40 YEARS STRONG: GCNKAA GOLF OUTING PRESENTED BY YARDI RETURNS JUNE 11
Aston Oaks Golf Course on Cincinnati’s west side will once again welcome the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association’s Summer Golf Outing on Thursday, June 11, 2026. More than 160 golfers are expected to hit the links for what promises to be another exciting day of networking, camaraderie, contests, and fun on the course.
Celebrating its 40th Annual outing, this year’s event is proudly presented by Yardi, whose continued support helps make this one of the most anticipated networking traditions in the multifamily housing industry. Thank you also to Gallagher (formerly Assured Partners) for once again sponsoring this year’s golfer giveaways.
with Houchens Insurance Group, and Megan Ruberg and Grant Saunders with Hays + Sons Complete Restoration. Golfers will once again have multiple opportunities to walk away big winners on the course. Thank you to Gallagher (formerly Assured Partners) for sponsoring all $5,000 Hole-InOne contests during this year’s outing. Participants will have the chance to win $5,000 on Hole 4 courtesy of Appfolio, Hole 6 courtesy of Rite Rug, Hole 15 courtesy of Belfor Property Restoration, and Hole 17 courtesy of CORT.
Special thanks to the Golf Outing Committee for their hard work and dedication in planning another outstanding event. The committee is co-chaired by Dennis Merkle with Advanced Turf Solutions and Bob KohlmanwithBRGApartments,alongwiththeassistanceofMarkArnold with Royal Finish, Chris Carson with Rite Rug, Rod Herper with NCS 360, Kari Hornsby with Teasdale Fenton Carpet Cleaning & Restoration, Tony Krebs with Chadwell Supply, Dina Rancourt with AckermannGroup,JessicaReebwithPink’sWindowService,ChrisRoll
FRIDAY ON THE GREEN: BITES, NETWORKING, & MINI GOLF!
Wrap up your work week with an afternoon of casual networking, great food and beverages, and a little friendly competition at the newest GCNKAA social event! Join fellow multifamily housing professionals on Friday, July 17 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Oakley Greens in the Oakley area for a laid-back summer gathering designed to help you reconnect with industry friends while enjoying one of Cincinnati’s unique social venues.
Your admission includes networking, food, and beverages in a relaxed Friday afternoon atmosphere. Looking to add even more fun to the day? Upgrade your registration to include putt putt on the Oakley Greens mini golf course and challenge your fellow attendees to a little friendly competition while networking your way around the course.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for companies looking to gain additional exposure while supporting this exciting new event. Food and Beverage Sponsorships are available for $150 and include one admission to the event.
Whether you’re joining us to network, unwind after the work week, or show off your mini golf skills, this is the perfect summer Friday outing for multifamily housing professionals. Space is limited, so be sure to register early!
Click here for details.
In addition to golf, attendees can look forward to exciting contests, networking opportunities throughout the course, sponsor activities, and plenty of prizes. Door prizes will once again be raffled off prior to the outing at the registration table, so golfers are encouraged to stop by early and grab a raffle number. Be sure to stay through dinner as the excitement continues with post-outing awards, giveaways, and more than $1,500 in cash prizes raffled off following the outing.
For outing details — including the event schedule, sponsor information, and directions to Aston Oaks Golf Course — please see inside this newsletter or visit the GCNKAA website for complete information.
The GCNKAA launched its first ever Courtside Connections Networking Event featuring pickleball, cornhole, networking, food, and beverages — and what a day it was! Multifamily housing professionals gathered for an afternoon of friendly competition, relationship building, and fun at the exciting new event.
Congratulations to Jake Turner and Tyler Kizewic with Sherwin Williams for winning the cornhole tournament! Congratulations also go out to Brendon O’Connor and Jake Helphinstine with Klekamp & Co. for winning the pickleball tournament.
A special thank you to our incredible sponsors who helped make this inaugural event possible: Apollo Home for serving as our Event Sponsor, Apply Rite for sponsoring the courts, Redwood Living for sponsoring the tournament prizes, and Chadwell Supply for stepping up as a Beverage Sponsor.
The enthusiasm and participation from our members made this firstyear event a success, and we are already looking forward to bringing everyone back together for next year’s event!
