Airport

92.4%

3.1%

Mason/Lebanon/Middletown

$1,621

2.7%

New Units

ALN Apartment Data tracks 12K management companies with over 202K properties, comprised of over 26.2 million total units. We offer our clients feature-rich, user-friendly platforms to perform research with confidence, and our comprehensive services are available nationwide. Copyrights: All data, information and material provided through ALN Platforms or Reports are copyrighted. All resales, redistribution, or other forms of dissemination is strictly forbidden. For ALN editorial inserts, sourcing, questions, or additional information about our services, please contact Sales@alndata.com or call 800-643-6416 x 3. www.alndata.com NATIONWIDE MULTIFAMILY DATA

JULY 2026 8

Summer Golf Outing Thursday, June 11, 2026 to see all the photos click here

8 APARTMENT ADVANTAGE 29

BE A LEADER: NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association is currently accepting applications for both the Associate Council and the GCNKAA Board of Directors. If interested, please fill out the application on page 6 of this newsletter (for the board) or this linked application (for our associate members) in its entirety and return to the Apartment Association (attention of Michele) no later than Friday, September 11. All responses will be published in the October issue of the Apartment Advantage. Elections will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. NEW THIS YEAR FOR ASSOCIATE COUNCIL APPLICATIONS: This year, those running for Associate Council are required to submit a 1-to-2 minute video covering who they are, what they do, and the reasons they are interested in running for Council including any qualifications. Videos will be posted online prior to elections and will be available during the General Membership Meeting for attendees to review. The Board of Directors candidates are selected by the Nominating Committee and run as a slate. For more information on this process, please contact the Apartment Association office.

The Associate Council is the voice for the Associate Members of the GCNKAA and its thirteen council members hold very prestigious seats. Membership on the Council is limited to one representative per member company. If you are interested in running for one of the seven (7) available seats, please keep in mind that there is an attendance policy in place for all representatives to ensure associate members have consistent representation at meetings. For more information on the attendance policy for the Associate Council, email michele@gcnkaa.org. The members of the Associate Council are primarily responsible for the annual Trade Show, General Membership Dinner Meetings, Canned Good Drive, Furniture Give-Away and the Auction. A lot of time and effort go into being on the Associate Council, but the results are advantageous to all companies and individuals involved. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either Michele Klusman or Rebecca McLean at 513 407-8612. Good luck to all our candidates!

Features

More than 6 million units and 25,000 properties across the U.S. use NAA Click & Lease.

Features

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Simple online More than 6 million units rental application Simple online NAA Click & Lease. bottom line PMS software rental application and 25,000 properties Minimize liability Minimize liability Increased Integrates with all More across than 6 million units Customizable Customizable Minimize liability the U.S. use bottom line PMS software databases and 25,000 properties databases Simple online Customizable Online & paperless NAA Click & Lease. databases across the U.S. use

NAA Click & Lease. 30

JULY 2026 8

rental application

SimpleAccelerate online & Simplify Your Leasing Today Accelerate & Simplify Your Leasingrental Today application naahq.org/lease Online & paperless

Minimize liability Accelerate & Simplify Your Leasing Today naahq.org/lease Customizable naahq.org/lease Minimize liability Customizable databases databases

FALL GOLF OUTING MOVING TO GLENVIEW GOLF COURSE ON SEPTEMBER 23; SPONSORSHIPS ON SALE On WEDNESDAY, September 23, GCNKAA will host the Association’s 21ST Annual Fall Golf Classic benefiting the GCNKAA Industry Defense Fund. This year, the Fall Golf Outing is moving to Glenview Golf Course in the Springdale area. Registration opens at 8 am with the scramble teeing off at 9 am. All net proceeds of this outing will be used to meet our commitments to the National Apartment Association (NAA), the Apartment Association of Kentucky (AAK) and the Ohio Apartment Association (OAA) government funds as well as provide backing for the legislative committee’s political needs. Foursome cost is $820 each and includes per person: round of golf at the golf course, breakfast, late lunch, 2 beverage tickets, snack bag, and automatic inclusion into Hole-In-One contests. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPONSORSHIPS The Fall Golf Outing Benefiting the Industry Defense Fund offers several sponsorship opportunities for all our members. As a vendor, a sponsorship gives you the chance to get your company name out in front of 140 decision makers in the multifamily housing industry. As a hole sponsor, you also get the chance to take it one step further and meet and greet all golfers on your tee box. As a Primary Member, sponsorship shows your support of the legislative efforts of the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association. After all, all net proceeds directly benefit our Industry Defense Fund which is used to fight or support vital legislation at the local, state and federal levels. Sponsorships are limited and are listed below:

Presenting Sponsorship – $3000 Event Sponsor - $1500 Dinner Sponsorship – $500 Lunch Sponsorship – $350 Hole Sponsorships – $350 (limit of 18) Snack Bag Sponsorship** - $250 (limit of 1) Beverage Sponsorship – $275 Putting Green Sponsorship – $150 Driving Range Sponsorship - $150 Bag Drop Sponsorship - $350 Due to liquor license, no outside alcohol will be permitted at Glenview Golf Course. All sponsors receive signage at the outing, pre-event marketing exposure and public acknowledgement of sponsorship during dinner the day of the outing. Hole and beverage sponsors also have the unique all-day opportunity to create a memorable impression and build relationships at their sponsored hole/station. Dinner sponsors will also get the opportunity to give a one-minute speech during dinner. All sponsors are also invited to donate door prizes or give-aways to all participants. Click here to reserve your foursome or sponsorship.

Make it Count. THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING AND EVENT SPONSOR! Thank you to Forcht Bank for stepping up as the Presenting Sponsor and to Chadwell Supply for their Event Sponsorship! For more details on sponsors, click here.

GET IN OLVED IT MATTERS.

GCNKAA NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR ASSOCIATE COUNCIL AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS. DEADLINE TO APPLY IS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2026. ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2026.

8 APARTMENT ADVANTAGE 31

Trend Setting

This heading contains information on Management & Leasing.

THE KPI GRAVEYARD: WHAT METRICS WON’T LAST THE DECADE By Paul Willis, Content Director for LinnellTaylor Marketing

The “K” in KPI is becoming dated in many facets of the rental housing industry. But how do operators know when certain metrics outlive their relevance, and the time arrives to measure something new? That was the root of the discussion at the 2026 Apartmentalize session “The KPI Graveyard: What Metrics Won’t Last the Decade.” Certain KPIs—key performance indicators—have a shelf life and no longer underscore potential impact. According to panelists, it’s time to take a modified approach. “A lot of us work cross-functionally within our teams, and we have probably about a dozen different reports,” said Kadi Mancuso-Rice, Vice President of Leasing & Marketing at Tailwind Group, a Minnesota-based student housing operator. “Manually made, fed from a dashboard, from operations, marketing, leasing, asset management, one of the 18 AI tools that you’re using today, and then the new one that the intern just made, right?” Within each are several sub-metrics, none of which are necessarily incorrect but might not tell the entire story. “At some point along the way, we confused having more data with clarity,” Mancuso-Rice said. “It’s just noise.” With the abundance of metrics available, operators must not only prioritize which ones to track, but when, how and why. The primary objective, according to panelists, is to distinguish between leading and lagging indicators. “Items like delinquency, renewal percentage, work order and lead volume, those are lagging indicators,” said Matt Rogers, Senior VP of Operations at RPM Living. “When those items end up red on your dashboard, guess what, folks? It’s too late to fix it—or you have very little time to actually address the bottom-line issue. But with leading indicators, we see payment risk, renewal intent, resident engagement and lead scoring.” These proactive metrics enable operators to get in front of potential problems. When a leading indicator is in the red early in the

