MARCH/ APRIL 2021 The official publication of the Arizona Multihousing Association
All in this together
AMA leaders share how they weathered the COVID-19 storm page 5
Board Chair letter The good we do in our communities
Legislative Update Old wounds and new priorities
Legally Speaking HUD extends fairhousing protections
page 3
page 10
page 16
Apartment News | March/April 2021
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azmultihousing.org
New AMA platform to recognize our ‘housing heroes’
818 N. 1st St., Phoenix, AZ 85004 phone: 602-296-6200 fax: 602-296-6178 web: azmultihousing.org
It’s always positive news when we hear about the number of AMA members that give back to their apartment communities as well as to their geographic communities. For years, AMA members have opened
2021 AMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Gloria Munoz Maricopa County Housing
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chair, Reid Butler Butler Housing Company
Lisa Osborn-Warne Priderock Capital Partners
their hearts – and their wallets – in
Vice Chair, Scott Hines PEM Real Estate Group
unselfish philanthropy.
Treasurer, Linda Coburn NexMetro Development
To fully recognize these good deeds,
Secretary, Tina Schreiber Greystar Real Estate Partners
AMA is proud to introduce its new
Imm. Past Chair, Kim Pacheco Scotia Group Management
Housing Heroes Hub, an online plat-
AMC Exec., Sue Campbell Redi Carpet
form which showcases the positive impact our industry is making on surrounding neighborhoods and the
Reid Butler AMA Board Chair
Mark Schilling MEB Management Services
Crystal Sevilla Weidner Apartment Homes
Michelle Sinclair Evergeen Devco, Inc.
Lesley Brice MC Residential
Dallin Tippets Rainforest Plumbing & Air
Dahnn Brown Camden Property Trust
Kris Tomlinson Cushman & Wakefield
Luz Bruscini MEB Management Services
David Vanek Greystar Real Estate Partners
John Carlson Mark-Taylor Residential
Luis Verger Shelton Residential
safety training for their residents and neighbors.
Crystal DeHoag Bella Investment Group
Christopher Walker Law Offices of Scott Clark
The Hub will feature statistics illustrating the positive impacts our
Anna DiSabato Dunlap & Magee
Wendy Weiske Gorman & Company
Kohl Eisenhour Avenue 5 Residential
Debbie Willis P.B. Bell Companies
Natalie Evans CoStar/Apartments.com
Nicole Wray Greystar Real Estate Partners
Kimberly Fitch Nicolosi & Fitch, Inc.
Rhonda Wooder Stratton Restoration
submit your companies own charitable efforts.
Adam Greco Burns Pest Elimination
Chris Worrell GPM Landscape, Inc.
More information is available on Page 13.
Kristin Heiple Baron Property Services
Mark Zinman Zona Law Group
Speaking of Move For Hunger, we’re proud to announce that Arrive
Robert Hicks Greystar Real Estate Partners
fight hunger through Move For Hunger food drives. And this past fall and winter, more than 800 blankets were collected for UMOM. AMA member properties also work to reduce second-hand smoke and its negative health impacts and numerous communities provide
members are making in their communities, a running list of the philanthropic campaigns our members support, testimonials from those benefiting from member initiatives, resources for getting more involved in helping your communities, as well as a place for you to
Ocotillo in Chandler was named winner of the first Community of
Kyle Simplot Accounting & Operations Manager kyles@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6203 Melissa Lanouette Events & Education Manager mlanouette@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6205 Lisa Garcia Membership & Operations Coordinator lgarcia@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6207 Amanda Perkumas Tucson Area Executive Assistant aperkumas@azmultihousing.org Phone: 520-323-0643 Jonathan Baldenegro Events & Education Coordinator jbaldenegro@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6209 Christina Desaubin Communications & Marketing Manager cdesaubin@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6204 Jenica Hickey Member Relations Coordinator jhickey@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6214
Stacey Hogue Greystar Real Estate Partners
the Year Award with Move For Hunger. The team at Arrive Ocotillo
Michelle Howland Blue Steel Security Services
collected more than 200 meals and has supported the Matthew’s Crossing Food Bank through its efforts to fight hunger.
David Kotin Kay-Kay Realty
Congratulations – and a heart-felt thanks from the AMA Board – to all
Sharon Kuhlman Shelton Residential
our members who give back. Well done.
Dustin Lacey Mark-Taylor Residential
– Reid Butler, AMA Board Chair, Butler Housing Company
Pam McCarthy Fairfield Residential Omar Mireles HSL Asset Management April Morris Cox Communications
Apartment News | March/April 2021
Erika McDowell Finance Director emcdowell@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6210
Christine Shipley Dunlap & Magee
Greg Stobart MG Properties
Speak. Numerous rental properties have helped reduce waste and
Lauren Romero Tucson Area Association Executive lromero@azmultihousing.org Phone: 520-323-0643
Stacey Searl Weidner Apartment Homes
Krisanne Beckstead Picerne Real Estate Group
organizations such as UMOM New Day Centers, SARRC and Autism
Sarah Fluke Deputy Director sfluke@azmultihosusing.org Phone: 602-296-6212
Lisa Rosenfeld HSL Asset Management
Justin Steltenpohl P.B. Bell Companies
AMA members already have raised more than $1 million in support of
Courtney Gilstrap LeVinus President and CEO clevinus@azmultihousing.org Phone: 602-296-6200
John Rials Western Wealth Capital
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Elizabeth Beaulieu Quarterpenny Management
world at large.