2026 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
JUSTIN SEGER HILLS Properties President JustinS@hillsinc.com
MEGAN LAWHON
PLK Communities Vice President megan@plkcommunities.com
Dennis Merkle, Advanced Turf Solutions Associate Council 2nd Vice President
Jordann Morgan, Fath Properties
John Recob, Towne Properties
Grant Saunders, Hays + Sons Restoration Associate Council 1st Vice President
Rebecca McLean, Executive Vice President
Michele Klusman, Director of Communications & Programs; Apartment Advantage Editor
Rick Holste, Director of Membership Sales
Zach Jameson, Social Media and Education Manager
Susan Peck, AA Outreach Coordinator
Nicole Metz, Membership & Belonging Manager
2025...Melissa Joy
2024...Melissa Joy
2023...Tonya Petersen
2022...Tonya Petersen
2021...Don Brunner
2020...Don Brunner
2019...Jud Oscherwitz
2018...Jud Oscherwitz
2017...Stacy Walton
2016...Stacy Walton
2015...Rusty Lykes
2014...Rusty Lykes
2013...Maria Stanton
2012...Maria Stanton
2011...Jeff March
2010...Brian Fullenkamp
2009...Brian Hendy, CPM
2008...Brian Hendy, CPM
2007...Becky Alejandrino, CPM
2006...Marc Cameron, CPM
2005...Marc Cameron, CPM
2004...Gary Sanzone, CPM, CAPS, CAM, NALP
2003...Gary Sanzone, CPM, CAPS, CAM, NALP
2002…Jim Ruh
2001…Jay Ingram, CPM
2000…Roy Wergers 1999…Roy Wergers 1998…Robert J. Wahlke, CAPS 1997…Terry Sievers 1997…Dave Lockard 1996…Jim Cohen, CPM 1995…Jim Ruh 1994…Mark Robinson 1993…David Noll 1992…Bernie Wessels ** 1992…Jerry A. Molique, CPM, CAPS ** 1991…Jay O. Ingram, Jr., CPM 1990…Ronald Bommer 1989…John Cobey 1988…Robert J. Wahlke, CAPS 1987…Robert J. Wahlke, CAPS 1986…Charles Berling 1985…Joseph Fullenkamp, CAPS 1984…John Stalnaker 1983…Jerry A. Molique, CPM, CAPS 1982…Harry Fath
**Apartment Association of N. KY merged with GCNKAA
Office Hours: Monday Through Friday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
ADVERTISING RATES 2026
Ad rates are for full color ads. Link from your ad to your website is included. Ads must be submitted as a press quality pdf file or high resolution jpg sized correctly.
ADVERTISING DEADLINES
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407-7868. For up-to-date information check out our website: www.gcnkaa.org.
Across the Board
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Justin Seger, President
Justin Seger HILLS Properties
We survived the month of May! As we all know, May can be one of the busiest times of the year. The good news is that the kids are out of school for the summer and hopefully, we can all catch our breath in June.
We ended last month with one of my favorite nights of the year - our annual Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association (GCNKAA) PAC Fundraiser at Revival in Covington. The event was well attended and raised significant funds for our Ohio and Kentucky Political Action Committees. We truly appreciate everyone that has contributed to our PACs over the years. The Legislative team will work with our consultants to build an impactful list of candidates and issues to support heading into the midterm elections in the fall. Our efforts and advocacy can truly make an impact. We saw those efforts in action last month as the House of Representatives passed an amended version of the Road to 21st Century Housing Act that contained almost all the modifications that National Apartment Association (NAA) members, including a robust GCNKAA team, lobbied for on Capitol Hill in March.
This section contains articles and information concerning the Board of Directors and Association policies.
We also hosted our first ever Courtside Connection Networking event at Aces Pickleball and Kitchen. This is the first of two networking events that we are switching out for 2026. In July, we will host the second networking event at Oakley Greens. Watch for more details to launch soon. These two events are rotating into our summer line up with the Day at the Races and the BB Riverboats. All these events will rotate in and out of our line up over the next few years to give a better variety to our line. We hope you will continue to support all of our networking events.
We have two exciting events coming up in the next few weeks. On Tuesday Night, June 9, the Next Gen Committee is hosting a happy hour at Little Miami Brewing Company from 5 pm to -8 pm. The goal of our Next Gen group is to promote careers and opportunity in our industry. If you have a chance to attend and help promote the career path that has meant so much to so many of us, please do. It should be a fun night.
On Thursday June 11, the annual Summer Golf Outing will be held at Aston Oaks Golf Course. A big thank you to everyone who has helped set the event up for success, with time on the organizing committee and sponsorships. In “Association World,” few things mean Summer is Here like the Golf Outing at Aston Oaks. I look forward to seeing everyone out on the course!
