ON RENTAL HOUSING
JAN FEB 2020
THIS ISSUE:
2019
Austin Apartment Association
AAA Strategic Plan 26 Doc & Gayle Young 30 Food Drive AAA Holiday Gala 40
T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E
Austin Apartment Association
Professional of the Year
Winners
20
PG.
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CONTENTS J ANU ARY / FEBRU ARY 2020 ISSUE
FEATURES 20 2019 Professional
of the Year Winners Presented at AAA Holiday Gala
IS NOT JUST MAKING IT PRETTY
26 AAA Strategic Plan
AT CAMP, YOU KNOW IT’S ALWAYS DONE RIGHT
30 Community Connection
AAA’s 3-year roadmap
Food Drive & Brady’s Bridge
24
TAA & NAA Highlights Featuring Kristan Arrona’s Lifetime Achievement Award
35
2020 Dues Remember to renew your membership
36
Maintenance Huddle Celebrating our maintenance superheroes
512.394.1111 // CAMPCONSTRUCTION.COM
40
Holiday Gala, at the Hyatt Regency Downtown, Thursday, December 12, 2019
38
Apartment industry and residents contribute $33B to Austin’s economy 2019 Hoyt Advisory Study Highlights
53
Important Dates 2020 events you don’t want to miss
JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
3
2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 E X E C U T IV E CO MMIT T E E
2019-2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Austin Apartment Association
Kris Burleson, CAS, Gage Multifamily Services Kimberly Faulkner, Greystar Travis Fowler, Century A/C Supply Michael Garcia, CAM, CAPS, Capstone Real Estate Services, Inc.
2019-20 2 0
Adrian Garcia, CAM, CAPS, Bluebonnet Commercial Management, LLC Desiree Golden, CAM, CAPS, Foundation Communities
Sandy Eckhardt CREA Management
Stephani Park Roscoe Properties
President
President-elect
Ryan Harmon
Christy Sanchez
CAS
CPM, CAM
Camp Construction
Shannon Green, Weinstein Properties Lyndsay Hanes, CPM, Topaz Asset Management
Alliance Residential, LLC, Secretary/Treasurer
Vice President
Meagan Johnston, CAPS, Roscoe Properties Chelsea Kneeland, CAS, J Turner Research Sam Levassar, CAS, Camp Construction
The Official Publication of the
Stephanie Naylor, CAS, Flooring Warehouse
A USTIN APARTMENT A SSOCIATION
Christi Pyle, CAM, CAPS, LDG Development
8620 Burnet Road #475 Austin, TX 78757 P: 512.323.0990 F: 512.323.2979 www.austinaptassoc.com
Communications Advisory Committee Chairs Danielle Archuleta (844) 433-3824 Stephanie Naylor (512) 335-8138
Publishing Director Emily Blair, CAE
Editor
Terri Needham, CAS, PS Landscapes, Inc. Toni Rackley, Flooring Warehouse
IN EV E RY I S S U E 5 6 8 9 10
Leadership
Haydee Scott, CAS, BG Multifamily Amanda Seamans, CAS, Texas Materials a CRH Company
12 14 18 44 48
Letter from the EVP Calendar President’s Perspective Market Report
Diamond Sponsors
Emily Blair, CAE Executive Vice President, emily@austinaptassoc.com
Amber Collins, Director of Marketing & Communications,
amber@austinaptassoc.com Jeanette Gonzalez, Receptionist, Administrative Assistant,
jeanette@austinaptassoc.com
Carl E. Beck (88) Kim M. McGregor (89)
Jim Eichelberger* (66)
Ted Hendricks* (78)
Beth Holt (90)
Andy Wagner* (67)
Hank Guerrero* (79)
David Stapleton, CPM (91)
Ray Littlefield* (68)
Don Tait (80)
Sheri Gallo (92)
George Nalle* (69)
Ray Head (81)
Gina Roberts (93)
Don Jackson (70)
Ed Norton (82)
Carol Martine, CPM (94)
Gene McGregor* (71)
Bob Benson (83)
Keith Warner (95)
Ed Hamel (72)
Jimmy C. Elliott (84)
Michael R. Hill, CPM (96)
Barry Gillingwater* (73)
Joe Sharp (85)
Vicki L. Sharp, NALP, CAPS (97)
James Raper (74)
Dick Obenhaus (86)
Kim M. McGregor (98)
Rich Ellmer (75)
Susan Melton (87)
Anna Kelley* (99)
Law in Order
1
A&A Wrecker Camp Construction
23 Maintenance Supply Headquarters
47 Cruise4Two
2
51 Ameristar
Lisa Berman Director of Membership Development
lisa@austinaptassoc.com Event Photos by David Cox
www.davidcox.org
Design by Graphic Engine Design Studio
www.GraphicEngine.net
4
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Missy Sterns, CAPS, LDG Development Bill Warren, Warren Law Firm
Bill Roland, CPM, CCIM (00-01) Tami Martin, NALP, CAMT, CAM, CAPS (01-02) Carol Martine, CPM (02-03) Joy Lamb, CPM (03- 04) John Raper (04-05) Debi Wehmeier, CPM (05-06) Renee Clark, CAM, CAPS (06-07) Sherry Perrin (07-08) Jana Ellis (08-09) Kara Garst, CAPS (09-10) Sarah Thompson, CAM, CAPS
Brooke Mahoney-Livesay CAPS (11-12)
Membership A-Team
Products & Services Council
Of Counsel
Robyn Riley Carrie Thomes, CAM
Bill Warren, Warren Law Firm
Ryan Harmon, CAS Joshua Nichols
Ryan Harmon, CAS, Chair Rene Flores, CAS, Chair-elect Toni Rackley, Vice Chair Terri Needham, CAS, Immediate Past Chair
Next Gen Committee
PSC Members at Large
Tiffany Blankman John Claybrook Brooke Ludwig
Kris Burleson, CAS Brian Hackworth Chelsea Kneeland, CAS Shay Mickler, CAM, CAS Ashley Pruden, CAS Robyn Riley Anna Samaratunga, CAS Haydee Scott Carol Taylor
Sandy Eckhardt (12-13) Colleen Grahn (13-14) Robbie Robinson, CAM, CAPS, ARM (14-15) Gus Villegas (15-16) Theresa Ebner (16-17) Dwayne Stewart (17-18) Renee Zahn, CAM, NALP, ARM, CPM (18-19) *deceased
(10-11)
2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 0 CO M MIT T E E C H A IRP E R S O N S
IBC Charter Furniture OBC Integrity Paving
Director of Education
Lynne Williams, Accounting Manager, lynne@austinaptassoc.com
Tracy Slappey-Scott, Pinnacle An American Mgmt. Co.
Greystar
Steve Colella (77)
Amy Lydic, CAE amyl@austinaptassoc.com
Immediate Past President
Greystar
Jim Solt* (76)
43 Austin Estate Gate
35 Compound Security
VP at Large
Frank Montgomery* (65)
19 BG Multifamily
13 Century A/C Supply
VP at Large
John Harrison* (64)
IFC Austin Energy
7 Ameristar
NALP, CAM, ARM, CPM
Education Opportunities
AD VE RT I S E R I N D EX
29 Austin Resource Recovery
CAM
A A A PA ST P RE S ID E N T S
Paul Cauduro, Director of paul@austinaptassoc.com
Renee Zahn
New Members
Dana Bolz, CMP Director of Events/Meetings, dana@austinaptassoc.com Government Relations,
Katya Watson
Industry Update
Amber Collins
Association Staff
Stephanie Petersen, CAM Bluebonnet Commercial Management LLC
The advertising and article submission deadline for the March/April 2020 issue of Window on Rental Housing is January 30, 2020. The advertising and article submission deadline for the May/June 2020 issue of Window on Rental Housing is March 15, 2020. All material submitted is subject to review and approval of the Austin Apartment Association. The publisher assumes no responsibility for care and return of unsolicited material. The Austin Apartment Association is affiliated with the Texas Apartment Association and the National Apartment Association. For questions concerning advertising, articles or subscriptions, call (512) 323-0990. Window on Rental Housing is published bi-monthly by the Austin Apartment Association, 8620 Burnet Road #475, Austin, Texas 78757, (512) 323-0990, (512) 323-2979 fax.
Austin Supervisors Council
Kimberly Faulkner Meagan Johnston, CAPS Shanna Pope Communications Advisory Committee
Education Foundation Board President
Brooke Mahoney-Livesay, CAPS Food Drive
Danielle Archuleta Stephanie Naylor, CAS
Stephanie Naylor, CAS Terri Needham, CAS Paige Russell
Community Outreach
Investment Committee
Taryn Merrill Toni Rackley
Stephanie Petersen, CAM Ben Wells, CAS
Education Advisory Council
Legislative Committee
Dedra Bouffard, CAM Krista Washbourne
Meagan Johnston, CAPS Lyndsay Hanes, CPM Stephanie Petersen, CAM
Membership M-Team
Political Action
Theresa Ebner, CAM, CAPS, CPM Gus Villegas
Texas Apartment Association
512-479‑6252 National Apartment Association
703‑518‑6141
JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
5
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Letter from
Serving the Apartment Industry Exclusively Since 1989
THE EVP REFLECTING ON MY FIRST YEAR AT AAA
As I write this, I have just wrapped up my last “first” with the Association. In other words, my first Holiday Gala… which followed the other “firsts” this year such as the first Property of the Year, first hire, first Food Drive, etc.
A
s you know, any first year on the job is filled with lots of learning and connecting the dots. Day 1 starts with what I call the “file find” – aka getting your hands on all the essential paperwork and files. Then as the year progresses, of course the sophistication of tasks also progresses. No longer are you learning how to make coffee – which by then that is a task anyone can master (ignore the fact weeks prior you may have struggled there) – rather, your attention turns to things like strategic planning! In the midst of all of that though, was connecting with the people of this association. I am lucky to have made some amazing connections in my first year with the Association. The people in the Austin Apartment Association truly are what makes this organization stand out from the crowd. The desire to have the new members and newcomers like me become a part of the family of AAA, is the most prevalent and wonderful characteristic of this association. I have seen firsthand, not only are you hoping to make connections and grow your own network – but our members desire to help make that happen for their fellow member too! What a great strength that represents – and I am proud to be this Association’s Executive. Now that I have hit my first anniversary, I am sharing some of my favorite pics from 2019 here. I am so grateful for all the connections I have made so far – and I look forward to meeting many more of this amazing membership. I look forward to serving you in the coming year. Cheers,
Emily Blair, CAE
6
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JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
7
President’s
PERSPECTIVE
Calendar of
EVENTS
Sandy Eckhardt
CREA Management 2019-2020 President
RESOLUTIONS FOR THE COMING YEAR
JANUARY 2020
What was your last New Year’s resolution? Have you made one for this year? How quickly did it come together?