AMA STAFF
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AMA CONTRACTORS CAPITOL CONSULTING GOVERNMENT RELATIONS Courtney LeVinus Government Affairs Consultant courtney@azcapitolconsulting.com Phone: 602-712-1121 Jake Hinman Government Affairs Consultant jake@azcapitolconsulting.com Phone: 602-712-1121 Bastien Andruet Municipal Lobbyist bastien@azcapitolconsulting.com Phone: 602-712-1121
PUBLIC RELATIONS/ COMMUNICATIONS MadridMedia Peter Madrid Owner, MadridMedia ptmadrid1975@gmail.com Phone: 480-495-3762 Leibowitz Solo David Leibowitz Owner, Leibowitz Solo david@leibowitzsolo.com GRAPHIC DESIGN James Dempsey Design james@jdempsey.com Phone: 602-510-5508
azmultihousing.org
Sharing, caring when it comes to our members
DEC. 2020 & JAN. 2021 NEW AMA MEMBERS
Sharing and caring are two very prominent themes you will find in this issue of Apartment News magazine.
The AMA would like to welcome all new members from December 2020 and January 2021. We are excited to work alongside you and to continue to make our association and industry the best.
For our cover story, “All in this together,” the AMA Communications Committee convened (virtually, of course) a leadership roundtable to discuss how their respective member company is weathering and adjusting to the COVID-19 pandemic.
and residents alike are feeling the
• Whitestar Management, Inc.
• Systems Management Group (a Division of the Hiller Companies)
effects. Our panel shares insight
• D and E properties
• LeaseLock
with a view from “the top.” Thank
• Coastal Ridge Real Estate - 1
• BenMar Properties, LLC
• Mack Property Management LP
• Busento Holdings, LLC
• V on Broadway
• Chodock Properties
• Tides at East Glendale
December
No one is immune from the financial fallout of the virus. Rental owners
you to those who took the time to participate. On the legislative and legal fronts, this edition brings you up to date on
Courtney LeVinus AMA President & CEO
• Luke Capital
Legally Speaking column, we write about HUD extending fair-housing
• Buckeye Villa
• PM Residential Management LLC
protections. Our Legislative Update explains where our bills stand.
• Morningside Villa
• Ellis Properties
• Tempe Villa
• Venue Projects
• Tides on 61st
• Aya Scottsdale
• Smith Road
• Christopher Todd Communities at Estrella Commons
issues that affect our industry. In the
I would also like to share news about Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) that is available throughout Arizona for owners and residents. To highlight a few:
January
The Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) has $280 million
• High Street Residential (a wholly owned subsidiary of Trammell Crow Company)
in ERA (des.az.gov/ERAP); the City of Phoenix plans to distribute $51 million (call 602-534-AIDE); and the City of Mesa’s COVID ERA program is currently accepting applications at mesaaz.gov/government/ mesa-cares.
• Consolidated Smart Systems
Finally, we’re excited to announce the new AMA Housing Heroes Hub. Reid Butler talks about our new philanthropy platform in his Letter
• Centex Construction
from the Board Chair.
• Caretaker Landscape and Tree Management
Now that’s great news to share.
• Move For Hunger • Chadwell Supply • Integrity Capital, LLC
– Courtney LeVinus, President & CEO, Arizona Multihousing Association
• Christopher Todd Communities at Happy Valley • S29 Apartments • PM Tierra Vida Tucson LLC • Park Central Luxury Townhomes • Roadrunner on McDowell • Holly Gardens
• Treadstone Protection Agency
ON THE COVER A gem in the West Valley multifamily community was in the spotlight as the February AMC event took a virtual tour of Grayson Place. Located at 1499 N. 159th Ave., Grayson Place is situated in one of Goodyear’s most sought-after locations in the West Valley. The P.B. Bell property opened its doors in February.
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All in this together AMA leaders share how they tackled COVID-19 issues during some of the apartment industry’s darkest days By Peter Madrid
2020 will go down in history as the year the business world was devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the world’s economy was disrupted. Locally, it hit like a summer monsoon dust storm, consuming almost everything in its way.
–Continued on next page
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The AMA Communications Committee
NW: I never considered myself to be a cre-
brought together (virtually, of course) four
ative person, but the pandemic changed that
industry leaders from AMA member firms.
for me and my colleagues. We acquired our
Each shared how their respective compa-
largest, local competitor. We acquired an ad-
ny met the challenges of the pandemic, for
ditional 16,000-plus units and 50 properties.
both their employees and residents. They also
I had to get creative. None of us have a play-
shared what they learned about themselves
book to manage through an international pan-
and their leadership style.