Brain Power
YOUR NEXT CAREER‑SHAPING OPPORTUNITY STARTS
The National Apartment Association (NAA) is proud to offer a range of scholarships designed to support and empower the next generation of rental housing professionals. Our Scholarship Track includes the Alexandra Jackiw Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship, the Innovation in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Grant and the Apartmentalize Credential Holder Scholarship. These programs provide invaluable opportunities for professional development, innovation and recognition within the industry. Whether you’re looking to enhance your skills, drive meaningful change or gain access to premier networking events, NAA’s scholarships are here to help you succeed. Apply today and take the next step in your career journey!
If you need more information, please contact Tiana Heath for details on these programs and the application process for the scholarships.
The 2026 NAA Scholarship Track brings together three distinct opportunities designed to support rental housing professionals and organizations at every stage—whether you’re deepening your expertise, advancing equity-driven work or expanding your industry connections.
Explore what’s available:
• Alexandra Jackiw Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Scholarship
A scholarship fund to provide professional development opportunities for members of racial/ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ groups, people/persons with disabilities and veterans/active members of the military.
• Six NAAEI credential course registrations awarded at no cost.
HERE.
• Courses may be redeemed online or in person.
• Innovation in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Grant NAA will award grants to member associations, property management firms, supplier partners, and related organizations that have innovative ideas and will provide meaningful contributions to our industry.
• Up to $25,000 available to support bold, innovative ideas that help move the rental housing industry forward.
• Apartmentalize Credential Holder Scholarship
If you’ve never been to NAA’s largest rental housing industry education and networking conference, then here’s your chance to advance your knowledge through networking and education sessions on a broad spectrum of topics.
• Covers airfare, housing and registration for first-time Apartmentalize credential holder attendees—opening the door to one of the industry’s most impactful learning and networking experiences.
Each opportunity is designed to help you grow professionally, strengthen your network and make a lasting impact across the rental housing community.
Applications close Friday, July 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Click here to apply.
Low, Predictable cost & High ROI
The Apartment Association Outreach, Inc.
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
By Jordann Morgan, Fath Properties, Outreach President
I can’t believe how quickly 2026 is flying by and that it’s already time for summer break. As schools let out for the season, the need for food assistance for children in our community continues to grow. We invite you to join us for our upcoming food bagging volunteer opportunities on June 24 and July 29. If you or a group from your organization would like to participate, please contact Susan Peck at the Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association for additional details.
Apartment Association Outreach (AAO) is proud to sponsor Reach Out Lakota’s Play It Forward fundraiser at the Spectator Level. We are grateful for our continued partnership with Reach Out Lakota and all our community partners who help support these important initiatives.
Rod Herper, Angela McKinney, Heather Barrow, Susan Peck, and I recently hosted our Senior Luncheon at Episcopal Retirement Services – St. Paul Village, and it was truly a great afternoon. The residents really enjoyed the lunch, visiting together, and spending time with our volunteers, but Bingo was definitely the highlight of
the day. There was a lot of laughter, excitement, and friendly competition throughout the games. One lucky resident won twice and went home with two Walmart gift cards. Events like this are such a great reminder of how meaningful a few hours of time and connection can be, and we appreciate everyone who helped make the day so special for the residents.
This August, Outreach will assist hundreds of low-income children through the Santa Maria Back-to-School Fest by providing backpacks. In addition, we will be purchasing new backpacks and school supplies for 50 junior high students in Roll Hill to help ensure they are prepared for the start of the school year.
We recently received the following testimonial from one of our community partners that I would like to share:
“A 76-year-old client requested emergency rental assistance after experiencing unexpected medical expenses that left her short on rent. Our organization was able to provide partial rental assistance to help ensure she remained current on her housing obligations.”
As we head into the warmer months, I hope you have a wonderful summer and get the opportunity to make lasting memories with your family and friends. Thank you for your continued support of Outreach and the work we do in our community.
JULY 17, 2026
Jordann Morgan
Government & Housing Legalities
21ST CENTURY ROAD
TO HOUSING ACT ADVANCES
By Kevin Coughlin, Ohio Government Relations Consultant
Apartment owners scored a big victory last month with the United States House of Representatives passing H.R. 6644, the 21st Century Road to Housing Act.
