SAAAdvocate Magazine April 2025_2

April 2025

Government Relations For A Better San Antonio

www.SAAAonline.org

The Power of Grassroots Advocacy in San Antonio’s Apartment Industry: By Ryan Baldwin--------------------- 3 San Antonio City Council & Mayoral Elections: By Allison Cohen---------------------------------------------------------4-6 SAAA Candidate Endorsements ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------7,8 Poll Greeters Needed for District 1 on Tuesday, 4/22 --------------------------------------------------------------------------9 Why Donate to PAC?: By Kara Morkovsky ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------10-11 PAC Pick Perks & Platinum Sponsors ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------12 -18 Save the Date: SAAA David Guin Memorial Golf Tournament is October 29th---------------------------------------19

Ryan Baldwin, 2025 GA Chair 2024 SAAA Past President Franklin Apartment Mgmt.

Daniel Ortiz, GA Consultant Ortiz McKnight, PLLC

Maddie Patrick, GA Vice - Chair 2025 SAAA Secretary Foresight Property Management

Allison Cohen, SAAA Government Relations Manager allison@saaaonline.org

San Antonio Apartment Association 7525 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78249 OFFICE 210.692.7797 or 877.306.4108 Fax 210.692.7277 or 877.316.1984 www.saaaonline.org

Mission: The San Antonio Apartment Association educates, communicates and advocates for professionals in the rental housing industry.

Vision: A future where rental housing is a valuable partner in every community, where everyone has a home.

The “SAAAdvocate" is published by the San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc. Circulated free. The San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc., expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject advertising which may subject the San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc., to liability under statutory or common law. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the San Antonio Apartment Association.

All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without permission. Entire contents are the © Copyright 2022 of the San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc. ADA Compliance Statement: The San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc. (“SAAA”), is committed to upholding the standards of, and strictly complying with, the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”). It is the policy of SAAA to allow Service Dogs and Service Miniature Horses to accompany the person for whom the animal is providing a service in the areas of public accommodation at the office of SAAA and at SAAA events, programs and classes.

2

APRIL 2025 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

AN ARTICLE BY RYAN BALDWIN, GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COMMITTEE CHAIR, PAST PRESIDENT OF SAAA

In the ever-evolving landscape of the rental housing industry, the importance of grassroots political engagement cannot be overstated. As members of the San Antonio Apartment Association (SAAA), we have a unique opportunity to advocate for policies that positively impact our communities and industry. By staying active politically at the grassroots level, we can ensure that our voices are heard, and our industry needs are addressed at City Hall and beyond.

One of the key areas where our advocacy efforts are making a difference is in the realm of Council Consideration Requests (CCRs). Being at the forefront of these requests is vital to shaping policies that affect our industry, such as code changes, housing initiatives, and infrastructure development. Our collective efforts in advocating for these requests have the potential to bring about meaningful change, fostering a thriving environment for both residents and property owners.

By mobilizing our members and presenting a united front, we can influence decision-makers and promote policies that support sustainable growth and development in San Antonio. Each day the Government Affairs team and Committee is working hard being boots on the ground working on efforts that may impact the rental housing industry.

APRIL 2025

THE POWER OF GRASSROOTS ADVOCACY IN SAN ANTONIO’S APARTMENT INDUSTRY

Staying connected with elected officials at the local, state, and national levels is equally crucial. Building relationships with these officials enables us to communicate our concerns, share insights, and advocate for policies that align with the interests of the apartment industry. Regular engagement ensures that our perspectives are taken into account when important decisions are made. It also allows us to educate our representatives about the challenges and opportunities facing our industry, helping them understand the impacts of their legislative actions on our communities. SAAA Leadership and the Government Affairs team have worked diligently on this front in a much more focused way over the past few years and our efforts are paying off and we are affecting change.

During this unique local election cycle, the efforts of the Government Affairs Interview Subcommittee have been instrumental in driving our advocacy initiatives.

This dedicated team has worked tirelessly to engage candidates, assess their positions on key issues, and ensure that the apartment industry is represented in the electoral process. By conducting thorough interviews and fostering discussions around our priorities, the subcommittee is setting the stage for informed voting and ensuring that our industry’s needs are front and center in the minds of those seeking office.

In this issue of the SAAA Advocate, you will see firsthand that work. We are excited to share the endorsements that SAAA has made and encourage you all to join us in supporting these candidates at the voting booth, in grass roots volunteer opportunities or financially.

In conclusion, grassroots political engagement is essential for the San Antonio apartment industry. By advocating for positive changes at the local level, staying connected with elected officials, and leveraging the efforts of our Government Affairs team, we can make a significant impact. As we navigate this election cycle, let us commit to being active participants in shaping the future of our communities and our industry. Together, we can advocate for policies that enhance and support the growth of our vibrant rental housing community.

3

APRIL 2025 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

Do you know which district you live in and who your city council person is?