demic. I learned then I can be quite creative,
The leadership roundtable comprised John Carlson, Mark-Taylor; Debbie Willis, P.B. Bell; Brian Swanton, Gorman & Company; and Nicole Wray, Greystar. Q: What is the most important thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic? JC: Looking back, I’ve experienced a wide spectrum of perspectives. More often than not I’ve found many individuals to look at the pandemic from a vantage point of fear and trepidation. Personally, I think of the pandemic through the lens of famous quote “Never let a good crisis go to waste.” Meaning, I’ve embraced the pandemic and see it as an opportunity to reshape the future personally, professionally and as a society. Perhaps I’m a bit of an eternal optimist, but the acceleration of technology, how we you use it, and how
along with our entire team. We remained nimble and took it one day at a time. We didn’t take anything for granted. Q: How did you manage the fear and unknown with your employees? JC: It would be a mistake to not mention the AMA through the process and its overall guidance to really help understand how to navigate our business with the additional executive order red tape. As an organization,
John is responsible for strategy, operations,
ing into the spring of 2020. As we forged
new business development and property
ahead, we created specific operational strat-
portfolio performance for 19,000 luxury
egy for our teams which included significant
apartment units in Arizona and Nevada.
education, support and communication. We
His diverse real estate and multifamily
ensured that everyone who had a concern
background includes onsite property man-
could ask questions. This process really
agement, financial management and op-
helped minimize the fear and anxiety of our
erational oversight. John currently serves
employees throughout the pandemic.
we function in the world today has completely
DW: Our executive group had a conference call every morning at 8 to discuss what we
more changes ahead.
learned from CDC, AMA, and any other agen-
thought. While I truly love my co-workers and seeing them every day, I found that having the time to actually think and strategize was wonderful. There was no noise and no one in my door. It was quiet, and gave me some thinking time. That I really appreciated.
John Carlson President, Mark-Taylor Investment Management
we simply didn’t know what to expect head-
shifted. I will continue to be open-minded to
DW: I learned I am more introverted than I
bio:
cies and then drafted our communication around that. So much was changing. We had to make quick decisions on protocol and get it out quickly. It was OK to change and modify. We just didn’t want to delay as our employees
as immediate-past Chairman of AMA and Chairman of AMA Government Affairs Committee. He is a member and Region 7 Delegate of the NAA and a member of the National Multihousing Council. A licensed real estate agent in Arizona, and a licensed broker in Nevada, John received a bachelor’s of science electrical engineering degree from Concordia College.
wanted direction and support. Then every Friday, our CEO (Chapin Bell) would send
team mapped out what the plan was going
an email to all the employees. Sometimes it
to be. We had a weekly leadership meeting.
BS: As CEO I enjoy socializing and network-
was motivational. Sometimes it was funny.
We were getting new information almost daily. How to clean. How not to clean.
ing. However, the pandemic didn’t rattle me
The folks loved hearing directly from him. It
as much as I thought. One thing I learned is
kept their spirits up knowing his spirts were
that I’m resilient. All of our people are resil-
up. That meant a lot.
ient. I felt uneasy in my career when I was hired in 2008. The economy had completely crashed right after I started. It was a pretty scary time. But we got better as a company. It made us more prepared. We took some conservative steps. It was not as harmful on the bottom line as we thought. We knew we would come out strong. We have drawn on that success during the pandemic.
Apartment News | March/April 2021
NW: Our leadership team really hunkered down. That was the key was for us, and it was
BS: I found our employees and residents
helpful we stayed lean. There were six of us
wanted to know the same thing. They wanted
in constant communication. We held regular
to know we had a plan. All our energy and
weekly operational meetings. I made prom-
focus on getting together quickly, together a
ises to our team that if had information they
plan, and aggressively communicating that
would have it, too. With more than 41,000
plan. And we have a lot of residents with
units managed in Arizona, that was great.
limited resources and limited access to in-
We discussed PPE, evictions … there was
formation, so communication was key. The
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BS: The most significant shift for us is what you don’t see. We are working with the City of Phoenix around St. Luke’s (Hospital) knocking Debbie is responsible for residential property management operations. She has been in the property management field since 1979 and with P.B. Bell since 1983. Debbie administers all functions of the Property Management Division and oversees all new business and development activities. Debbie has served as the AMA’s State Convention and Trade Show chairperson,
bio: Debbie Willis, CAM, CPM President/Designated Broker, P.B. Bell
down 577 units of public housing to construct 1,100 units of mixed-income housing. There is a massive digital division between the haves and have nots. More people need high-speed internet capability. Kids should not have to leave their apartment to do their schoolwork. Kids were getting laptops from school and no way to log on. Cox and other partners are building in high-speed internet in the units.
Education Committee chairperson and
NW: One thing we are concentrating on for
currently serves as the Ethics Committee
our clients post COVID is the what the amen-
chairperson. She is a member of the AMA
ity spaces will look like. We want common
Board of Directors. She participates in P.B.
area spaces that will accommodate our at-
Bell philanthropic endeavors which include
home workers with good distancing. Larger,
St. Mary’s Food Bank and UMOM.
more robust fitness centers. Things we have been focusing on for a number of years have
a lot of fear of the unknown. It was all about transparency and ‘I’ve got your back.’ It’s OK to be frustrated and fearful. There’s strength in confidence, even when you don’t have all the answers. Q: Has COVID-19 changed your design plans for future developments? JC: We can’t unlearn what we’ve experienced during the pandemic and I believe the rules for success have completely changed not just in multifamily but business as a whole. Going back to last April, amidst the early storm of the pandemic, we locked our leasing doors yet doubled the number of leases by historical comparisons. It forced our organization to accelerate how we would reinvent ourselves post-pandemic. It was like an epiphany and there was no turning back. A great deal of time and resources were put into the endeavor of breaking down our actual operational model, with less focus on the actual building and amenity redesign. As we look ahead, we’ll focus a great deal on becoming
eas and more social areas outside and in the
overall been amped up. Our recommenda-
more resilient or as I like to say, “anti-fragile”
clubhouse. We are designing larger spaces
tions of what people’s habits will be like?
as an organization. If executed correctly we
for groups and some individual work stations.