TIME
1
AAA OFFICE CLOSED
7
Legislative Committee
AAA
9:30am
9
Fair Housing with Attorney Bill Warren
AAA
8:30am-12pm
AAA
9am
14
M-Team Committee
AAA
10am
4
14
Education Advisory Council
AAA
12pm
11-14 CAM Slam! Part One
15
Leadership Committee
AAA
10am
12
CAS Slam! Day One
AAA 8:30am-4:30pm
15
A-Team Committee
The Local Post
3:30pm
18
Leasing 101
AAA 8:30am-11:30am
21
Next Gen Committee
AAA
12pm
18
NextGen Committee
AAA
22
Association 101 for New Members
AAA
9am
23
Community Information Exchange
AAA
9am
24
Community Outreach Committee
AAA
9am
28
AAA Executive Committee
AAA
11:30am
28
AAA Board of Directors
AAA
5pm
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AAA 8:30am-4:30pm
F
FEBRUARY 2020
14 Communications Advisory Committee
29-30 CPO Certification Two-Day Course
8
PLACE
DATE EVENT
Legislative Committee
PLACE
AAA
TIME
9:30am
AAA 8:30am-4:30pm
12pm
19-21 TAA Winter Board Meeting Houston 19
Goal Setting
25-28 CAM Slam! Part Two
AAA 8:30am-11:30am AAA 8:30am-4:30pm
25
CAS Slam! Day Two
AAA 8:30am-4:30pm
25
AAA Executive Committee
AAA
11:30am
25
AAA Board of Directors
AAA
5pm
27
CAS Slam! Day Three
AAA 8:30am-4:30pm
27
50’s BOWL-A-RAMA
Main Event
6pm-10pm
shutterstock (x2)
DATE EVENT
or my resolutions, they tend to come together pretty quickly since it is usually something light and easy – like going to the pool more often with the grandkids or packing less shoes when traveling (which that shoe thing is harder than you think)! But what would you say if it took someone a year to form a resolution? Either they need to lighten up…or it could be argued that their resolution was carefully crafted, right? Essentially, by going through a strategic planning process – whether it is you in your business or us here at the Association – resolutions are being made. Well, our resolution is to connect. Our brand-new strategic plan has connection written all over it – because, really for this association, that is what it all boils down to. We want to connect with you –to understand our members better and make the experience of being a member all that much better. We want to connect more with the community – specifically as it relates to where people rest their head. We want to connect you with opportunities in our community to make a meaningful difference on things like homelessness or apartment fires.
We also want you to connect more with one another. We will be looking at our networking events and committees and making sure we are making the most of those – for your benefit. I sincerely hope you resolve this year to connect more with the Association – this is YOUR organization after all. As a professional in the multifamily and rental housing industry - this is the place to be! Happy New Year!
Our brandnew strategic plan has connection written all over it – because, really for this association, that is what it all boils down to.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
9
Market Comparison Overview AUS Reg. - 4th Quarter 2019 Conventional Housing
Unit Mix Summary
Overview This report provides a statistical analysis of the specified target area. Included is information on current and historical rent and occupancy rates, unit mix and amenity information per property, current and future construction for the specified area,
BEDROOM(S)
Rentable Units
% TARGET
AVG
AVG
AVG
MKT
SIZE
$/SF
$/MO
Avg. Rent/Mo.
Concession Value
New Units Added**
% Occ
100%
3,500
90% 80%
3,000
70%
2,500
60%
2,000
50%
1,500
40% 30%
3.3% 55.6% 36.4% 4.4% 0.4%
482 717 1,048 1,348 1,780 861
6,509 109,716 71,792 8,685 799 197,519
$2.26 $1.67 $1.40 $1.32 $1.29 $1.53
2
3
4+
$/MO
$1,090 $1,193 $1,468 $1,775 $2,303 $1,320
6.24% 6.30% 5.78% 3.28% 3.64% 5.78%
36.4% 55.6%
Amenity Comparison AMENITY
% TARGET MKT
AMENITY
% TARGET MKT
AMENITY
% TARGET MKT
Fitness Center
73%
Business Center
56%
Parking Garage
15%
Media Room
20%
Pool
97%
Attached Garages
19%
Game Room
25%
Mixed Use
7%
Detached Garages
30%
1,000
$1.74
B
221
67,050
34%
946
C
366
68,814
35%
Overall Mkt Total
816
197,519
DECADE
PROPS
4Q19
3Q19
2Q19
1Q19
4Q18
$1,547
1.3%/ $20
93.2%
7.25% 3.45%
Net Unit Change*
5,034
2,000
$1.42
$1,345
0.4%/ $5
96.3%
7.57% 1.95%
New Units Added*
5,040
1,500
756
$1.45
$1,092
0.4%/ $4
96.6%
4.91% 2.02%
Units Absorbed*
9,838
1,000
861
$1.53
$1,320
0.7%/ $9
95.4%
5.85% 2.62%
# OF
% OF
AVG
AVG
AVG
UNITS
UNITS
SIZE
$/SF
$/MO
%/$ CONC
AVG OCC %
ANNUAL CHANGE $/PSF
OCC %
1960s
43
5,000
3%
736
$1.53
$1,124 0.4%/ $5
96.2%
3.56%
0.10%
1970s
101
17,127
9%
766
$1.46
$1,121 0.4%/ $5
96.0%
4.54%
2.06%
1980s
203
40,821
21%
732
$1.44
$1,053 0.4%/ $4
96.9%
5.62%
2.22%
1990s
79
24,023
12%
907
$1.45
$1,314 0.2%/ $3
96.5%
5.40%
2.19%
2000s
162
48,735
25%
962
$1.43
$1,379 0.4%/ $5
96.2%
6.49%
1.19%
2010s
223
61,380
31%
885
$1.72
$1,524 1.2%/ $19
93.6%
5.16%
4.76%
2020s
5
433
0%
918
$1.52
$1,399 9.5%/ $147
29.3%
0.00%
29.33%
Overall Mkt Total
816
861
$1.53
$1,320 0.7%/ $9
95.4%
5.85%
2.62%
197,519
2,500
*Past 12 mo. *Net unit change is the change in rentable units due to new units added, down units or property type change *New units added include additions from new development *Information is still being gathered for the quarter.
500 0 4Q19
888
___________________________________
3Q19
31%
OCC %
2Q19
61,655
$/PSF
1Q19
229
# OF
OCC %
4Q18
A
CONS.
CONC
3Q18
$/MO
3,000
2Q18
$/SF
22,575
1Q18
SIZE
Under Construction
3,500
AVG
4Q17
UNITS
9,209
%/$
3Q17
UNITS
Proposed
4,000
2Q17
PROPS
CLASS
ANNUAL CHANGE
1,704
1Q17
AVG
Approved
4Q16
AVG
19,215
Net Unit Change**
3Q16
AVG
Submitted
Units Absorbed 4,500
2Q16
% OF
#UNITS
1Q16
# OF
STATUS
4Q15
# OF
3Q18
2Q18
1Q18
4Q17
3Q17
2Q17
1Q17
4Q16
3Q16
2Q16
1Q16
4Q15
3Q15
2Q15
1Q15
0
3Q15
0%
Target Area Construction
2Q15
500
10%
1Q15
20%
Target Area Sales #PROJECTS
# UNITS
AVG $/UNIT
AVG $/SF
# LISTED FOR SALE
42
12,712
$162,807
$192.60
39
*Sales figures are reported for the previous 12 months. **Information is still being gathered for the quarter.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein was obtained from our industry sources and other third parties, and we have used commercially reasonable efforts to gather, verify, analyze and report such information. NONETHELESS, WE MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE, WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. All information should be independently verified by the user of this report. Reproduction of this report in whole or part is prohibited without prior written consent of Austin Investor Interests. LLC.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein was obtained from our industry sources and other third parties, and we have used commercially reasonable efforts to gather, verify, analyze and report such information. NONETHELESS, WE MAKE NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, INCLUDING ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE, WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. All information should be independently verified by the user of this report. Reproduction of this report in whole or part is prohibited without prior written consent of Austin Investor Interests. LLC.
Date Produced: 09-Jan-2020
Date Produced: 09-Jan-2020
Page 1 of 2
10
0 1 2 3 4+ Overall Mkt Total
1
Change
historical absorption figures and a sales analysis.
Historical Occupancy, Rental Rates & New Units Added
0
Annual
www.apartmenttrends.com by Austin Investor Interests, LLC 512-261-0100 | Copyright © 2020
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www.apartmenttrends.com by Austin Investor Interests, LLC 512-261-0100 | Copyright © 2020
JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
11
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JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
13
Industry UPDATE TIME TO STAND UP AND BE COUNTED By Paul Cauduro, AAA Director of Government Affairs
T The 2020 census will be the first time that households can respond to the census online.
he once-a-decade count of the nation’s population is set to begin, and apartment owners and managers will play an important role in making sure the count is complete and accurate. The count is mandated by the Constitution, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau and include every person living in the U.S. — regardless of citizenship or immigration status. The 2020 census will mark the 24th time that the country has counted its population since 1790 and will be the first time that households can respond to the census online. Participating in the census is required by law, and an accurate count of the Austin area is critical. Federal funding allocations, school planning efforts, business location and expansion decisions and more rely on census data. The results of the census also determine the number of seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as to draw state legislative districts. Currently, Texas has thirty-six congressional seats, but most expect that the census results will add three more seats for Texas. States with declining populations and slower growth, like Pennsylvania and West Virginia, stand to lose congressional seats. The state and federal re-
districting process begins in earnest after the counts are sent to the states by March 31, 2021. The census count’s accuracy is also very important. Federal tax money from Texas sent to Washington comes back to Texas based on census numbers. The federal funds received by Texas are used to support housing, transportation, education, and other services we use. It is estimated that a population undercount as small as one percent could cost Texas $3 billion in federal funds over ten years. With 25 percent of Texans living in hard-tocount areas, our state is at particularly high risk for a significant census undercount. Census Day is April 1, 2020, but most households will receive questionnaires and instructions by midMarch. Each household can respond by phone, by mail, or as mentioned online for the very first time. Not returning a questionnaire or submitting a partially filled-out questionnaire may result in a follow-up phone call or visit from a census worker. Most of the questions will be similar to what census forms have asked for in recent counts such as: the number of people living or staying in the home; whether the home is owned with or without a
mortgage, rented or occupied without rent; the name, sex, age, date of birth and race of each person in the home; and the relationship of each person to a central person in the home. Any and all census data collected is kept private and secure. The U.S. Census Bureau cannot release any identifiable information about you, your home, or your business, even to law enforcement agencies until 72 years after the information is collected. Of course, they can release population and demographic information at a level as detailed as a neighborhood. Apartment owners and managers can help facilitate a complete and accurate count. Through your community’s social media efforts and other communication outreach efforts to your residents you can encourage your residents to participate. If your properties have hard-to-count populations living in your community, your role is particularly important in encouraging a questionnaire response. These populations include very young children,
immigrants, people of color, rural residents, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. To help encourage apartment resident participation, the U.S. Census Bureau has graphics and other collateral material available at www.2020census.gov. To get a better understanding about the census effort and discuss other resources available, you can speak to a census representative in the Dallas Regional Census Center by calling 972-5101800 or send an email to Dallas.rcc. partnership@2020census.gov. If an apartment community achieves a high enough response rate it is unlikely that a census worker will have to walk the property to collect questionnaire responses. However, starting in May 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau will begin following up in person with those that have not responded to the census. These census field workers, called “canvassers”, are also sent out to simply collect and verify addresses or confirm that the number of units that exist on the ground matches the bureau’s files. To see the identified workload areas more prone to fieldwork by a census canvasser, type “2020 Census: In-Field Address Canvassing (IFAC) Viewer” into your favorite internet search engine. If a canvasser visits your property to collect information for the 2020 census you can verify their identity by making sure that they have a valid ID badge containing their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce wa-
termark, and an expiration date. If you still have questions about their identity, you can contact the Regional Census Center to speak with a U.S. Census Bureau representative. The numbers to call are 800-923-8282 or locally at 737-207-4146. Please know that the U.S. Census Bureau will never ask for a social security number, bank account or credit card numbers or solicit money or donations. If you suspect fraudulent census workers call the police and also call the U.S. Census Bureau using the numbers provided. If you have any questions or need additional information contact paul@austinaptassoc.com or call 512-323-0990.
volunteers also provide care packages that include snacks, toiletries, warm socks and hats. To join this year’s count, go to www.austinecho.org/PIT Before participating, all volunteers must attend a mandatory training, either in person or online.