Crucially, the institutional ban language on individual units within build-to-rent (BTR) communities and the requirement that such units in excess of 350 be sold to homebuyers within 7-10 years was removed. This is a big win for apartment owners who lobbied hard on the issue, including during our annual day on Capitol Hill. The House listened, about 100 House members signed a letter calling for removal of the language. House Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-AR) and Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA) both expressed concern about the language and hammered out a bill and won White House approval.
The Senate had banked on direct support from Trump for its version of the bill - including the build-to-rent language - to jam the House into accepting their package. Senators now have the House version in their laps. They aren’t entirely happy about being outmaneuvered by the House and the final lap for H.R. 6644 my be bumpy.
The House-Senate tension isn’t the only challenge the housing
This heading deals with housing & legal issues within the Governmental structure.
Bill faces. At the moment, Senate Republicans are frustrated with President Trump. Between mixed signals, insistence on passing legislation many Senators oppose, and the defeat of two incumbent members by Trump-endorsed candidates in primaries in Louisiana and Texas, Senate Republicans have little trust in or good will toward the White House. They are in no hurry to give Trump a bipartisan achievement on housing.
The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association (GCNKAA) and the National Apartment Association (NAA) will continue to engage the Senate in an effort to get H.R. 6644 over the finish line in its current form.
THANKS!
Thanks to all who attended the Bourbon Tasting and Annual PAC Fundraiser on May 28 at Revival Vintage Bottle Shop & Bar in Covington. The event raised significant funds for our political action committee (PAC), which is poised to have a big impact on state and local races this fall.
Our goal is to take the PAC and our industry’s voice to the next level. So this summer, we will continue reaching out to GCNKAA members for their support of the PAC. Investing in pro-growth candidates who understand our issues is one of the smartest moves your company can make.
Bourbon Tasting PAC Fundraiser
Thursday, May 28, 2026
To see all the photos, click here.
Kevin Coughlin
2026 KENTUCKY PRIMARY ELECTION UPDATE
By Marc Wilson, Top Shelf Lobby
Kentucky’s May primary was held in mid May and brought many changes to the political landscape. Turnout was higher than expected at 25.67%, big money was spent including $25 million in CD4, and now the chessboard is set for November.
FEDERAL
US Senator Mitch McConnell’s long tenure is coming to close at the end of the year and those vying to fill his shoes made their case. Current Lexington area Congressman Andy Barr won the Republican nomination with 60% of the vote defeating former Kentucky Attorney Genera; Daniel Cameron. Barr was endorsed by President Trump and businessman Nate Morris was offered a parachute of a potential ambassadorship to drop out of the race. Democrat Charles Booker pulled through with 47% defeating Amy McGrath, Dale Romans, and Col. Pamela Stevenson. This will be Booker’s third time running for US Senate.
CD4 (NKY):
One of the most watched races in the country did not disappoint. Over $25 million in hard and soft money was spent. Trump endorsed and came to Kentucky to campaign for former Navy Seal, Ed Gallrein of Shelby County. Trump made it clear early on that Congressman Thomas Massie was his number one target and did not let up. Gallrein defeated Massie garnering 54% and winning some counties at 65%+. Gallrein will face Democrat nominee Melissa Strange in November. Massie has indicated he is not fin-
ished and may see him on the statewide ballot in 2027.
LOCAL RACES
Probably the most surprising outcome of Primary night was the loss of 18 incumbent county judge executives, including Judge Moore of Boone, Judge Pendery of Campbell, Judge Taylor of Madison, and Judge Imes of Calloway. Though information is still being reviewed, the common consensus is that the issues of local taxes, data centers, and overall anti-incumbency wave were to blame.
· Countertop, Cabinet and Bathtub resurfacing
· Cabinet Door Replacement with Resurfacing of frames and boxes
· Increase Rent/Occupancy
· NEW look - Fresh Colors
Fill your vacancies faster and get renters home easier with Zillow Rentals. The #1 most-visited rentals site.
Our House
This heading contains membership, staff, committee information and events.
2026 NAA APARTMENTALIZE IN NEW ORLEANS: REGISTRATION OPEN!
Whether you’re in management, leasing, marketing or maintenance, if you love working in rental housing, you belong at Apartmentalize. Apartmentalize provides countless chances to converse with the best in the industry through interactive activities, the NAA Exposition and structured networking events.
6 REASONS YOU SHOULD ATTEND APARTMENTALIZE
Innovative learning formats and open spaces that foster knowledge exchanges allow you to align your own education to your personal learning level, need and interests. As you design your own education experience with your professional objectives in mind, you will be able to challenge yourself to explore and find fun in your learning.