Nobody has the crystal ball there, but there
will find ourselves being financially evergreen
Some touchless features Such as Automatic
will be substantial change in design plans.
regardless of economic cycles.
doors. Things we’ve never done before. We
DW: We changed some design plans, but we still have large social areas. We’re just being more mindful of individual seating ar-
Apartment News | March/April 2021
were one of the first developers to introduce tech centers inside apartment homes. We got away from them for a bit, but have brought them back in some of our floorplans.
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Q: Understanding the impact that
move-in, living experience and move-out has
DW: Travel again and spend time with friends
COVID has had on your customers,
a “white glove” type experience. This will
and family. It will also be nice to hug people
what change, or practices has your
undoubtedly be challenging, but is something
again. To see people smiling behind those
company put in place to retain them?
we believe is vital to our future success and
masks.
JC: Our company mission is to create exceptional communities that invite, inspire and feel
brand evolution.
BS: Take my mask off. I’m still traveling
DW: As we have always done, we continue
through the pandemic, but looking forward
like home. One piece of our core strategic
to cater to what makes the customer experi-
to normalcy in travel. On top of my things to
initiatives to support our mission includes
ence easier. Never say no. Roll with the times.
do list is seeing my in-laws.
creating a 5-star resident experience. The
This includes self-guided tours and virtual
design will ensure our customer from the very
tours. They will only get more sophisticated.
first touch point, through the leasing process,
It kind of struck me that we never think of our sanitizing our common areas as we do now. We want to keep that going. Residents would like to see that. There are a lot of touch points in our communities. Living through a pandemic made us think more about germs and how people use those common areas.
NW: I’m a big hugger. And during the pandemic my company acquired hundreds of new employees. Senior leadership is touring all 160-plus assets in person, safely, to show our appreciation. I want to hug the 1,400 employees I have never met or not seen in a long time. You don’t have that ability to connect when you can’t meet people face to face.
BS: We haven’t changed too much in practice or belief. The shift for us was more on the mental health of our employees and residents. We wanted to get a better handle on recognizing and paying attention to mental health due to a burdened economy. It was an emotional drag and people are tired of dealing with it
bio: Brian Swanton President & CEO, Gorman & Company Brian transitioned into the role of President & CEO in 2018 after serving as the Arizona Market President since 2008. Founded in 1984, Gorman is a national real estate development company specializing in affordable and workforce housing and a key player in the public housing redevelopment space. Gorman is also the largest developer of workforce and affordable housing in Arizona. Prior to joining Gorman,
and tolerating COVID. We need to continue to recognize this. It has taught us to pay attention to our people’s emotional needs not just in times of crises but all the time. NW: Obviously, everything got turned upside down. I still remember that Friday in March when the president shut things down. It made us rethink a lot of things. Virtual leasing. Self-guide tours. From A to Z, we had to revamp our platform to include mostly virtual leasing at least for the next year. It will be a work in progress. We have to go back to the basics. We know will see our residents less. How do you retain that customer service? We will focus on technology to circle back on what made us successful in the first place.
bio: Nicole Wray President & Managing Director Greystar Nicole oversees all aspects of operations for the company’s 41,000-unit portfolio, including high-rise, mid-rise and value add,
Q: What is the first thing you want
and large-scale renovation communities.
the public and nonprofit sectors in afford-
to do (that COVID has taken away
Her team specializes in operations, mar-
able housing and community revitaliza-
or made it near impossible to enjoy)
keting, renovation, and acquisition support.
tion. Brian received his bachelor degree
when this is all over?
Brian held various leadership positions in
in urban planning and Master’s degree in public administration, both from Arizona State University, where he and his wife Leah recently began an endowment for urban planning students seeking to ad-
JC: I’ve still been traveling and remained extremely active during the pandemic. I can’t wait to walk through a restaurant without a mask and sit down.
Nicole is on the AMA Board of Directors, served on the Executive Committee for 5 years, and served as Chair in 2018. Nicole joined Greystar in 2010. She regularly speaks at industry events and charitable endeavors.
dress issues of social justice.
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Legislative Update
Old wounds and new priorities for a COVID-focused Legislature Lawmakers resume last year’s legislative efforts while addressing the ongoing pandemic By Jake Hinman and Bastien Andruet
With the 2021 Arizona legislative session in full swing, lawmakers have introduced an overwhelming 1,800 bills and resolutions. Despite all else with the pandemic, affordable housing has proven to be one of the focal points of the Legislature this year, with multiple bills attempting to increase housing supply and funding. Unfortunately, we have also seen an inordinate amount of bills aimed at the rental housing industry, including proposals to enact statewide rent control in Arizona. Fortunately, the AMA was able to ensure that all these harmful bills never progressed through the process.