Volunteer for the 2020 Point in Time Count Volunteers are needed for the annual Point in Time Count (PIT) of the homeless population in Austin and Travis County. The effort involves more than 500 volunteers who fan-out into the community on the early morning of January 25, 2020 to try to count all those who slept outside the night before. This annual effort is coordinated by the Ending Community Homelessness Coalition (ECHO), and this year volunteers will use an efficient new digital survey system. The data collected helps measure progress towards ending and preventing homelessness as well as help direct federal funding and other critical resources. In addition to performing the count,
Read about AAA’s current advocacy issues at austinaptassoc.com/currentissue.
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JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
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CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE SUPPORTS OUR INDUSTRY The Austin Apartment Association established a general-purpose political action committee (PAC) fund to have greater participation in the local and state political process. A general-purpose PAC is devoted to a point of view not a political party, and the AAA PAC’s devoted point of view is that a free enterprise housing market works best when private property rights are honored and rental property owners can operate without burdensome taxes, regulations and fees.
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Christy Sanchez
John Burleson
Josh Nichols
Haydee Scott
Chelsea Kneeland
Marisse Nixon
Amanda Seamans
Alyssa Lacy
Maricruz Ortiz
Jacqueline Sirna
David Lardner
Lindsey Osborne
Brian Skulski
Mike LeBlanc
Stephani Park
Tracy Slappey Scott
Eric Leonard
Daniel Pena
Leonice Souza
Cheryl Leonard
Stephanie Petersen
Ronny Stephens
Sam Levassar
Jay Piersall
Missy Sterns
Brooke Mahoney-Livesay
Michelle Powell
Carol Taylor
Amy Maples
Christi Pyle
Shonna Marquis
Toni Rackley
James & Linda Thompson
Carol Martine
Deborah Ray Vogel
Cristian Martinez
Cindi Reed
Steve Matcha
Chris Rhodes
Mark Mathis
Robyn Riley
Kim McGregor
Marie Rodriguez
Shay Mickler
Don Rogers
Erica Miller
Bill Roland
Stephanie Naylor
Gabor Mark Ronaszeki
Terri Needham
Jon Roseberry
Greg Newell
Anna Samaratunga
Ty Thompson Lauren Tuma Kelsea Vernon Gus Villegas Robert Walters Ben Wells Renee Zahn
DONOR LEVELS
T O L E A R N M O R E about the PAC and give back to the industry by making an investment go to the “Advocacy” tab of the AAA website at www.austinaptassoc.com and click on Apartment PAC Austin.
Danielle Archuleta
Paul Cauduro
Gina Frazza-Stowers
David Arnold
Chris Chavez
Adrian Garcia
Johnny Atkinson
Danielle Courtney
Ken Garst
Wilmar Basson
Grant Dodson
Braden Gore
Beau Bastian
Joslyn Domel
Colleen Grahn
Ashtynn Bennett
Lindsay Doud
Gary Greene
Cindi Bewley
Theresa Ebner
Brian Hackworth
Dedra Bouffard
Sandy Eckhardt
Lyndsay Hanes
Beverly Boyd-Miller
Gilbert Escobedo
Ryan Harmon
Cody Brunkenhoefer
Kimberly Faulkner
Rebecca Harris
Nikki Burleson
Sherri Faust
Jimmy Harvey
Kris Burleson
Emily Fenner
Greg Hill
John Burleson
Rene Flores
Blair Holden
Connie Calix
Travis Fowler
Rick Hubbard
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Jou NG-Wurster
contributing to the PAC is an investment in the apartment industry and that their contributions help keep the apartment industry thriving and free from burdensome taxes, regulations and fees.
Apartment PAC Austin is Austin Apartment Association’s Political Action Committee providing an opportunity for members interested in the welfare and future of the free enterprise rental housing market to support candidates for local and state office who believe and have demonstrated their beliefs in our industry’s point of view.
DONATE ONLINE: AustinAptAssoc.com/apartment-pac-austin shutterstock
I
n 2019, many AAA members made a contribution to the PAC fund by either attending our exclusive annual Thank You Reception, participating in the Spring Golf event at Top Golf, or the Larry Neiman Fall Golf Tournament. Whatever you decide to attend, contributions to the PAC are very much appreciated and always welcome. Listed below are the investors that made contributions to Apartment PAC Austin in 2019. These members know that
Jarrett Isbell
SPECIAL NOTE ON PAC DONATIONS: Texas law prohibits corporate contributions to PACs. PAC donations cannot be paid with corporate checks or corporate credit cards. Your AAA account cannot be billed. Personal, sole proprietor or partnership checks should be made payable to “AAA PAC”, or you may use your personal, sole proprietor or partnership credit card for PAC contributions, but no corporate cards can be accepted. Texas law also requires political action committees to report the name, mailing address, occupation and name of employer for each individual contribution. Contributions to Apartment PAC Austin are for political purposes and will be used as political contributions for candidates favorable to the rental housing industry. All contributions are voluntary.You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Guidelines are merely suggestions; you may contribute more or less than the suggested amounts. Donation questions? Contact Paul at 512-323-0990 or paul@austinaptassoc.com
JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
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Odor Control
New MEMBERS
Ecolo Odor Control, Inc. Louvenia Foster 5829 W Sam Houston Pkwy N, Suite 610 Houston, TX 77041 713-357-6295
AAA welcomes these new members who joined the association between August 1, 2019 and November 30, 2019. When deciding where to make your next purchase for your property, please consider an AAA supplier member.
Start the New Year with a Complete Team!
Parking Lot Maintenance & Marking RDC Paving
Kim Wheeler 120 A Iron Horse Drive Hutto, TX 78634 512-917-5602 www.rdcpaving.com
TEMPORARY • TEMP-TO-HIRE • DIRECT HIRE • SMART HIRE • RECRUITING
Certified & Lead Maintenance Technicians
Stripe-it-up Skylar Traskos
NEW PROPERTY OWNERS/ MANAGEMENT COMPANY MEMBERS
Whisper Oaks Holdings LLC
AM Hayden Properties
X3Property Management LLC
Sarita McCarty Lake Oswego, OR 240 Units
Catex Acquisitions Kristi Duvall Giddings, TX 60 units
College Houses
Kimberly Garmany Austin, TX 532 units
HG Fenton Texas Alex Winborn San Diego, CA 524 units
JLB Residential Jim Morrissey Dallas, TX 274 Units
Kader Properties
Mohamad & Mary Abdulkader Austin, TX 7 Units
South Austin Properties Robert Wills Austin, TX 18 units
The Leholm Group, LLC Christopher Filley Austin, TX 12 Units
Weller Management Peter Ramos Boca Raton, FL 458 units
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Anthony R. Garrant Georgetown, TX 42 units
Kerri Slobodnik Austin, TX
NEW SUPPLIER MEMBERS A/C-Systems Service & Repair Grande Air Solutions LLC
Petra Lugo 303 Axis Deer Trl Hutto, TX 78634 512-677-4424 www.grandeairsolutions.com
Collections, Renter Insurance, Security Deposits
Assurant
Patrick Regan 11222 Quail Roost Drive Miami, FL 33157 877-277-4811
Construction - General
Gemstar Construction & Development, Inc.
Benjamin Miller 21707 Inverness Forest Blvd Houston, TX 77073 281-821-1195 www.gemstarconstruction.com
Lanyard Construction Services Kyle Cox 303 S Jackson Ave, Suite 100 Wylie, TX 75098 469-543-1001 www.lanyardcs.com
Sawhorse ATX LLC Tara Bizzocchi PO Box 1885 Kyle, TX 78640 512-577-3796
Xpert Design & Construction Harald Heer 6300 La Calma Drive #520 Austin, TX 78752 512-969-2571
Drain & Sewer Cleaning, Plumbing Contractors Extreme Hydro-Jetting and Pipe Inspection
Derril Peralez 2031 County Rd 105 Hutto, TX 78634 512-574-5345 www.extremehydrojetting.com
Insurance-Property, Insurance-Renter C1 Insurance Group Helen Edwards 1601 Lost Creek Blvd Austin, TX 78746 512-784-6748 www.c1ig.com
Internet Listing Service Zumper
CassidyBower 49 Geary St San Francisco, CA 94108 580-736-5110 www.zumper.com
Landscape Installation & Maintenance Cutters Landscaping
Zach Brashear 9312 Margaret Jewel Lane Austin, TX 78748 512-461-1003 www.cutterslandscape.com
River Rock Lawn and Landscaping LLC. Brant Dickerson 2105 west Howard Lane Austin, TX 78728 5126334085 www.rrlltx.com
Make Ready Technicians Groundskeepers & Housekeepers
11675 Jollyville Rd Austin, TX 78759 512-351-1782
Experienced Leasing & Bilingual Consultants
Paint-Contractors, RoofsContractors, Siding-Contractors
Tomorrow's Talent Leasing Graduates Community & Assistant Managers
Peritus Construction
Tim Reding 12400 W Highway 71 Suite 350 Austin,TX 78738 512-887-5189 www.peritusconstruction.com
Weekend Employee Coverage Available Administrative Support & Package Management Student Housing Turn Executive Placement Search Package Assistance www.bgmultifamily.com.