Find out using this link: Find My Council Member The San Antonio Apartment Association’s Government Affairs Committee interviewed twenty-five candidates and incumbents across the City Council and Mayoral races. The committee held discussion and made decisions on contributing PAC funds to certain candidates and which to formally endorse. The committee also made decisions to not endorse candidates of several races because of the likelihood of their election to go on to a run-off election.

San Antonio Apartment Association City Council Election Endorsements Please consider voting for these incumbents and candidates San Antonio City Council District 1 The San Antonio Apartment Association endorses Councilwoman Sukh Kaur for re-election.

San Antonio City Council District 2 The San Antonio Apartment Association endorses Councilman Jalen McKee Rodriguez for re-election.

San Antonio City Council District 3 The San Antonio Apartment Association endorses Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran for reelection.

San Antonio City Council District 4 The San Antonio Apartment Association endorses candidate Edward Mungia for election.

San Antonio City Council District 7 The San Antonio Apartment Association endorse Councilwoman Marina Alderete Gavito for re-election.

San Antonio City Council District 10 The San Antonio Apartment Association endorses Councilman Marc Whyte for re-election.

4

APRIL 2025 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

The San Antonio Apartment Association will not be endorsing a candidate in the following races at this time. We will update our endorsements in the case of a run-off election: San Antonio Mayor The committee interviewed and considered these eight viable candidates for the Mayor’s race: ·Adriana Rocha Garcia ·Beto Altamirano ·Clayton Perry ·Gina Ortiz Jones ·John Courage ·Manny Palaez ·Mellissa Cabello-Havrda ·Rolando Pablos San Antonio City Council District 6 The committee interviewed and considered these four viable candidates: ·Gerald B. Lopez ·Kelly Ann Gonzalez ·Lawson Alaniz-Picasso ·Vanessa B. Chavez San Antonio City Council District 8 The committee interviewed and considered these three viable candidates: ·Ivalis Mezza Gonzalez ·Paula McGee ·Sakib Shaikh San Antonio City Council District 9 The committee interviewed and considered these three viable candidates: ·Angi Taylor Aramburu ·April Chang ·Misty Spears

5

APRIL 2025 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

San Antonio City Council and Mayor Elections Voting Information Early Voting is open April 22 nd through April 29 th Hours of Early Voting are 8:00 am to 6:00 pm A map of Early Voting locations can be found at this link: Early Voting Map You can vote at any Early Voting location Save time and please go vote early to avoid long lines.

Election Day is May 3 rd Hours of Election Day voting are 7:00 am to 7:00 pm A map of Election Day voting locations can be found at this link: Election Day Voting Map You can vote at any Election Day voting location Election Day coincides with Fiesta and the night parade. Please consider voting early.

If you are interested in a voter guide that goes through all the candidates for Mayor and for City Council, please visit these links: San Antonio Report Voter Guide Metro San Antonio Chamber of Commerce Voter Guide

6

APRIL 2025 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

POLL GREETING FOR COUNCILWOMAN

SUKH KAUR Join the San Antonio Apartment Association Advocacy Team to help re-elect Councilwoman Sukh Kaur for San Antonio City Council District 1.

Poll Greeting is when volunteers for a chosen candidate station themselves at a voting location and wave signs, offer handouts, and thank voters for coming out to vote. This is the last interaction voters have with a certain candidate before they vote. SAAA needs you to sign up to be a Poll Greeter on the first day of Early Voting, Tuesday, April 22nd.

TUESDAY, APRIL 22ND 8:00AM - 6:00 PM VARIOUS LOCATIONS & SHIFTS AVAILABLE

WHAT DO I BRING? A folding camp chair A charged cell phone Snacks and bottled water

9

APRIL 2025 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

Sunglasses & Sunscreen An umbrella for shade or rain, or bring a pop-up tent YOUR SMILE

SAAA POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

APRIL 2025

AN ARTICLE BY KARA MORKOVSKY, POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE CHAIR, SAAA 2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TREASURER

Every donation to SAAA PAC helps us connect with elected officials and candidates to educate them and spread industry knowledge and perspective to hopefully lead to better policy outcomes for us all.

By pooling the contributions from individuals and companies who are members of SAAA, our members may participate in the political process.

Any funds collected are disbursed at the direction of SAAA’s Government Affairs Committee directly to the campaign of a candidate or incumbent member of local and state elected offices like City Council, Bexar County Commissioners, and Texas House and Senate Representatives.

Why Should You Care?

PAC Contributions Give Our Industry and Organization: A Seat at the Table. Would you rather be at the table, or on the menu? SAAA PAC is your vehicle to support elected officials and candidates who are open to the rental housing industry's views on issues crucial to your business and the industry at large.

Credibility. SAAA PAC gives our profession political credibility. It shows that we are willing to support lawmakers who help enact policies that will allow us to keep creating quality rental housing opportunities across the state.