Affordable housing remains AMA top priority Picking up where last session left off, the AMA is focusing its legislative efforts on creating new tools and incentives for the production of new affordable housing units. In tandem with longtime allies at the Legislature and partners in the private sector, the AMA has helped author and champion a bill establishing a state LIHTC. –Continued on next page
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State Rep. Regina Cobb (LD-5) introduced HB2562, with State Sen.
falling short. In the time of COVID, the state has experienced no
David Gowan (LD-14) introducing the Senate version, SB1327, an act
stoppage in the influx of out-of-state residents, as remote workers
to create an Arizona state LIHTC that mirror’s the federal program
seek more affordable cities than New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago
established by President Reagan in 1986.
in which to live.
The national LIHTC program has been responsible for constructing
Innovative solutions to our supply crisis, such as this state LIHTC
or renovating almost 3 million housing units nationwide, financing
program, will be Arizona’s best bet for providing housing for residents
almost 45,000 units in Arizona alone since 1987. With a foreclosure
of all socio-economic status.
rate of less than 1 percent for these properties, LIHTC financing has
Virtual court on its way to becoming permanent
been proven as an effective public-private partnership tool, creating
The AMA is also focusing its efforts to ensure that virtual court be-
jobs for builders and housing for low-income residents hurt the most
comes permanent in the state for all eviction-related cases. Sen. War-
by our state’s dangerously low stock of housing supply.
ren Petersen introduced SB1322 that will allow all parties, attorneys
As hundreds of families move into the state of Arizona on a daily basis,
and witnesses to appear remotely via videoconference or telephone.
more than 150,000 units of housing will need to be built by 2030 to
For rental owners, remote proceedings allow witnesses, including
match demand, and our current pace of development is consistently
property management staff, police officers or neighbors, to carry out their normal day-to-day functions rather than taking time to make a court appearance in person.
Bills aimed at rental housing industry fail to move Continuing their efforts from last year, state Sens. Juan Mendez (LD26) and Martin Quezada (LD-29) introduced a slew of bills targeting the multifamily housing industry. Modeled after policies enacted in Oregon and California in 2019, the bills seek to impose artificial price controls, significantly increase the number of documents and steps –Continued on next page
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a property owner or manager must take for tenant notices, and add
received by the property owner, as well as her bill SB1663, seeking
a new “source of income” protected class.
to seal any and all eviction records, including filings, pleadings, and judgments, through June 30, 2022, retroactive to March 11, 2020, both
Mendez’s SB1691, and Quezada’s SB1611, both establishing a statewide
hit their “committee chair walls” and failed to proceed to a hearing.
rent control, never even received a hearing in committee. Quezada’s SB1610, attempting to create a “source of income” protected class, as
Likewise, Engel’s other three bills aimed at the industry also failed to
well as his SB1612 attempting to pass “for cause” eviction legislation
receive committee hearings. SB1038 seeking to increase the five-day notice to a 15-day notice; SB1134, repealing a statutory prohibition
eliminating non-renewal provisions, also failed to move forward.
the AMA passed several years ago on counties and municipalities
Similarly, Sen. Mendez’s attempts to repeal the statewide prohibition
from requiring an owner, operator or tenant of a business, commer-
on inclusionary zoning, SB1657, and his attempts to further unbalance
cial building, or multifamily housing property to measure and report
the Landlord-Tenant Act by mandating 30- and 60-day rent increase
energy usage and consumption; and SB1664 repealing another AMA
notices with SB1692, never made it out of committee.
bill passed several years ago pre-empting the courts from mandating
Other bad bills aimed at the industry
that all property owners use court-created forms for all eviction actions,
Quezada also introduced two COVID-related bills – SB1607 imposing
notices, and pleadings all died this year at the Capitol.
a statewide rent freeze until 30 days after the termination of the declared state of emergency, and SB1608, mandating property owners
Jake Hinman is the Director of Government
allow at least six months for tenants who have received relief from
Affairs for Capitol Consulting.
eviction “as the result of federal law, presidential executive order or
He can be reached at 602-712-1121.
state executive order,” to pay any unpaid rent once the federal or state relief from eviction expires. While able to gain the support of fellow Bastien Andruet is a Municipal Lobbyist
Senator Mendez, the bills thankfully went nowhere.
for Capitol Consulting.
Sen. Kirsten Engel’s (LD-10) bills aimed at the industry lost momentum
He can be reached at 602-712-1121.
as well, with her SB1665 barring a landlord from evicting a tenant if any form of partial payment or “housing assistance” is accepted or
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Grayson Place:
West Valley gem
AMC event offers virtual tour of P.B. Bell property By Michelle Howland
A West Valley multifamily gem was in the spotlight as the February AMC event took a virtual tour of Grayson Place. Grayson Place, 1499 N. 159th Ave., is situated in one of Goodyear’s most sought-after locations in the West Valley. The P.B. Bell property is a gated community that boasts the description as “modern with
Community Amenities
industrial chic flair.”
• Professionally Managed by P.B. Bell
Senior Portfolio Director Cary Cole led the virtual tour of the Grayson
• Gated community with controlled access
Place community and a showed a short video about P.B. Bell to the
• Heated pool and spa with poolside cabanas, loungers and umbrellas
50 members in virtual attendance.
• Resident clubhouse with lounge areas, TVs, Starbucks coffee bar, upscale kitchen, billiards and more
The winner of the lunch with Cary was Brandi Reynolds with Renco Roofing.
• Business center with co-working space
About Grayson Place
• Electric vehicle charging stations
Grayson Place pet-friendly apartment homes offer mountain views
• Community dog park and pet spa
with spacious, open concept floor plans along with smart door locks,
• Pet waste stations
smart thermostats and smart lights. Grayson Place offers one-, two-
–Continued on next page
and three-bedroom apartments. The community comprises 269 units.