Pest Control Service
The Termite Guy
Alex Del Toro 824 Bluebird Canyon Lane Laguna Beach,CA 92651 949-500-4370
CONTACT YOUR AUSTING TEAM TODAY: AUSTIN.ORDERS@BGMULTIFAMILY.COM
Pool Compliance, Pool Equipment/Sales/ Supplies/Maintenance Platinum Pool and Spa Rene Flores 2913 Wadsworth Way Austin, TX 78748 512-897-4866
Printing & Graphic Service
Jericho DFW
Mike Guggenbickler 3416 Enterprise Dr, #645 Rowlett,TX 75030 972-375-2575 www.jerichodfw.com
Real Estate - Consultant Collins Properties
1801 S MoPac Expy, Suite 100 Austin, TX 78746 512-814-7169 www.zanecollins.com
Recycling Services, Valet Trash, Valet Waste Pick Up UpKeep
Justin Behrmann 111 Joe Wimberley Blvd #1865 Wimberley, TX 78676 1-800-956-9642 www.weareupkeep.com
Roofs-Cleaning, RoofsContractors Roof Rescue of Texas John Berlet 18604 FM 1431 Jonestown, TX 78645 512-431-0802 Roofmaxx.com
Tree-Insect & Disease Control, Tree-Maintenance Service
The Urban Foresters Esteban Padilla 12703 Stafford Rd Stafford, TX 77477 855-255-5212
Windows-Coverings
Marietta Drapery and Window Coverings Elizabeth Gray 22 Trammell Street Marietta, GA 30064 770-428-3335 ext 1146 www.mariettadrapery.com
Security Guard/Patrol Service
Special Response Security, LLC Lee Caldwell 2541 S. IH-35 200 Round Rock, TX 78664 866-288-5400 www.TexasOfficer.com
JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
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INDEPENDENT RENTAL OWNER
2019 Austin Apartment Association
Professional of the Year
David & Leslie Shippy Shippy Property Management David and Leslie Shippy are Independent Rental Owners and founded Shippy Property Management in 2011 to operate their properties. They are dedicated to providing excellent customer service, resident retention through community events, and high-quality maintenance with fast turnaround. They also have a company initiative called #ShippyGivesBack which is committed to providing both money and volunteers for many charitable organizations and events around the state.
s r e n n i W d r a Aw Congratulations to the winners of this year’s prestigious Professional of the Year award!
Each year the Austin Apartment Association recognizes outstanding individuals who achieved excellence and is a leader in their field. Winners were announced at the Holiday Gala, December 12 at the Hyatt Regency Austin on Lady Bird Lake.
ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER
Camille Guimond, CAM The Boulevard at Town Lake, Greystar Camille has a passion to help others and always goes above and beyond, inspiring her team to do the same. Camille excels at resident relations and knows how to motivate a team which has helped her progress in her multi-family career from a leasing consultant through her recent promotion to a property manager. Camille has previously been awarded the James E. Solt Scholarship, which she used to achieve her CAM credential. In addition to Camille’s active participation in the Austin Apartment Association’s NextGen and Community Outreach committees, she has also served in her community as a Big Sister providing mentorship and direction to an at-risk child through Big Brother Big Sister of Central Texas.
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LEASING PROFESSIONAL
Front Row: Adrian Garcia, Leslie Shippy, Camille Guimond, Jodee Lauffer; Back Row: Shay Mickler, David Shippy, Kilish Shackles, Rolando DeHoyos
DOC YOUNG SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
Shay Mickler, CAM, CAS The Liberty Group Shay is an exceptional manager who puts the needs of her employees and clients first to deliver the best possible product. She continues to look for solutions to her clients’ needs and strives to ensure her team has the resources so they can provide quality candidates at the highest level. Her team will tell you, “Shay converts our mistakes into lessons, our pressure into productivity and our skills into strengths. She really knows how to bring out the best in her team.” Shay is also very invested in her community and the Association; she gives tremendous amounts of her time and energy giving back to the community by sponsoring and volunteering for charities like Ronald McDonald House and the Doc and Gayle Young Food Drive. Combining her professional talents and personal passions makes Shay an exceptional leader in the multifamily industry.
Kilish Shackles, NALP AMLI Eastside, AMLI Residential Kilish began his career with the apartment industry almost 9 years ago. At his first property over three years ago is where he gained all his knowledge about the apartment industry. While at his second property, Kilish reached his first goal of obtaining his NALP after winning the Solt Scholarship from the Austin Apartment Association. Within his first year with AMLI, Kilish achieved a goal hitting two million dollars in sales; and has achieved that each year since. Kilish has demonstrated through the years, that he is a fundamental part of the leasing team. His calm nature and ease of talking with people is such an important characteristic that makes him successful in his career. Kilish’s optimistic personality, dedication, and work ethic proves why he is consistently the top leasing professional in the Austin region for AMLI.
MAINTENANCE PROFESSIONAL
Rolando DeHoyos, CAMT Skyline at Barton Creek, Roscoe Properties Rolando began his career in 2003. In 2017 he decided to continue his career as a service manager and join the Roscoe team at his current property, Skyline at Barton Creek. Rolando is
a self-starter, team player, and his knowledge and organizational skills have allowed him to gain his CAMT this year. His dedication and ambition to grow are key to his success - and a few of the many reasons he was nominated for Maintenance Professional of the year.
PORTFOLIO SUPERVISOR
Adrian Garcia, CAM, CAPS Bluebonnet Commercial Management Adrian Garcia is a Regional Manager who has supervised properties in Austin and San Antonio for Bluebonnet Commercial Management since March of 2018. He is extremely passionate about his craft, and dedicates personal time to advocate for the multi-family industry and support the Austin Apartment Association at every opportunity possible. Adrian has managed over 4,000 units in his thirteen-year career ranging from class C value-add to class A high rise assets with more than $8,000,000 in renovations. He is an accomplished leader with a wealth of industry knowledge and credentials including the CPO, CAM, CAPS, and IREM ARM.
PROPERTY MANAGER
Jodee Lauffer, CAPS The Green at Plum Creek, Capstone Real Estate Services Being passionate about creating a unique, high-caliber resident experience makes Jodee Lauffer, property manager at The Green at Plum Creek, a valuable part of the Capstone Real Estate Services team for the last 11 years. Under her leadership, her team creates an extraordinary backdrop for residents to recuperate and enjoy their daily lives. Inspired by her three high-spirited kids and with the unrelenting support of her husband, Jodee’ strives every day to do what is right, not what is easy.
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Committee
CHAT
Robyn Riley
PROJECT PAK ® REINVENTING RENOVATIONS ONE ORDER. ONE DELIVERY. ONE INVOICE.
A-TEAM CHAIRS: Robyn Riley of Valor Fire & Security Carrie Thomes of Rasa Floors
New for 2020 – in each issue, we will feature one of the Austin Apartment Association’s Committees – so you can get to know the Chair(s) leading these volunteer groups, and all the great work they are doing!
Labeled by unit number, each Project PAK® is delivered with everything needed to renovate one unit. For more information contact our dedicated Project Support Team at project_support@supplyHQ.com or call 888.632.6747 proud member of
Carrie Thomes
supplyHQ.com
@MSupplyHQ
Phone: 866.630.6747 | Fax: 866.631.6747 | Español: 888.281.0255
THIS ISSUE, WE FEATURE THE A-TEAM. The A-Team – otherwise known as the Association Ambassador Committee, is a group of volunteers who’s charge is to visit properties to promote the association’s benefits, events, and professional development opportunities. If you are NEW to the association, being an Ambassador is a great way to meet other members and learn the benefits of AAA. When do they meet? Monthly on the 2nd Wednesday at 4pm at The Local Post on Burnet Road. How can I get involved or join the committee? A-Team is open to all types of members. An application is required and can be found on the AAA website.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Robyn Riley of Valor Fire & Security Carrie Thomes of Rasa Floors Tell us about where you work and how long you’ve been there? RR: Valor. I’ve been there a little over 2 years, and I am the Account Rep and in Business Development.
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CT: Rasa Floors. It will be 2 years on Jan 1st, and I am a Sales Rep for the Austin market. What do you love most about your job? RR: Getting to plan events like trade show and networking events. CT: Flexibility. I went from being on site to not having to be on site, and still get to be involved in the same industry. I love the fact that I came from on-site to now a vendor company. I have the flexibility and availability to get involved more. How did you get involved with the Association? RR: I first got involved with a previous company who was heavily involved in the Association. And I got plugged in because of Toni Rackley and Eric Watson. CT: Moving here and starting with Rasa, they didn’t have anyone on the team involved with the Association. In other markets they had that involvement with the Association, so it was just getting our team established with the Austin market. How long have you been involved? RR: A little over 3 years. CT: 2 years.
What do you like most about AAA? RR: I have really enjoyed the networking aspect – not only on a company and our corporate goals level, but also on a personal level. I have been able to expand my personal network and friend network with the AAA. CT: Because I came from onsite, I really never had the opportunity to network with the variety of members like I do now! A ton of my friends now are from my connections with the AAA. What do you like most about being a Committee Chair? RR: Being able to get more involved on the ground level, and make changes happen. Have the inspiration for the change and then help implement it; rather than being someone who implements another’s idea. CT: I am very grateful to have this opportunity. I would like to see it GROW – it has a lot of potential, and I would like to be a part of that growth. What was your first job? RR: I was a nanny! CT: Chick-Fil-A!
What was your favorite subject in school? RR: Math and Yearbook CT: Math, but I was a rebel.
What is your favorite drink? RR: Titos and water….and wine. CT: Water all day long, and then red wine. And whisky!
What inspires you? RR: I volunteer with a nonprofit [Altrusa] that helps women and children with a focus on literacy. So for me, that inspires me on a regular basis, to try to continue to live my life and be grateful for what I have. To see they have nothing…it is great perspective. CT: LIFE. To be successful – happy, healthy, to be successful in career, family and friends.
What is your favorite family tradition? RR: During the holidays we have family jam sessions – because they are all musicians. I don’t play, but I sing. CT: I feel like we don’t have as many holiday traditions anymore…we are trying to keep our Christmas Dinner tradition going. For a while, one of our family members made everything…and then when they stopped, we realized how much work it is! Haha.
What is your leadership style? RR: Probably Bossy! CT: I guess I just want everyone to know they are welcome. I want to support those involved. What do you do in your free time? RR: I barely have free time – but fantasy football and planning parties! It is a LOT. CT: I relax, I work out, I watch TV…good food and good drinks!
What is 1 thing people would be surprised to know about you? RR: Hmm I don’t know…I am double jointed in my arms and legs. CT: We had land growing up…so we had animals, including my brother who had a lion!
If you had to be shipwrecked on a deserted island, but all your human needs— such as food and water—were taken care of, what two items would you want to have with you? RR: Deodorant and my facewash – but let’s share! CT: Toothbrush and carmex! What would your super power be? RR: Reading people’s mind…but I feel like it would really help me in the dating world to be able to read the situation better. CT: Flying! Or travel instantly…like teleporting to get to places. Or time travel! I guess I can’t decide. If someone wrote a biography about you, what do you think the title would be? RR: I think mine would be “Bossy Bitch, But Kind Heart” CT: “Teenage Mom Gone Right” – I have a 23 year-old! Which no one believes.
To find out more, contact Lisa Berman at lisa@austinapptassoc.com
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TAA & NAA
NATIONAL APARTMENT ASSOCIATION ASSEMBLY OF DELEGATES – NOVEMBER 2019
Austin Delegates and friends of the Association gathered in Greenville, SC for the November Assembly of Delegates meeting and to celebrate Kristan Arrona’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Association Executives.
HIGHLIGHTS
This Fall, TAA & NAA Delegates gathered in Arlington, TX for the Quarterly Board Meeting and Greenville, SC for the Assembly of Delegates
It was announced at the meetings that the National Apartment Association now represents over 10 MILLION units! The Apartment Association of Greater Dallas was recognized as a winner of the Membership Growth Challenge – with an increase in over 21,000 units year over year – congratulations to our Dallas affiliate.