General Sessions
Hear from three accomplished general session speakers who will inspire, motivate and entertain you with stories from outside of the industry. Speakers include entrepreneur and Shark Tank Star Daymond John, Oscar Winning Actress Nicole Kidman, and Hall of Fame Coach Nick Saban.
Educational Seminars
Choose from over 90 sessions throughout the conference spanning a multitude of topics including Maintenance, Operations, Leasing, Affordable Housing, Marketing, Leadership and Industry Trends. With over 250 industry experts, you’ll find a solution for every day of the week! These sessions feature industry experts and provide useful information that attendees can apply to daily work life. The full listing of Education Sessions will be available soon!
Open Space Stations
This peer-to-peer learning experience is an opportunity to engage in creative conversations with fellow attendees who are passionate about the same issues and topics as you. Expert facilitators support small group discussions that explore a dedicated topic for each group, which you determine together.
Express Education
These sessions take place in a dedicated space in the NAA Exposition and are quick 30-minute interactive sessions that include quick digestible content, easily applied takeaways, Q&A and storytelling. The full listing of Education Sessions will be available soon.
Fishbowl Sessions
Fishbowl Sessions are meant to be more intimate, allowing for more active participation from all attendees, breaking down the separation between ‘panelist’ and ‘audience. A chair is left open on the panel to allow for attendees to step into the conversation.
NAA Exposition
The NAA Exposition brings together the rental industry’s top management professionals and suppliers eager to network, share ideas and the latest products and services.
REGISTER HERE TODAY!
Apartmentalize is scheduled for June 17-19, 2026, in New Orleans. Registration is open here. Full conference includes access to everything including General Sessions, Education Sessions, NAA Exposition, Welcome Reception, Lunch on Thursday and Friday, Networking Events including Thursday Night Party, NAA Excellence Awards. Registration is currently $1385 per person.
TRAVEL AND SAFETY TIPS
• Remove your conference badge when you are outside of the convention center.
• There’s no specific dress code, but business casual is acceptable and widely practiced. Be sure to bring layers as meeting rooms can be chilly.
• Wear comfortable shoes – you’ve got a lot of ground to cover!
• Stay alert of your surroundings and stick to well-lit, busy areas.
• Make restaurant reservations in advance to ensure that you are able to experience your desired restaurants.
• Hydrate! New Orleans can be hot and it’s recommended to keep yourself hydrated during your visit.
For additional details and definitions, visit our methodology page: . https://alndata.com/methodology
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
ALN Apartment Data tracks more than12K management companies with over 202K properties, comprised of over 26.2 million total units. We offer our clients feature-rich, user-friendly platforms to perform research with confidence, and our comprehensive services are available nationwide. Copyrights: All data, information and material provided through ALN Platforms or Reports are copyrighted. All resales, redistribution, or other forms
**Velocity is the average number of months to reach an 85% occupancy. Average is over the past 24 months. of dissemination is strictly forbidden. For ALN editorial inserts, sourcing, questions, or additional information about our services, please contact Sales@alndata.com or call 800-643-6416 x 3.
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
Stabilized and Lease-up Properties
Stabilized Only Properties
Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN
Market Breakdown
Top 5 Submarkets
New Units
ALN Apartment Data tracks 12K management companies with over 202K properties, comprised of over 26.2 million total units. We offer our clients feature-rich, user-friendly platforms to perform research with confidence, and our comprehensive services are available nationwide. Copyrights: All data, information and material provided through ALN Platforms or Reports are copyrighted. All resales, redistribution, or other forms of dissemination is strictly forbidden. For ALN editorial inserts, sourcing, questions, or additional information about our services, please contact Sales@alndata.com or call 800-643-6416 x 3.
www.alndata.com
GCNKAA STAFF ON THE MOVE!
The Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky Apartment Association is excited to announce expanded roles for two valued members of the GCNKAA team as the association continues to grow and enhance member services.
ZACH JAMESON NAMED EDUCATION & SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
Zach Jameson has transitioned into the role of Education & Social Media Manager. In this expanded position, Zach will oversee GCNKAA’s education programming, including seminars, credential courses, and professional development opportunities for members throughout the year.
In addition to managing educational offerings, Zach will continue leading the association’s social media platforms, helping showcase member achievements, promote upcoming events,
and keep the multifamily industry connected through engaging digital content.