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• Community cinema room • 24-hour emergency maintenance • Complementary Wi-Fi in common areas for Cox customers • Courtyard with patio dining and grilling stations • 24-hour fitness center Apartment Amenities • Resident garages and covered parking • GE Stainless Steel energy-efficient appliances • Granite countertops with subway tile backsplash • Gourmet kitchen islands • Private master bedrooms with en suite bathroom • Modern pendant and LED lighting • Dual vanity sinks
• Designer ceiling fans in living areas and bedrooms
• Walk-in closets with built-in shelving and storage
• Full-sized washer and dryer
• Wood style plank flooring
• Personal patio or balcony
Introducing the Housing Heroes Hub Consider the facts. • More than $1 million raised in support of UMOMs, SARRC and Autism Speaks. • 38 rental properties reducing waste and fighting hunger through Move For Hunger food drives.
those benefiting from member initiatives, resources for getting more
• More than 800 blankets collected for UMOM New Day Centers families.
submit your companies own charitable efforts.
involved in helping your communities, as well as a place for you to
• More than 100 properties committed to reducing second-hand smoke and its negative health impacts.
AMA members are encouraged to visit the Housing Heroes Hub here
• 145 communities dedicated to providing safety training for their residents and neighbors.
are making in multi-housing and beyond. At the Hub you’ll find a place
What do all of these good deeds have in common? They are all being
Has your company participated in a charitable fundraiser? Collected
selflessly performed each day by members of the Arizona Multihous-
goods for those in need? Does your company have a charitable match
to glean inspiration from the positive impact their peers and colleagues where you can submit your own company’s philanthropic activities.
program for employees making personal donations to non-profits of
ing Association.
their choosing?
In an industry that is constantly battling stifling regulations and negative perceptions, these small but heroic efforts often go unnoticed.
Does your company allow for charitable time off? Has your company
AMA wants our members to know that we see all that you are doing
volunteered time at a food bank?
in support of your communities; from small to grand initiatives, they
Tell us about all of the positive initiatives your organization is doing
all deserve to be celebrated.
on the submission form found on the Housing Heroes page so we
In that spirit, AMA is proud to introduce our new Housing Heroes Hub,
can showcase your company as a shining reflection of the generosity
an online platform which showcases the positive impact our industry
found in the multi-housing industry.
is making on surrounding neighborhoods and the world at large.
You are all doing AMAzing work to help make our communities better,
On the Hub you’ll find: statistics illustrating the positive impacts
and we look forward to showcasing your efforts on the Housing Heroes
our members are making in their communities, a running list of the
Hub. AMA is proud to celebrate you, our industry’s Housing Heroes.
philanthropic campaigns our members support, testimonials from
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Bucks for Barks By Robby Nisenfeld, Communications Manager
Arizona Humane Society
bites in communities or enhance public safety. Many breeds are also
Should I open up my rental property to individuals with pets?
often mistakenly identified. It’s best for landlords to instead consider
It’s a question many landlords debate, but one with an easy answer.
a specific dog’s behavior, not its size or breed when evaluating rental
If you want to maximize your profit, you’ll make more money offering
applicants.
pet-friendly housing.
Reducing risk
According to Best Friends Animal Society, citing a 2011 analysis in the
There are clear advantages to providing pet-friendly housing. Consider
Journal of Real Estate Finance and Economics, pet-friendly landlords
the following to reduce your risk and help ensure you are finding a
who place no restrictions on pet ownership currently enjoy an 11.6%
reliable pet renter.
rental premium over landlords who do not allow pets (after controlling
• Require pets to be spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations;
for waterfront rentals, vacancies, age, number of bedrooms and other factors).
• Require a refundable pet deposit to encourage renters to keep your property in good shape;
Residents with pets were found to stay significantly longer in their rentals — by an average of 23 to 46 months — than residents without
• Require pet renter’s insurance;
pets. Additionally, vacancy rates and the amount of money landlords
• Ask a few of these questions during the interview process.
spend on marketing were lower for pet-friendly housing, and pet-friendly housing units received twice as many applications.
Do you already offer pet-friendly housing?
Worried about damage? According to a 2019 study by the Michelson
If you’re a pet-friendly landlord who has residents who have been
Animal Foundation, only 9% of pets cause damage, and owners of
impacted by COVID-19, several of the Valley’s leading animal welfare
both pet- and non-pet friendly housing believe adults and children are
organizations have teamed up to create pethousinghelpaz.org, which
likely to create more costly damage than dogs or cats.
offers information and resources to pet owners who are struggling and need help.
So, I should rent to pet owners, but should I restrict certain breeds? Many experts agree that breed-specific legislation or similar policies that restrict dog breeds based on appearance, do not reduce dog
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Legally Speaking
HUD extends fairhousing protections By Mark Zinman, Esq.