TEXAS APARTMENT ASSOCIATION FALL BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING – OCTOBER 2019
Delegates from around Texas met in Arlington in October for the Board of Directors meeting, including Austin Apartment Association Delegates. Here are some of the highlights: • TAA briefed the members on four strategic initiatives in the association’s strategic plan for the next three years • The NextGen education session featured renowned speaker Joel Zeff • The TAA Affordable Housing Committee decided to support the Affordable Housing Credit Improvement Act, currently pending in Congress • The Legislative Committee discussed trends in local ordinances, with Austin Apartment Association staff Paul Cauduro presenting about key issues of advocacy such as tenant protections and the homelessness issue
• It was announced that Food Network Star Guy Fieri will be the featured guest at the General Opening Session for the TAA Education Conference
SAVE THE DATE! TAA EDUCATION CONFERENCE & LONE STAR EXPO
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Other important items discussed at the NAA Meetings include: • Potential Housing Affordability Assessments and Dues Changes coming • Industry Mobilization Fund requests and updates regarding strategies on housing affordability advocacy
APRIL 22-24, 2020
Fort Worth, TX
February 19-21, 2020 TAA Winter Board Meeting Houston, TX
Below: Kristan Arrona with Charles Stroud, of Multifamily American Technologies, Inc. – another NAA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient in November 2019.
NAA Recognizes Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Upcoming Texas Apartment Association meetings:
Above, left: TAA Lyceum Class shows what they learned from their public speaking training
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Above: Renee Zahn, Stephanie Naylor, Stephanie Petersen and Christy Sanchez on their way to meetings
NAA announced improvements and NEW categories for the Excellence Awards, including: • Best Places to Work Award • Diversity & Inclusion Award • Outstanding Service to an Affiliate Award • 2 NEW Innovation Awards: • Technology Innovation Award • Sustainable Living Innovation Award • Supplier Sales Professional of the Year
Above: TAA hears from State Senator Beverly Powell
Kristan Arrona spent nearly three decades at the helm of the Austin Apartment Association (AAA). In that time, she accomplished many things. She was a tireless advocate, a champion for education and a passionate community servant. She was both the TAA and NAA Association Executive of the Year in 1999. She was also the TAA Association Executive of the Year in 2010. AAA won the NAA Community Service Excellence Award three times as well as the Affiliate Communication, Education and Membership Awards. Arrona worked hard to ensure Austin was successful in the Mayor’s Challenge to End Veteran Homelessness. The city was one of 29 communities to be recognized nationwide and housed 682 veterans. She always made sure her members and volunteers fulfilled their commitments at every level: state, local and national. Her passion and energy were contagious, which inspired her members and volunteers. Arrona’s high expectations, organization, professionalism and commitment to NAA and the rental housing industry make her a deserving recipient of NAA’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
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STRATEGIC PLAN
5 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES 2020 - 2023 The AAA will focus on 5 connected priorities. The organization will: Enrich the Member Experience. Consistently enhance our members’ engagement and satisfaction with the Association. AAA is a member-driven organization. Commitment to the organization and one another are the glue that will sustain membership in the context of competing interests and a dynamic and challenging environment. Members’ touchpoints with AAA will be engaging and relevant. Becoming an engaged member will be compelling and easy.
The Austin Apartment Association (AAA) is kicking off the new year with a brand-new roadmap for the next 3 years – the strategic plan!
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Increase Community Impact. The AAA will engage proactively and collaboratively with government, business, and community groups. The organization’s value to its members is derived from its clear and strategic voice on behalf of members’ shared interests. Some political and community forces in the local community impede the interests of the organization and its members; left unchecked, they threaten members’ business-
AAA’S NEW MISSION STATEMENT
Develop the Brand. AAA’s brand image and value support its growth in membership and community impact. Awareness of AAA is low in some important sectors of the rental housing community as well as local government(s) and civic opinion leaders. A strong and aligned brand is essential to promoting the organization’s mission and strategic priorities. Ensure Financial Sustainability. Increase AAA’s financial resources commensurate with the needs of the growing rental housing industry and professionals it serves. The organization’s ability to serve and expand its membership in a rapidly growing and dynamic rental housing market will require increased financial resources. As some sources of revenue will likely shrink (use of the lease, in particular), others must not only replace that revenue but support expanded efforts to advance the mission as reflected by the strategic priorities.
The Austin Apartment Association advances the expertise and collective community impact of the rental housing industry.
INTRODUCING AAA’S VISION People will thrive where they live.
AAA’S CORE VALUES AAA will manifest integrity and commitment to its values in all it says and does. The organization will be: • Purposeful (relevant, intentional, disciplined) • Inclusive (of all persons and organizations that share the mission) • Collaborative (fostering connectivity among members, the industry and community) • Influential (impactful, professional, respected) • Vibrant (forward looking, dynamic)
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hroughout 2019, The Board of Directors, with the leadership of Renee Zahn, formed a new strategic plan for the Austin Apartment Association. It is through that process that it became clear that the AAA has great opportunity for growth and increased relevance that is unmatched in the organization’s history. The strategic plan that follows is the manifestation of an organization that enjoys many strengths including, but not limited to: dedicated volunteer leadership, and a core group of engaged members eager to seize and create opportunities that will infuse the organization’s future with increased relevance and value to the professionals, organizations, and community it serves. On behalf of President Sandy Eckhardt and the Board of Directors - not only are the new strategic priorities being presented, but also a new Mission Statement, and introducing the AAA’s core values and vision.
Expand the Membership. Increase membership size, breadth and diversity, and benefits. Diversifying membership to include a broader representation of the residential rental housing sector will increase the size of the membership base and expand its relevance and community impact. The opportunity to reconceptualize membership categories and bundle associated benefits enables the organization to grow its size and offer meaningful engagement for an increasingly diverse sector.
es. Elected officials and decision makers can influence policy that creates or limits members’ opportunities in the future. Pivoting from a rather reactive approach to a more strategic and proactive approach to government affairs/public policy discussions will expand the organization’s impact, enhance its brand, and better position the rental housing sector.
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2020 SPONSORS
FILL OUT YOUR RECYCLING PLAN BEFORE FEBRUARY 1! WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
SPONSOR SUPPORT MAKES 2020 AAA EVENTS POSSIBLE Companies with logos spent $4,000 or more on 2020 sponsorships for AAA events.
ALN Data
The City of Austin requires all multi-family property owners/managers to provide their employees and tenants convenient access to recycling and to fill out a recycling plan every year by February 1. Typically, the responsible party is the person who oversees the trash and recycling contract or program.
SUBMRITE BEFO
FEB.1
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?
Austin Energy
1. 2. 3. 4.
BELFOR Property Restoration BG Multifamily Century AC Supply Complete Landscapes, Inc. Contractors inc
Go to austintexas.gov/uro Choose the Business or Property that describes you and click Log in and choose “Recycling Plan” Fill in your recycling plan. You will need: A bill from your waste hauler Real Property ID (on letters and emails from Austin Resource Recovery)
HAVE YOU ALREADY SUBMITTED YOUR PLAN?
CORT
Set a calendar reminder to fill out your recycling plan on October 1 every year!
Cotton Commercial
For more information, visit: austintexas.gov/uro
Dixie Carpet Flooring Warehouse H.G. Fenton Company
NEW AAA EVENT
Hines Pool and Spa Inc. Impact Floors
or y h re r i i p h re priori y
Kings III Emergency Communications Maintenance Supply Headquarters Mohawk Industries
PermaLast Coating Systems Rasa Floors Redi Carpet
SAVE THE DATE
Tri-Supply UCS Valor Fire Protection
April 3 • 12pm-4pm
Vamvoras LTD Vima Decor Visual Marketing WASH
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www.austinaptassoc.com/sponsorship
Team Buildi ng •Games • Competition • Loads of Fun
JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
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Basilio Voutselakos
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
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$3, 476
Anonymous Donations
Comm Fit Crystal Clear Pools & Spas
Chastity Hinojosa
The Boulevard at Town Lake
Cindi Reed
The Liberty Group
Ashtynn Smith
The Park at Estancia
Becca Ramati
The Steam Team
Behr Pro
UCS
Brenda Madero
Valor
Centex
Dedra Bouffard
Centex Construction
Derek Wallace
Century A/C Supply
Warren Stoker
Emily K Blair
Century Apartments
Eric Leonard
Chadwell Supply
Westlake Home & Commercial
Fidus Construction
Contractors Inc
Flooring Warehouse
CORT
Gus Villegas
Courtland Audain
Heather Russell
Cover The Earth
Hire Priority
David Arnold
Impact Floors
Deborah Ann Ray
Jim Elliott
Desiree Golden
Stephanie Petersen
JMI Contractors
Dick Obenhaus
Wilson, Tindall, & Associates
Johnny Atkinson
Fast Signs
Kelsea Vernon
Flooring Warehouse
Ken Garst
Gage Multifamily
Amanda Eckhardt
Kris Burleson
Gary C. Greene
Ann Poehl
Lauren Tuma
George Naylor
Benjamin H. Wells
Mary Lynn Oberg
Carpet Warehouse
McMahan’s Flooring Inc.
Guardian Construction
Martine Properties, Inc.
$500 -$999
Charles and Kimberly Faulkner
Highmark Residential LLC Hunter Hicks James and Beverly Miller Post Investment Group-Avonmora Post Investment Group-Fort Branch
Pro Valet Trash
Post Investment Group-Mountain Ranch
Terri Needham
Robyn Riley
Topaz Asset Management
Stephanie Sluyter Theresa Ebner
Bill Warren
A&A Recovery
Carol Taylor
ACT Security Group
First Communities Management
Adrian Garcia
Gables Residential Services
Ashley Pruden
Ben Weinstein Chelsea Cutrer Christi Pyle Christine Duran Christine Heffran Dana Bolz Demarcus Lloyd Derek Legendre Dwayne Stewart Haydee Scott John Burleson Megan Gino
Rene Flores
Infinite Capital Construction
Samantha Sandoval
Ryan Harmon
Kay C. Sachs
Sandy Eckhardt
Kristan J. Arrona
Scentair
Leyla Martin
Sean Andrew
Lyndsay Tuckner
Shay Mickler
Marisse Nixon
Sheri Gallo Stephani Park
Nancy and Michael Hill
Stephen Colella
Paul A. Cauduro
Melissa Plunkett Sarah Thompson Taryn Merrill Tina Blanc
Danielle Lemieux Darci Heald David Nanson Dawn Aiello Debra Yarbrough Denise Morris Edna Martinez Edward Schultz Ermelinda Vargas Giovanna Frazza Global Brokers Ins. Services LLC. Hesron Gomez Irene Padkowsky James Shahan Janet M. Overstreet Jennifer Rodriguez Jordan Gregory Josh Nichols Julie Hudson Karla Urbina Katya Watson Kaylon Page Kimberly Faulkner Layilah Nasser Lisa Simpson Luis Gutierrez Maricruz Ortiz Matthew Friede Meagan Johnston Michael Chavez Missy Sterns Nicki Granberry Quenesha Boykins
Up To $49
Alejandra Villegas
Renato Guedes Cunha
Amanda Masching
Renee Zahn
Amanda Seamans
Robin Solis
Texas Materials
Rachael Bostick
Ana Wright
Ryan Lundeen
Travis Fowler
Retreat at Barton Creek
Anna Samaratunga
Sam Levassar
Anne Schultz
Samantha Ellis
Benjamin Sandmann
Stephen Bankosh
Brenda Jones
Susana Perez
Brooke Ludwig
Tiffany Angelle
Sherwin Williams Company
Candice Guzman
Timothy Turner
Texas Materials, a
Carrie Thomes
Waste Consolidators Inc
$200 -$499
Alice Dalby
Infinite Capital Construction
Tri-Supply
$1,000 -$1,999
Alessandra Correa
Matt Polcari
PS Landscapes
Granite Properties of Texas
$50 -$99
Karen Huaulme
Nikki Burleson
Danielle Archuleta
Jennifer and David Cox
Beau Bastian
CRH company
Value Waste Services
Lauren Hudler
$2 ,000 -$3,000
Appliance Warehouse
Christopher Toliver
Ellen Voutselakos
THANK YOU 2019 DONORS!