Success. Growing our influence within the San Antonio metro area and Texas does not happen easily. It is an ongoing and long-term process that only succeeds as more and more SAAA members participate. Your involvement makes SAAA PAC grow in strength.

10

APRIL 2025 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

SAAA POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

APRIL 2025

AN ARTICLE BY KARA MORKOVSKY, POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE CHAIR, SAAA 2025 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE TREASURER

Recent “wins” for the San Antonio Apartment Association in advocacy: In 2024, the Government Affairs Committee had over 80 meetings with local, state, and federal elected officials, key department staff members, and government entities to communicate important proposals and build relationships.

In 2024, members of the SAAA Government Affairs Committee were chosen to be involved in the recent San Antonio Unified Development Code review and shaped the code amendments to prevent further regulation and pressure on the rental housing industry. This influence at the City level is advantageous to our growth and position as a key stakeholder for the City of San Antonio.

In 2024 and recently this year, SAAA Government Affairs Team participated in the process for a San Antonio Council Consideration Request (CCR) that concerns SAWS water shutoffs at multifamily communities. SAAA was alerted about the CCR and met with multiple City Council members, the Development Services Department, and SAWS leadership to influence the path the CCR took through City Council Committees before it goes to the whole City Council for review. When the recommendations for the CCR passes the full City Council, it will be an even bigger win for the association.

Recently this spring, a member of the Government Affairs Committee applied and was selected to be a part of the Housing Commission’s Removing Barriers to Affordable Housing Subcommittee.

This commitment lasts two years and gives the rental housing industry a seat at the table to impact policy being directed by the subcommittee to the Housing Commission.

PERKS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

members PLATINUM

members GOLD

Alan Ross Bob Ross Realty

Renee Masten Homespring Residential

Alexis Gomez Trace Properties

Allyson McKay Embrey Management Services

Renetta Quintana Capstone Management

Clara Seelhammer 2-SD Construction

Cory Palmer WillowBridge PC

Ryan Baldwin Franklin Apt. Mngt.

Gary Greene FSI Construction

Debbie Wiatrek Summit PM

Scott Milgrom Image 360

Emery Johnson The Phoenix Staffing

Steffany Esnaola Apogee Interiors

Kara Morkovsky Portico Property Management

Steve Colella MDP Management

Leo L’Homme Fresh Meadows REI Marc Ross Bob Ross Realty Mike Rust Highland Commercial Property Natalie Bennett Apartment Solutions Inc.

12

Steve Ross Bob Ross Realty Sunny Davila Capstone Management Timothy Lippard Splash Branding Victoria Keeler Churchill Forge Properties

APRIL 2025 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

Lori Somerville Chadwell Supply Lyssette Perez Apartments.com Maddie Patrick Foresight Asset Management Nina Segundo Portico Property Management Omar Rodriguez TX KTCHN Construction LLC

members SILVER Alexie Loriente Emily Wiatrek Jennifer Kimball Jennifer Morales Leslie Herrera Tabatha Blunt Travis Kamp

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS PAC DONATIONS

STEVE COLELLA MDP MANAGEMENT

2000 SAAA PAST PRESIDENT

PLATINUM SPONSOR

www.saaaonline.org

THANK YOU

FOR YOUR GENEROUS PAC DONATIONS

STEVE ROSS BOB ROSS REALTY

2007 & 2008 SAAA PAST PRESIDENT

ALAN ROSS BOB ROSS REALTY

2026 SAAA PRESIDENT -ELECT

PLATINUM SPONSORS A FAMILY LEGACY IN SAN ANTONIO SINCE 1964

14

APRIL 2025 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

www.saaaonline.org

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS PAC DONATIONS

MARC ROSS BOB ROSS REALTY

1995 & 1996 SAAA PAST PRESIDENT

PLATINUM SPONSOR

www.saaaonline.org

THANK YOU

FOR YOUR GENEROUS PAC DONATIONS

SUNNY DAVILA CAPSTONE REAL ESTATE MANAGEMENT

2025 SAAA PRESIDENT

PLATINUM SPONSOR

www.saaaonline.org

THANK YOU

FOR YOUR GENEROUS PAC DONATIONS

KARA MORKOVSKY PORTICO PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

2025 SAAA TREASURER 2025 PAC COMMITTEE CHAIR

PLATINUM SPONSOR

17

APRIL 2025 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

www.saaaonline.org

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS PAC DONATIONS

NATALIE BENNET APARTMENT SOLUTIONS

2025 SAAA PRODUCT SERVICE COUNCIL MEMBER

PLATINUM SPONSOR

18

APRIL 2025 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

www.saaaonline.org

BENEFITTING

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE [

REGISTRATION

8:30AM

TOURNAMENT ENDS

4:00PM

START

10:00AM

DINNER & AWARDS

3:30PM

Get O ut & Vote!