Wait, don’t stop reading – this isn’t a legal article about COVID-19, the eviction moratorium or other restrictions on landlord’s rights. Finally, for maybe the first time in over a year, there is something else to write about. When it comes to fair-housing laws, the federal government has said that “sex” now includes sexual orientation and gender identity. While we have taught for years that a property owner or manager should never discriminate against a resident or prospective resident based upon their sexual orientation or gender identity, this policy has now been formally adopted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). HUD has also stated that it will look back over the past year and immediately start prosecuting cases on this basis. Many people are not aware that sexual orientation and gender identity are not explicitly covered by the federal Fair Housing Act (FHA). It lists seven protected classes: race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status and disability. The FHA does not explicitly include sexual orientation or gender identity. It has been debated and argued for years whether such classes fall under sex, or whether sex only applies to whether someone is male and female. “Sex” was added as a protected class in 1975, right after important cases regarding women’s rights. Therefore, many people have argued that as of 1974, sex only referred to gender and that if sexual orientation is to be covered, it should be done so explicitly.
–Continued on next page
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It’s important to note that Arizona mirrors the seven protected class
HUD will even look at potential cases that have come before it in
listed on the federal level, and thus Arizona has not previously ex-
the past year. Explaining its decision, HUD wrote:
plicitly covered sexual orientation or gender identity.
“At the core of this Department’s housing mission is an endeavor to
Certain large cities in Arizona, such as Phoenix, are allowed to have
ensure that all people peacefully enjoy a place they call home, where
additional protected classes and have included such classes as being
they are safe and can thrive, free from discrimination and fear. Yet,
protected. All other cities must only follow the protected classes
this ideal remains unrealized for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,
as directed by the state.
and queer identifying persons, who have been denied the constitutional promise of equal protection under the law throughout most
So how did we get to this new position? In an employment lawsuit
of American history.”
in 2020 (Bostock v. Clayton County, Ga.), the U.S. Supreme Court said that employees are covered from discrimination based upon
We firmly believe that no AMA member would discriminate based
sexual orientation and gender identity.
upon sexual orientation or gender identity, and most companies have likely had an express policy against this behavior for years. This
The remaining question was whether that ruling only applied to
decision by HUD merely reflects the policies we have been teaching
employment, or other areas of the law. On January 20, as one of his
for years and which our clients have been practicing.
first executive orders, President Joe Biden ordered that all agencies across the federal government must review existing regulations and policies and revise them to expand “sex” to include sexual
Mark B. Zinman is an attorney with Zona Law
orientation and gender identity.
Group. He is a past and present board
The Executive Order didn’t explicitly cover such groups, but rather
member with the AMA. He may be reached
directed the different federal agencies to do so.
at 480-994-4732.
On February 11, HUD was the first federal agency to act in accordance to President Biden’s Executive Order and announce that the Fair Housing Act bars discrimination based on gender identification and sexual orientation and will enforce the law to combat such biases.
AMA members earn 2% cash Back* Home Depot is dedicated to helping Arizona Multihousing Association members save time and money. Join our Pro Xtra free loyalty program for the opportunity to earn up to a 2% annual rebate and receive exclusive offers like 20% off paints, stains and primers. Use agreement code HDNAA-AZ to start saving more today.
Contact Sarah Fluke at 602-296-6212 if you have questions or would like to enroll in the Pro Xtra program. *Accounts must be registered/enrolled at homedepot.com/c/Pro_Xtra to receive rebate credit of up to 2%. Minimum rebate period spend of $25,000 on in-store or homedepot.com purchases required to receive a rebate. Please call 1-866-333-3551 or visit naahq.org for further details. Pro Xtra Paint Rewards is a sub-program of the Pro Xtra Program. Pro Xtra Paint Rewards qualifying ourchases will be tracked during the program period and include select The Home Depot Paint department in-store purchases an online purchases from the The Home Depot website, see homedepot.com/c/
Apartment News | March/April 2021
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Apartment News | March/April 2021
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AMA Patron Profile Burns Pest Elimination 2002 N Forbes Suite 180, Tucson, AZ 85745
By Peter Madrid
When Burns Pest Elimination opened its Tucson office in 1996, it wasted no time in becoming a member of the Arizona Multihousing Association. Account Executive Matt Taylor said the vast opportunities AMA offers its members “immensely aided our growth as a company and also allowed us to share our professional knowledge/education with current and potential customers. “Everything from assisting on committees, the many choices of events throughout any given year and the ability to build trusting relationships with individuals and partnerships between our businesses,” Taylor said. Building those trusting relationships was even more important in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic devasted the economy. “Not unlike most service companies, it was and still is a true test of our resiliency and the ability to act quickly if any of our employees, their family members and our clients became sick or even had a scare of contracting the virus,” Taylor said. “It has caused us to be
Matt Taylor Account Executive (520) 954-3667 mtaylor@burnspestelimination.com
on our toes with contingency plans on a daily basis not knowing what information we would be receiving each and every morning. To turn this around and look at it from how it will benefit us, it will make us much more efficient and agile once the pandemic is over.” How has the Tucson office weathered the storm? “Being that we are a pest control operator, we were already inad-
Having a true partnership with the industry, our clients, our vendor partners and the staff at the AMA has supported our growth each and every year.” – Matt Taylor
vertently prepared given the need for using personal protective equipment on every service we provide,” Taylor said. “We just needed to expand the use of PPE from the moment we step out of our vehicles to ensure the safety of our customers, employees and family members.” Industry groups are vital to the success of any business. How has Burns leveraged its standing in the Arizona multifamily community through its AMA membership? –Continued on next page
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“I feel it is safe to say that the membership within the AMA is com-
our multifamily service programs tailoring our extensive services
parable to having an extended family. Most of my friends are in
based on their needs,”Taylor says. “Having a true partnership with
this industry and who better to share in mutually beneficial part-
the industry, our clients, our vendor partners and the staff at the
nerships than with your friends? Without the many opportunities
AMA has supported our growth each and every year.”