Camille Guimond Carl E. Beck
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T
countless hours volunteering their time making phone calls, sending emails, and planning the many FUNdraising events throughout the season, beginning in early September. A very special thanks to our three Food Drive Chairs: Stephanie Naylor of Flooring Warehouse, Terri Needham of PS Landscapes, and Paige Russell of Gables Residential for their amazing leadership. We are so very thankful to EVERYONE who donated their time and money to make this year’s Food Drive another great success. See you in 2020!
BG Multifamily
Amy S. Magnuson
Camp Construction
The 33rd Annual Doc & Gayle Young Food Drive Feeds 1,350 Austin Area Families
uesday, Nov 26, 2019 marked the 33rd year of the annual Austin Apartment Association’s Doc & Gayle Young Food Drive, raising over $50,000 and feeding 1,350 Austin area families and individuals. Once again, partnering with HEB to purchase 34 tons of food and assemble 1,350 Thanksgiving food packs, our Food Drive Crew, along with more than 100 AAA member-volunteers helped load and unload food packs onto delivery trucks from seven of our AAA supplier members including CORT, Charter Furniture, HD Supply, Century A/C Supply, Maintenance Supply HQ and Two Men and a Truck. Hand deliveries were made to the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (HACA), the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services - Rainbow Room, SAFE Austin and Foundation Communities. Families receiving the food packs were chosen by these four agencies. 100 percent of the proceeds went toward the food drive fund, making this givingback effort truly unique. Each food pack contained enough food to feed a family of five for Thanksgiving – and for a few days after that. But we’re not stopping there – The food drive fund will make additional donations to food pantries in our 10 surrounding counties this Spring. Congratulations to the entire 2019 Doc & Gayle Young Food Drive Crew, who spent
$100 -$199
We Do Trash
Riata Roseann Clark Sarah and Wesley Aldridge
Carly Emery
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Helping Brady’s Bridge Spread Christmas Cheer & Surpass Their $6,000 Goal Our December Outreach Event was the Brady’s Bridge 8th Annual Christmas Tree Drive. More than 40 AAA members volunteered to package and deliver 100 little Christmas trees and decorations for kids spending the holidays in the hospital this year. Additionally, we hosted a fundraiser at the AAA Holiday Gala, charging to take photos with Santa, played by Ryan Harmon of CAMP Construction. We raised an additional $461, putting them over their goal of $6,000. Thanks to our Outreach Committee chairs, Toni Rackley from Flooring Warehouse and Taryn Merrill from Greystar for making it all happen – and to ALL our amazing volunteers. We couldn’t have done it without you!
AAA’s President, Sandy Eckhardt and Executive VP, Emily Blair were all smiles Each food pack contained enough food to feed a family of five for Thanksgiving – and for a few days after
The late Mary Gonzales* (please see below for note) from HACA, and Food Drive Chair Emeritus, Kim McGregor made a great team coordinating delivery day
Read more about Brady’s Bridge at bradysbridge.org
AAA and HACA personally delivered one food pack to this happy family
Over 100 Food Drive Crew members showed up to help on delivery day
Unwinding at the wrap-up happy hour after another successful delivery day
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HEB’s Raul Medina helped assemble and load the 1,350 Thanksgiving food packs onto the delivery trucks
Volunteers unload 350 food packs at Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Rainbow Room * It is with great sadness to share that Mary Gonzales-Limas of HACA died in a tragic car accident on Saturday, January 4th. She was an integral part of our AAA Food Drive for the past 33 years and will dearly be missed. Please look for a memoriam to Mary in our next issue.
Thanks to our generous AAA supplier members CORT, Charter Furniture, HD Supply, Century A/C Supply, Maintenance Supply HQ and Two Men and a Truck for supplying delivery trucks and drivers for delivery day. JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
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James E. Solt James E. Solt James E. Solt Memorial Scholarship Memorial Scholarship Memorial Scholarship 2020 2020 2020 CONGRATULATIONS to our 2020 Recipients: CONGRATULATIONS our 2020 Recipients: CONGRATULATIONS to ourto2020 Recipients: Rebekah Tuckner (NALP) Rebekah Tuckner (NALP) Rebekah Tuckner (NALP) Patrick Mann (NALP) (NALP) PatrickPatrick Mann Mann (NALP) Lukudu Jurkin (CAMT) (CAMT) LukuduLukudu Jurkin Jurkin (CAMT) Brittney Harris (CAM) Brittney Brittney Harris Harris (CAM)(CAM) Sarah Eckman (CAM) Sarah Eckman Sarah Eckman (CAM)(CAM) Kyle Russell (CAM) Kyle Russell Kyle Russell (CAM)(CAM)
A special tradition began in 1987 – thespecial implementation of the James A tradition began in– 1987 – A special tradition began in 1987 E. Solt Memorial Scholarship. the implementation the James the implementation of the of James Mr.Memorial Solt, Memorial a Past President of the Solt Scholarship. E. SoltE. Scholarship. Austin Apartment Association, Mr.a Solt, Past President Mr. Solt, Past aPresident of the of the was an Apartment exemplary role model Association, AustinAustin Apartment Association, with a particular love of themodel skills an exemplary role was anwasexemplary role model required for on-site a particular of the skills with a with particular love oflove themanagement skills andforforon-site education. This fund was required for on-site management required management created to honor his memory for education. Thiswas fund and was and forand education. This fund promote the rental toeducation honor his in memory and createdcreated to honor his memory and housing industry. promote education the rental promote education in the in rental housing industry. housing industry.
THANK YOU to our 2020 Sponsors: THANK YOU to2020 ourand 2020 Sponsors: THANK YOU to our Sponsors: ATX Fenton (CAMT) Hirepriority (CAM/CAS) ATX Fenton (CAMT) and Hirepriority (CAM/CAS) ATX Fenton (CAMT) and Hirepriority (CAM/CAS)
What is YOUR success story? Recipients of thesuccess Solt Scholarship received a financial gift to put What is YOUR story? What is YOUR success story? toward a CAPS, CAM, NALP, CAMT or CAS credential. Recipients of the Solt Scholarship received a financial gift to put Recipients of the Solt Scholarship received a financial gift to put a CAPS, CAS credential. towardtoward a CAPS, CAM, CAM, NALP, NALP, CAMTCAMT or CASorcredential.
CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS! CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS! CONGRATULATIONS WINNERS! AUSTIN APARTMENT ASSOCIATION EDUCATION FOUNDATION austinaptassoc.com | 512-323-0990 |EDUCATION amyl@austinaptassoc.com APARTMENT ASSOCIATION FOUNDATION AUSTINAUSTIN APARTMENT ASSOCIATION EDUCATION FOUNDATION austinaptassoc.com | 512-323-0990 | amyl@austinaptassoc.com austinaptassoc.com | 512-323-0990 | amyl@austinaptassoc.com
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CONNECTION MARKETING IT’S TIME TO RENEW YOUR EDUCATION GROWTH FUN 2020 MEMBERSHIP SUPPORT BELONGING Remember to Renew for 2020
You should have received your 2020 renewal notice already. You can pay by check, or go online and pay through your member portal at austinaptassoc.com.
Better Government Fund (BGF)
The BGF is a suggested voluntary contribution amount included on your annual dues statement. Members are free to contribute more, less or nothing at all. AAA’s BGF uses member donations to support our research and legislative goals.
Deducting Dues
For tax purposes, AAA dues are not deductible as a charitable contribution, but may be deductible as a business expense. Because the Austin, Texas, and National apartment associations engage in lobbying efforts, the non-deductible portion of the dues for 2020 is 14%, allowing you an 86% tax deduction.
JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
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CELEBRATING OUR MAINTENANCE SUPERHEROES
Maintenance Huddle
at
CASH PRIZE WINNER Larry Castillo from Ambrosio Lantower Luxury Living was the big $500 cash prize winner! Presenting the prize are AAA PSC Chair, Ryan Harmon with Camp Construction, and event chair Robyn Riley with Valor Fire & Security.
AAA’s exclusive event for maintenance personnel! December, 2019 at The Water Tank Over 200 AAA maintenance and supplier members signed up to toast our maintenance personnel superheroes at the fifth annual Maintenance Huddle. The event was a casual affair held at the fun and laid-back Water Tank. Attendees were treated with two free beers and a free burger and fries from the P. Terry’s food truck. Cheers to all you hard-working maintenance personnel out there – we look forward to seeing you next year!
PLATINUM MAINTENANCE HUDDLE SPONSORS (left to right): Steve White with Robert Madden Industries, Jennifer Parker with Impact Floors, Ryan Harmon with Camp Construction, Justin Hansen with Century A/C Supply and Dedra Bouffard with The Liberty Group (Not pictured: Austin Energy, Crystal Clear Pools & Spas, Contractors, Inc., UCS and Vamvoras, Ltd)
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In
Austin, the apartment industry provides over 160K jobs. Other financial contributions break down as follows: resident spending contributes $23 Billion to the local economy, operations add $1.9 Billion, new construction contributes $3.1 Billion, and renovation and repair adds $620 million. “As demand for apartments continues to grow locally and nationally, the significant contributions to Austin’s economy also increases. Apartments drive our local economy by adding employment opportunities, as well as revenue from resident spending, new construction, renovation and repair, and operations, all of which are positively impacting Austin” said Sandy Eckhardt, President of the Austin Apartment Association. “Apartments are an ideal solution for many, including students, recent graduates, young professionals, families, singles, and empty nesters,” Sandy added. “Therefore, the apartment industry will continue to work with our elected and appointed officials at all levels of government to expand the apartment housing supply to meet demand. We’ll also renovate and repair existing units in Austin to help meet the growing demand, which will enhance our local economy for years to come.” “Austin and its surrounding area consistently rank at or near the top of any job creation, tech innovation or quality of life list. These key housing drivers increase the demand for housing, and specifically rental housing and the apartment lifestyle” says Emily Blair, CAE Executive Vice President for the Austin Apartment Association. “Because the Austin area population is expected to reach nearly four million people by 2030, more housing of all types and all prices points are needed to accommodate the demand. Meeting this demand for housing, either through new apartment construction or renovations at existing properties designed to meet consumer preferences, not only help relieve the market pressures affecting housing costs, but also revs the region’s economic engine by spurring jobs, increasing revenue for businesses and growing the tax base.” Blair added. The study also determined that the apartment industry has a major impact on local, state and national tax economies. Locally, tax payments associated with local apartment operations and their residents contributed more than $33 billion to Austin’s economy. These taxes support schools, improvements to local infrastructure, and other critical services in Austin. Tax payments associated with apartment operations and their residents, contributed more than $40 billion to the national economy.