GCNKAA MANAGEMENT FORUM 2026 MULTIFAMILY MATTERS SUMMIT KEEPING AHEAD OF INDUSTRY TRENDS

August 27, 2026

1 pm - 4:30 pm Forum Sessions 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm Networking The Rambler Hotel 7711 Roosa Street, Cincinnati

s detail r o f h Watc

JULY 2026 8

process, opportunity exists to correct things. “The value of KPIs are not in their accuracy, but in their ability to give us time to correct when things go poorly,” Rogers said. Good numbers sometimes can hide bad business, the panelists suggested. For instance, high traffic might overshadow poor conversion rates, high occupancy might mask poor profitability, and high engagement might not equate to high intent. Operators sometimes fall into the trap of measuring metrics the same way regardless of season, which can cloud the picture. While the spring and summer months should generally focus upon traffic and leasing velocity, fall and winter can be dedicated to retention, renewal strategies and resident engagement. The morphing, digital-centric profile of the modern renter doesn’t eliminate the need for KPIs—it just means they’ve changed. In the past, most operators employed the lead-tour-application-lease KPI structure. Now, according to the panelists, KPIs can be more accurately measured in an awareness-engagementintent-lease model.

LET THEM TALK: WHAT AI FOUND IN 60,000+ RESIDENT CHATS By Andrew Ruhland Account Executive and Content Writer with LinnellTaylor Marketing. Reputation in the rental housing industry is everything. But while operators often focus on online reviews, some of the most influential conversations happen in social media chats and similar channels that community management does not host. These discussions increasingly shape public perception and resident decision making. At the 2026 Apartmentalize session, “Let Them Talk: What AI Found in 60,000+ Resident Chats,” panelists gathered to examine how resident conversations influence reputation, leasing decisions and even AI-generated search results. AI IS AMPLIFYING RESIDENT VOICES Panelists noted that Reddit citations in AI search results have grown by 450%, and approximately 7% of all AI-generated answers now cite Reddit content. In some cases, a highly active Reddit thread can outrank fact-checked sources and become the dominant narrative prospective residents encounter when researching a property.   Rather than attempting to silence or avoid these conversations, operators can create open spaces where resident dialogue can happen productively in a host-operated environment. Panelists recommend integrating community engagement tools into the resident experience alongside functions such as rent payments, completed service requests and package management interactions. “There’s often a stigma around giving residents an open forum, but they are going to have those conversations regardless,” said Dustin Pyatte, Director of Operations Services for Kairoi Residential. “I used to dread seeing the resident group chats on social media, but now, with a proprietary app, we’ve reclaimed that space. Being able to see what residents are truly saying, the good and the bad, has been invaluable in helping us identify and take meaningful action on the operational side.” TURNING FEEDBACK INTO ACTION Hosted resident forums provide operators with valuable insights that can drive better business decisions. Authentic resident conversations often reveal concerns, preferences and opportunities long before they appear in surveys or formal feedback channels.

Even negative comments can serve as actionable intelligence that helps teams improve operations, increase satisfaction and strengthen retention. Nicole Jones, Chief Marketing Officer of Veris Residential, noted that crafting an impactful community group takes a collaborative approach. “In creating a hosted community space for residents, our whole team was involved, from operations to legal, it was a cross-functional effort,” Jones said. “And we saw a significant number of residents adopt the app fairly quickly. Although some residents are only in there once a month when paying rent, over 50% of them actively use the app.” Panelists urged organizations to establish clear protocols before issues arise, ensuring everyone understands how conversations will be monitored, addressed and escalated when necessary. When handled appropriately, even negative feedback shared within the app gives operators the insight needed to remedy situations. To prepare for success, operators must communicate the benefits of participation, designate moderators, encourage team involvement, reframe negative feedback as actionable insight, share resident engagement wins and establish clear guidelines for sensitive topics. BUILDING COMMUNITY, RETENTION AND RELATIONSHIPS Beyond operational benefits, the panel highlighted the human impact of fostering community. Strong resident connections create a greater sense of belonging and help transform a property from simply a place to live into a place where people feel connected. When residents build relationships with their neighbors, they are often more invested in the community and more likely to renew their leases. Meaningful engagement doesn’t just improve satisfaction, it can positively impact retention and revenue by creating communities where residents want to stay. “Our community app allows us to get in front of any issues before they escalate, while also creating great opportunities for more delightful moments,” Pyatte said. “And when we provide an out-of-this-world experience, residents are more prone to renew.”