of networking events, education classes and committees, I would
Personally, what does it mean to Taylor to be a member of AMA?
never have the chance to build the relationships we currently enjoy
“From the moment I went to my first AMA event I felt welcomed
or to begin new ones,” Taylor said.
into the ‘family,’” he says. “The friendships and connections I have
Multifamily is one of the hottest property types in Arizona. And
made through meetings, networking events and charity functions is
that’s good news for his company. Taylor explains that the multi-
astounding. I’ve found the AMA to be a great resource both profes-
family industry is the largest division within Burns Pest Elimination.
sionally and on a personal level. I haven’t found a single member
“When we first became a member in the mid-90s, we were able to
that would not bend over backwards to help me out if needed.”
grow along with our clients and they also aided in the design of
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Arrive Ocotillo named Community of the Year with By Peter Madrid
Throughout its two-year participation with the national Move For Hunger Program, Residents at Arrive Ocotillo team together with fun engagement events which give back to the community. By participation in Shark Week food drives, Thanksgiving food drives and generous donations from residents, the Trinity Property
About the program
Consultants-owned community has been able to create an awareness
When a resident gives notice that they will be moving out, the property
campaign around food insecurity in Arizona.
managers provide them with a program letter and a food collection bag. The residents are encouraged to donate any non-perishable food
For these efforts, Arrive Ocotillo was named the winner of the first
items that they will not be taking with them.
Community of the Year Award with Move For Hunger. This member of the organizations Multi-Family Apartment Program was chosen
Once a property has collected a few bags, they contact Move For Hun-
based on the percentage of residents who donated food when they
ger, and the Multifamily Team connects them with a local transportation
moved, the number of food drives the property organized, and the
partner who will pick up the donations and deliver them to a local food bank. The program also works with its apartment communities
total amount of food they collected in 2020.
to host season food drives and other resident engagement events.
The Team at Arrive Ocotillo also participated in and led a successful Beach Bash event, raising more than $130 for Move For Hunger. It
A few favorites include February’s Spread the Love Food Drive that
provided an additional 315 meals to families struggling with food
encourages residents to donate peanut butter and jelly. Shark Week
insecurity in their area.
during August is also a fan favorite as residents donate canned tuna to those in need. Move For Hunger also coordinates resident engage-
“I am so appreciative of their time and commitment to giving back to
ment activities like virtual trivia nights and wine tastings to help raise
the local community. It’s because of communities like Arrive Ocotillo
money to fight hunger.
that we are able to make such a difference,” said Diana Leguizamon, Community Engagement Manager with Move For Hunger. “As advo-
Click here to learn more about the Multi-Family Apartment Commu-
cates of the Move For Hunger program, the team at Arrive Ocotillo
nity Program.
has been a dedicated group of passionate individuals fighting hunger.” The award is sponsored by AMA, Move For Hunger, Chadwell Supply, CORT Furniture Rental, Kastle Systems and Assurant Insurance.
Classes. Events. Job Listings. azmultihousing.org Apartment News | March/April 2021
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What’s up
THANK YOU
PATRON MEMBERS! P L AT I N U M
down in Tucson
AMCF Big Hearts Tucson Virtual Fun Run
More than 75 participants were eager to Drop the 20s with us as they ran 20 miles between January 20 and February 20. Congratulations to our members who ran 3,457.41 miles during the Virtual Run Challenge. They logged their real miles on the virtual platform and at each milestone they received virtual badges and congratulations from our sponsors. Those sponsors were Ally Waste Services, Apartments. com, Avalanche Security Services, Cox Communications, HSL Asset Management, MEB Management Services, Redi Carpet, Scotia Group Management, U.S. Collections West and Zona Law Group.
Project SAFE Workshop
G O L D
The Tucson Social Responsibility Committee hosted a virtual Project S.A.F.E. workshop to kick off the 2021 Project S.A.F.E. season. Traditional information was shared, along with new ideas for hosting virtual and hybrid events. The Project S.A.F.E. season runs from March 1 to August 31 every year. Don’t wait to hold your event, register for Project S.A.F.E today.
S I LV E R
Coffee & Comradery The Tucson Networking Committee welcomed new members at a virtual get-together on February 19. New members were able to meet and mingle, ask questions and learn a little bit more about the AMA from our long-time members. We can’t wait to be able to meet all of our new members in person.
Coming up The AMA Tucson/ American Roofing & Waterproofing Golf Tournament is set to tee off April 23 at Randolph Golf Course, 602 S. Alvernon Way. The theme is “Par-Tee Like It’s 2019 – Golf with a Twist.” The event tees off at 8 a.m. … The May Tucson Dinner Meeting is May 13 at the Embassy Suites,
For more information on how to become a patron member of AMA, please contact Sarah Fluke, sfluke@azmultihousing.org, 602-296-6212.
6555 E. Speedway Blvd. It begins at 5 p.m. Cost to attend is $59 for members ($79 after May 7) and $79 for non-members ($99 after May 7).
Apartment News | March/April 2021
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