APARTMENT INDUSTRY & RESIDENTS CONTRIBUTE
$33B
TO AUSTIN METRO’S ECONOMY A 2019 Hoyt Advisory Study commissioned by the National Apartment Association (NAA) and National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) reveals that the apartment industry and its residents annually contribute $33 billion to Austin’s economy, $288 billion to Texas’, and more than $3.4 trillion – or $9.3 billion daily – to the national economy. The new report, available at WeAreApartments.org, provides a detailed breakdown of the economic impact nationally, by state, and in 50 metro areas.
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Highlights from the report include:
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• Nationally, resident spending contributes $3 trillion to the U.S. economy, while operations adds $175 billion. New construction contributes $150 billion and renovation and repair adds $69 billion. • All four sectors of the industry have posted very strong growth, punctuated by the construction industry ramping up to meet the unprecedented demand for apartments this cycle – reaching a height of 346,900 new apartments built in 2017, up from 129,900 in 2011. • Previous research by Hoyt Advisory Services demonstrated a need to build an average of 328,000 apartments per year at a variety of price points, which would bring continued economic
activity. This number of apartment completions has only been surpassed twice since 1989. • Hoyt research also found that a significant portion of the existing apartment stock will need to be renovated in the coming years, boosting the renovation and repair sector. “The apartment industry’s contribution is one that has grown in recent years, fueled by increased rental demand overall as population and employment growth continue and renting becomes a preferred tenure choice for millions of Americans,” said Dr. Norm Miller, Principal at Hoyt Advisory Services and Professor of Real Estate at the University of San Diego. “The apartment industry is a very powerful economic engine, making significant and positive contributions at the national, state and local levels in terms of jobs, revenue and tax impact,” said NAA President and CEO Robert Pinnegar, CAE. “This clearly illustrates that the rental housing industry has a tremendous impact on Austin – and across the country – proving that the industry is a valuable partner in every community.” “Driven by historically strong demand and evolving demographic trends, the multifamily industry is providing more housing and spurring stronger economic growth than any point in the last century. This report spotlights the various ways that the industry is making meaningful impacts across the country by contributing financially and creating jobs benefiting families, their communities, and, ultimately, the nation,” said NMHC President Douglas M. Bibby. Visit www.WeAreApartments.org and view the data, which is broken down by state and metro area. Visitors can also use the Apartment Community Estimator (ACE), a tool that allows users to enter the number of apartment homes of an existing or proposed community to determine the potential economic impact within a particular state or metro area. For the purposes of this study, apartments are defined as rental apartments in buildings with five or more units. For more than 25 years, the National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) and the National Apartment Association (NAA) have partnered on behalf of America’s apartment industry. Drawing on the knowledge and policy expertise of staff in Washington, D.C., as well as the advocacy power of more than 150 NAA state and local affiliated associations, NAA and NMHC provide a single voice for developers, owners and operators of multifamily rental housing. Today, more than one-third of Americans rent their housing and 39 million people live in an apartment home. For more information, please visit www.nmhc.org or www.naahq.org.
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HYATT REGENCY DOWNTOWN
THURSDAY
Holiday Gala 12 DEC 2019
AAA Diamond Sponsors present the big $600 cash prize to Cecilia DuPree with Alliance Residential
O
ur members celebrated the holidays in grand style at the 2019 Holiday Gala at the downtown Hyatt Regency’s Zilker Ballroom. Supervisors attended a VIP Happy Hour before the main event on the Zilker Terrace. Everyone enjoyed mixing and mingling, dancing, and a lavish buffet. The Community Outreach committee hosted “Photos with Santa” and all proceeds went to Brady’s Bridge. See Community Connection on page 33 for more details. Also during the evening, AAA President-elect Stephani Park and Secretary/Treasurer Christy Sanchez presented the 2019 AAA Professional of the Year awards. See the Professional of the Year winners on pages 20-21 in this issue.
Exclusive Holiday Gala Sponsors
EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:
Carol Taylor with Centex Construction, Cindi Reed with ApartmentData.com, Toni Rackley with Flooring Warehouse and Roseann Clark with RentPath (Not pictured: Hire Priority)
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Event sponsors awarded lots of cash prizes ranging from $100 to $500
JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
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The Residential Perimeter Security Specialists
SALES ★ REPAIR ★ INSTALLATION • Automatic Gates • Telephone Entry • Radio Controls • Video Security • Ornamental Iron
• Wood Fencing • Rails • Refurbishing • Powerwashing • Replacement Remotes
SAME DAY SERVICE AVAILABLE
512-296-2671
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www.austinestategate.com anthony@austinestategate.com
JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
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Education
OPPORTUNITIES
=
present
YOUR CHANCE TO GROW AND LEARN
WEDNESDAYS
Visit austinaptassoc.com/education for more class info and to register. Questions? Contact AAA, Director of Education Amy Lydic, CAE at (512) 323-0990.
Association 101 for New Members JANUARY 22 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. AAA - 8620 Burnet Rd., #475 This session will focus on: • What are two challenges your company faces this year? • Panel to address questions • Meet the AAA staff Jumpstart your membership and learn how to gain the most value out of being a part of the AAA. You don’t have to be a NEW member to attend. Even if your company has been a member for a while, you have new employees, or you just want a refresher yourself… make plans to join us. All AAA members are welcome.
CPO Certification Two-Day Course JANUARY 29 AND JANUARY 30
CAM Slam
Leasing 101
FEBRUARY 11-14 AND 25-28
FEBRUARY 18
COURSE GOOD FOR EDUCATION TRACKS:
COURSE GOOD FOR EDUCATION TRACK:
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 PM Presented by: Sue Weston, CAM, CAPS, The Susan Weston Company AAA – 8620 Burnet Rd., #475 $900 per AAA member10% discount for ACE subscribers
8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Presented by: Shonna Marquis, CAS, GVA Property Management and Dedra Bouffard, The Liberty Group AAA – 8620 Burnet Rd., #475 $80 per AAA member$70 early bird rate! FREE for ACE subscribers CECs: 3
The Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) course includes industry essentials, financial management, legal, resident experience, risk management, human resources, marketing, and property maintenance.
Jumpstart your new hires to gain confidence and the result will be increased occupancy and resident retention!
CAS Slam
Goal Setting
FEBRUARY 12 AND 25 AND 27-28
FEBRUARY 19
COURSE GOOD FOR EDUCATION TRACKS:
COURSE GOOD FOR EDUCATION TRACKS:
Two day-course meets the requirements of the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) Certified Pool Operators (CPO®) certification.
e ty lin our n o education
JANUARY 15
FEBRUARY 12
2020 Focus – Mastering Your Team’s Energy Through Vision, Direction, and Momentum
Avoid Employee Churn and Burn: How to Keep Your Communities Staffed and Successful
JANUARY 22
FEBRUARY 19
Marketing and Leasing Power-Round of Ideas
The Job of Leasing is Changing! How SelfGided Tours, Smart Home Solutions, and AI Technology Will Change Your Job, Whether Your Community Adopts Them or Not
!
All Webinars are conducted by www.multifamilyinsiders.com. 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CT
Cost $29.99
Enter the code “16AAA” in the coupon field when registering for a discount!
COURSE GOOD FOR EDUCATION TRACK:
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Presented by: Andy Hines, Hines Pool and Spa AAA – 8620 Burnet Rd., #475 $300 per AAA member$70 early bird rate! Not eligible for ACE pricing.
Ge
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 PM Presented by: Sue Weston, CAM, CAPS, The Susan Weston Company AAA – 8620 Burnet Rd., #475 $500 per AAA member10% discount for ACE subscribers
8:30 a.m. – Noon Presented by: Cindy Reed, Apartmentdata.com AAA – 8620 Burnet Rd., #475 $80 per AAA member$70 early bird rate! FREE for ACE subscribers CECs: 3
This program is designed as an opportunity for suppliers to hear the everyday challenges faced by the apartment manager customer.
Know your gap areas and find opportunities for improvement.
CALLING ALL MAINTENANCE PROFESSIONALS, from porters to supervisors: save the date for our next Maintenance Round Table to address issues related specifically to your profession. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU. THE MAINTENANCE ROUND TABLE IS CLOSED TO SUPPLIERS. AAA OWNER/MANAGEMENT MEMBERS ONLY.
EDUCATION TRACK LEGEND
Wednesday, March 4 | 2pm-3pm | AAA – 8620 Burnet Rd. #475 Q U E S T I O N S ? Contact AAA at amyl@austinaptassoc.com or (512) 323-0990.
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JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
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g n i r Sp
BENEFITTING:
GOLF TOURNAMENT
THURSDAY, MARCH MAR CH 26 26 12:30PM - 4:30PM TOP GOLF AUSTIN
2700 Esperanza Crossing Crossing
For More Event Info & To REGISTER, Visit: AustinAptAssoc.com/Top-Golf AustinAptAssoc.co m/Top-Golf
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JANUARY / FEBRUARY /
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The Warren Report WHOA NELLIE! THE SAGA OF A HORSE, AN AGGIE, AND AN EXPENSIVE MESS By William S. Warren, Warren Law Firm
T The Swan v. Bienski case is a classic case where, at best, winning is measured by the extent of who lost the least.