8 APARTMENT ADVANTAGE 33

ADVANCING PERFORMANCE THROUGH WELL-BEING By Tiana Heath, NAAEI Senior Manager of Industry Relations

A movement to foster resilience, spark meaningful conversations and equip rental housing professionals with tools to create environments where everyone can flourish. Mental Health Awareness Week (May 18–22, 2026) serves as an important moment for the multifamily housing industry to reflect, learn and take meaningful steps toward a more sustainable approach to leadership and performance. Throughout the National Apartment Association’s (NAA) four sessions, a clear theme emerged: Success should no longer be solely defined by results but also by the ability to support the people delivering those results. The week started with a review of “Spaces That Support Us,” helping viewers understand how the spaces that are designed can affect our mood, productivity and ultimately how we serve our team members and residents. The choices made related to color, texture and furniture in common areas, clubhouses and leasing offices impact those using the spaces and have true meaning. And when done right, can create spaces for everyone to thrive. Moving through the week, Dr. Donna Lee shared key takeaway in “High Responsibility, Hidden Distress” highlighting the importance of identifying early indicators of distress. Small behavioral changes, such as reduced engagement, shifts in communication or increased perfectionism, can signal underlying challenges long before performance declines. By recognizing these subtle cues, leaders can proactively intervene, providing support at the right time and preventing more serious outcomes such as burnout or disengagement. Another central focus during Wednesday‘s “When Performance Pressure Becomes Emotional Exhaustion” was redefining the role of leadership in fostering resilient teams. Rather than reacting to problems as they arise, organizations are increasingly embracing preventive leadership strategies. This includes creating environments where open communication is encouraged, regular check-ins are normalized and access to support resources is both visible and easy to navigate. These practices help build psychological safety, allowing employees to address challenges before they escalate. The week closed with “The Hope Factor”: Starting a timely

discussion around hope as a driver of performance. This session highlighted that hope is more than a positive mindset directly influences how individuals approach challenges, sustain motivation and achieve long-term results. When employees believe their work has purpose and that progress is attainable, they are more likely to remain engaged and resilient, even in high-pressure environments. Consistent communication, transparency and acknowledgment of both progress and obstacles were identified as key behaviors that strengthen team stability. By reinforcing a clear vision and demonstrating belief in their teams, leaders can help sustain momentum while also mitigating the risk of burnout. Ultimately, Mental Health Awareness Week reinforced a critical shift in mindset across the industry. High performance and well-being should no longer be viewed as competing priorities but as interconnected drivers of success. By recognizing the hidden challenges behind achievement, promoting early intervention and fostering environments rooted in trust and hope, organizations can create workplaces where both team members’ performance thrive. As the industry moves forward, the lessons from Mental Health Awareness Week offer a clear path for action: Put people first, invest in proactive support tools and continue developing leaders and cultures that strengthen both people’s performance and resilience over time. Watch these webinars on demand at naahq. org/webinars.

4TH ANNUAL

MAINTENANCE APPRECIATION Networking, games, food, drink, fowling, and fun all focused on showing appreciation for all the maintenance techs in the local multifamily housing industry.

JULY 2026 8

WEDNESDAY, October 7, 2026 Fowling Warehouse 5 pm - 7 pm **FREE For Maintenance Techs!**

Platinum Sponsor ($25,000)

Gold Sponsor ($12,500)

MARCH FAMILY

SEGER FAMILY FOUNDATION

Silver Sponsor ($7,500)

Supporter Sponsor ($5,000)

THE McLEAN

FAMILY

To become a Champion For Outreach, please contact Susan Peck - susan@gcnkaa.org