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here is never a dull moment in the law. Fortunately, when a case proceeds to trial and is then appealed to an appellate court, we are rewarded with a detailed written opinion. Such opinions are meant to be learned from. At times, we get even greater rewards, like laughter and headshaking. One such case is that of Swan v. Bienski Properties, LP. This is a case from College Station, Texas, located in Brazos County. Its Court of Appeals is known as the Tenth Court of Appeals, located in Waco, Texas. Its Chief Justice is Tom Gray, who has served on the Court for 16 years. In the Swan v. Bienski case, Justice Gray wrote the dissenting opinion. A dissent may be written by a justice who did not agree with the ruling of the majority, and it sets forth what that justice thinks should have been done differently. In the case of Swan v. Bienski, Justice Gray has given us much to think about, and in a very entertaining way. As Justice Gray puts it, the Swan v. Bienski case is a classic case where
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both litigants set out to prove a point, asserting that “it is the principle of it all.” Invariably, he states, such cases develop with much greater complexity of the law, the procedures, and the evidence than anyone anticipated. In the end, he notes, there are no winners. At best, he observes, winning is measured by the extent of who lost the least. Many of you have been to court and have possibly come away thinking the same thing. Perhaps you didn’t feel as if you won; but you did better than the other guy. Justice Gray points out that “… the myriad of case types in which it-is-the-principle that becomes the mantra of the case is virtually limitless; but landlord/tenant disputes are a rich source….” There is no other explanation for what you are about to read. Principles, and indeed very expensive ones, must have been the mantra for the parties you will now learn about. In this case, Alexis Swan (Alexis) was the tenant, and a college student at Texas A&M. Her mother was Ter-
William S. Warren, Warren Law Firm
rissa D. Swan (Terrissa), and was also her daughter’s lease guarantor. The landlord was Bienski Properties (Bienski), described by Justice Gray as an active, hands–on operator of a residential rental business which Ms. Bienski owned and managed. For a proper sense of the flair involved with this case, allow me to occasionally quote certain text directly from Justice Gray’s dissenting opinion. For example, “… the property to be rented was unusual. It seemed ideal. It was perfect if you needed to keep your horse handy. Yes; a horse. Yes, Texas A&M University, where almost everyone knows that the “A” stood for “Agricultural.” And, yes, Texas, where many folks still know how to ride a horse.” Perhaps this does not quite sound like the apartment community you work at. No worries. “The property was not the typical student property. It was a three-bedroom, one bath house, on approximately three acres with a barn and some other out-buildings suitable for protecting a horse and necessary supplies from the elements.” Alexis Swan signed two leases with Bienski, one after the other. Alexis also had a horse, and apparently also had at least one dog and one cat. Bienski’s initial problem may have arisen when it neglected to use the animal addendum. While I have not seen the lease, the quoted language from the appellate opin-
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LAW IN ORDER
ion clearly indicates, to this writer at least, that this was a TAA form lease. Its language would look familiar to most of you. As Justice Gray puts it, “for all practical purposes, the relationship must have been satisfactory to Alexis and Bienski. A second one-year lease was signed without much fanfare. As the time to sign a third lease approached, toward the end of the second lease, Tosha Bienski sent a letter and a subsequent text to Alexis Swan. These communications told Alexis that she was a valued resident and that her landlord wanted her to continue as the tenant. For one reason or another, however, Alexis decided she wanted to move on. Her lease was due to expire about 2 ½ months after the landlord invited Alexis to renew her lease. To quote Justice Gray, “… under one view of the evidence, THAT is when the problems began.” Bienski helped Alexis along with her move-out, to put it mildly. By the time that the second lease would have expired by its original terms, Alexis had been evicted and lawyers were engaged by both sides in another lawsuit, filed by Bienski in another court. That second case is the one which ended up in the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals, and its story in this Warren Report. How did it come to pass that Alexis was evicted if she had seemingly been such an ideal tenant? Not that long before her second lease was to expire, Alexis received several lease violation notices plus a written notice to vacate from Bienski. Alexis was advised by her landlord that her lease was being terminated immediately and that she
had 24 hours from the delivery of the letter to vacate the premises. This happened even though Alexis was current in her rent. To paraphrase the conduct-based lease violation notices sent by the landlord, they stated Alexis had an unauthorized occupant, added an alarm system to the premises, changed the locks, had unauthorized animals, improperly refused entry to persons entitled to enter, and disturbed others in or near the dwelling (wait – wasn’t this a small house which sat on approximately three acres with a barn?). Perhaps it was the principle of it all. Bienski promptly filed an eviction lawsuit and Alexis was evicted. The
record does not reflect that Alexis appealed the justice court eviction judgment against her. In fact, she vacated on June 14, 2013. Seven days before she moved from the property, however, on June 7, 2013, Bienski filed another lawsuit against Alexis and her mother in county court at law, seeking damages and attorney’s fees. It was this second case which eventually arrived on the doorstep of the court of appeals. Here is where things really started to go awry. We now begin to see our first evidence of what Justice Gray called the classic case where both litigants set out to prove a point asserting
that it is the principle of it all. We’re about to see another aspect of Judge Gray’s previously referenced conclusion, that being where winning is measured by the extent of who lost the least. Despite gaining possession of the leased premises through the eviction, the blood between the parties was apparently bad enough to motivate a nearly instantaneous and very likely unnecessary second lawsuit being filed by the landlord. Why? That is probably what the jurors asked. The county court at law case resulted in a three-day long jury trial. At the conclusion of the evidence, the jury was asked to privately discuss and answer 30 numbered questions, many of which contained multiple subparts. At least the same five of the six county court jurors, moreover, would all have to agree upon all their answers. WHOA NELLIE! What in the world was that second lawsuit, the one filed very shortly after the filing of the eviction lawsuit, all about? Bienski, who brought the lawsuit, alleged that Alexis breached both the first and second lease contracts, and that she committed statutory fraud. Bienski also claimed that Terrisa, the mother and guarantor, breached the lease contract guaranty in connection with both the first and second lease contracts, and that she committed both common-law fraud and statutory fraud. Not to be outdone, Alexis filed several counterclaims against Bienski in the lawsuit. She claimed that Bienski breached both the first and second lease contracts, committed statutory fraud, retained her security deposit in bad faith, and retaliated against
That second case is the one which ended up in the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals, and its story in this Warren Report.
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Recall that it took three days to try this case to a county court at law jury. The appellate opinion suggests the jury preferred the evidence of the tenant and the guarantor to that of the landlord. The damages which the jury found in its answers to those 30 numbered questions, however, to a large extent seem to have been disregarded by the trial court judge. This was done through the proper procedure and following a hearing on what was called a motion to enter judgment notwithstanding the [jury’s] verdict. After that hearing, the trial court judge apparently signed a judgment with different damages than those suggested by the jury. For example, the trial court judgment awarded damages to Bienski in the amount of $4,673.23, plus attorney’s fees for representation at trial in the amount of $5,000.00. There was also an award of contingent attorney’s fees in favor Bienski in the amount of $3,500.00, for representation through appeal to the court of appeals. There are some very important lessons to be learned here. First, Bienski, Alexis and Terrisa all asked for significantly more monetary damages than they received. Second,
although the jury answered questions and awarded monetary damages to various parties in one amount, those are not the amounts which made it to the final judgment. Third, the trial court judge disregarded many of the jury’s answers (again following a hearing on a duly filed motion asking for that relief ) and came up with the judgment favoring Bienski in the amounts referenced above. Fourth, when the court of appeals made its decision, it reversed the trial court’s judgment and rendered judgment in favor of Alexis. Stated another way, Alexis was the only one who received a monetary judgment in her favor. We can safely conclude, however, that Alexis was far from thrilled about getting a total monetary judgment of $1,000.00 in damages, $2,500.00 in trial court attorney’s fees, and $1,750.00 in Appellate Court attorney’s fees. Alexis (and the other litigants) may have asked themselves, is winning measured by the extent of who lost the least? Recall Justice Gray’s remarks cited early in this article about how “the myriad of case types in which it-is-the-principle that becomes the
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There are some very important lessons to be learned here.
her. Alexis, the tenant, and Terrissa, the guarantor, also asked the Court to award each of them attorney’s fees. Something seems factually haywire here. Wasn’t Alexis asked by the landlord, twice, to renew her second lease? Didn’t Alexis, a full 2 ½ months before her second lease was to come to an end, timely advise her landlord that she did not want to renew? Wasn’t she also properly paying her rent? I don’t want to spoil the ending, but when all was said and done in the county court at law, Alexis recovered judgment from Bienski in the amount of $1,000.00, plus attorney’s fees in the amount of $2,500.00 for representation in the trial court, plus another $1,750.00 for representation through appeal to the court of appeals, plus her costs of court. Those figures are what the court of appeals determined would be the ones included in the judgment. In addition, even though the guarantor, Terrisa, also prevailed in the case because Bienski was unsuccessful on all its claims against her, she was not awarded attorney’s fees or costs. Terrisa wound up owing no money to Bienski; but neither did Bienski owe money to Terrisa.
mantra of the case is virtually limitless; but landlord/tenant disputes are a rich source.” Have you observed that first-hand? If Bienski had not filed its lawsuit in the county court at law on June 7, 2013, just one week before Alexis vacated the premises, would we have had this expensive mess to begin with? Who knows? What we do know, however, is that the landlord jumped from the frying pan of an eviction trial, in which it prevailed against the tenant and was awarded possession, into the fire of a landlord/ tenant lawsuit for the ages. That memorable case contained a security deposit dispute, claims of breaches of two different leases (but with what damages?), allegations of statutory fraud, common-law fraud, breaches of lease guaranty, and retaliation. This case seems to have had it all. But why was it necessary? Assuming the landlord did suffer damages by the end of the lease term, were they substantial enough to merit all of this? Remember, Bienski filed an eviction case in justice court and won there. The judgment there would have awarded Bienski possession, court costs, unpaid rent (if any) and attorney’s fees (if any). Consider the lease violation notices given to Alexis, referenced above: unauthorized occupant, disturbing or threatening others, altering the premises through the addition of an alarm system and the lock change, having unauthorized animals, and denying entry. Those appear to have been valid grounds for the eviction
case in which Bienski prevailed. But was there really a need to proceed with that second lawsuit, the county court at law case? As Justice Gray states, there are classic cases out there where both litigants set out to prove a point while asserting that “it is the principle of it all.” Unquestionably, the final opinion in this case from the Tenth Court of Appeals makes it clear how difficult it is to persuade all of those in the chain of decision-making that your assessment of conduct and
damages is the same one which will ultimately end up in the final judgment. As you begin the new year, let the Swan v. Bienski case remind you, in law as in life, that from time to time the risk is far greater than the reward. Fortunately, we can often determine
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whether to take the risk in the first place. Bienski could have been satisfied with the eviction judgment, and the return of possession of the property, and that would have been the end of it. There may have remained an unaddressed debt, but it quite likely would have been small enough to refer to collections. By deciding to take the litigation risk and seek more, however, Bienski learned that it was not in charge of the ultimate reward. Do yourself a favor. Read this case. It is fun, highly entertaining, mind-boggling and quite memorable. You will recognize, quite possibly from first-hand experience, many of the fact scenarios, the issues, and the twists and turns which the litigation seemed to follow. I will also bet you that after you finish reading the opinions, especially Justice Gray’s dissent, you will have a smile on your face. To read the appellate court decision in Swan v. Bienski, go to this link: https://www.leagle.com/decision/ intxco20180920675.
As you begin the new year, let the Swan v. Bienski case remind you, in law as in life, that from time to time the risk is far greater than the reward.
The year 2020 marks BILL WARREN’s 40th year of practicing law. His law practice focuses on a variety of issues and cases, the majority of which address the concerns of those active in the multi-family industry. He founded and manages Warren Law Firm. In addition, he serves as Of Counsel for the Texas Apartment Association and as Legal Counsel of the Austin Apartment Association. Bill is also a Credentialed Mediator in Texas. He writes and speaks regularly, and as author of Law In Order: The Warren Report he has had over 120 articles published. His topics cover all nature of issues pertaining to rental housing, from onsite to the boardroom to the courtroom. Bill has been Board Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization for 30 years, and is also a Fellow of the College of the State Bar of Texas. He can be reached at Warren Law Firm, 1011 Westlake Drive, Austin, Texas 78746, (512) 347-8777, or through his firm’s website at www.WLFtexas.com.
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