NICOLE METZ NAMED MEMBERSHIP & BELONGING MANAGER
Nicole Metz has taken on the role of Membership & Belonging Manager. Nicole will continue overseeing membership recruitment, retention, and member benefits while also expanding her focus to include GCNKAA’s Voices Committee.
Through this new role, Nicole will help strengthen member engagement and foster a welcoming environment where all members feel connected, supported, and involved within the association.
Please join us in congratulating Zach and Nicole on their new roles and continued commitment to serving the GCNKAA membership.
GCNKAA 2026 Courtside Connections Networking and Pickleball/Cornhole Tournament Friday, May 15, 2026
To see all the photos, click here.
Zach Jameson Nicole Metz
GCNKAA 2026 Business Exchange Tuesday, May 12, 2026
To see all the photos, click here.
More than 6 million units and 25,000 properties across the U.S. use NAA Click & Lease.
More than 6 million units and 25,000 properties across the U.S. use NAA Click & Lease.
FALL GOLF OUTING MOVING TO GLENVIEW GOLF COURSE ON SEPTEMBER 23; FOURSOME AND SPONSORSHIPS ON SALE ON JUNE 12
On WEDNESDAY, September 23, GCNKAA will host the Association’s 21ST Annual Fall Golf Classic benefiting the GCNKAA Industry Defense Fund. This year, the Fall Golf Outing is moving to Glenview Golf Course in the Springdale area. Registration opens at 8 am with the scramble teeing off at 9 am. All net proceeds of this outing will be used to meet our commitments to the National Apartment Association (NAA), the Apartment Association of Kentucky (AAK) and the Ohio Apartment Association (OAA) government funds as well as provide backing for the legislative committee’s political needs.
Foursome cost is $820 each and includes per person: round of golf at the golf course, breakfast, late lunch, 2 beverage tickets, snack bag, and automatic inclusion into Hole-In-One contests.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPONSORSHIPS
The Fall Golf Outing Benefiting the Industry Defense Fund offers several sponsorship opportunities for all our members. As a vendor, a sponsorship gives you the chance to get your company name out in front of 140 decision makers in the multifamily housing industry. As a hole sponsor, you also get the
used to fight or support vital legislation at the local, state and federal levels. Sponsorships are limited and are listed below:
Presenting Sponsorship – $3000
Event Sponsor - $1500
Dinner Sponsorship – $500
Lunch Sponsorship – $350
Hole Sponsorships – $350 (limit of 18)
Snack Bag Sponsorship** - $250 (limit of 1)
Beverage Sponsorship – $275
Putting Green Sponsorship – $150
Driving Range Sponsorship - $150
Bag Drop Sponsorship - $350
Due to liquor license, no outside alcohol will be permitted at Glenview Golf Course.
All sponsors receive signage at the outing, pre-event marketing exposure and public acknowledgement of sponsorship during dinner the day of the outing. Hole and beverage sponsors also have the unique all-day opportunity to create a memorable impression and build relationships at their sponsored hole/station. Dinner sponsors
FALL GOLF CLASSIC
SUMMER GOLF SPONSORS
DINNER SPONSORS
Keidel Supply
McSwain Carpets
Towne Properties
1.
9. Pinnacle Paving & Sealing 10. Royal Finish 11. Apartments.com
12. Summit Commercial Contracting
13. Apply Rite
14. Ferguson Facilities Supply
15. Belfor Property Restoration
16. Chadwell Supply
17. CORT
18. Hays + Sons Complete Restoration
GIVEAWAY SPONSOR
Gallagher (formerly Assured Partners)
TROPHY SPONSORS
Apollo Home
BRG Apartments
LUNCH SPONSORS
alta�iber
Fath Properties
HILLS Properties
Jetz Service Co.
PPG - Pittsburgh Paint Co.
Transparent Energy
Zillow Rental Group
BLOODY MARY SPONSOR
Chadwell Supply
CIGAR SPONSOR
NCS 360
BEVERAGE SPONSORS
ABCO Pavement Services
ACRE Real Estate
Advanced Turf Solutions
First Green Commercial Landscaping
Nixco Plumbing
Oberer Management Services
Pink’s Windows Greater Cincinnati
RoofRestor Cincy
Venture Communities
PUTTING GREEN & DRIVING RANGE SPONSORS
HD Supply
Klekamp & Company
RediCarpet Powered by HD Supply
COURSE ADDRESS
1 Aston Oaks Drive, North Bend, OH
From Downtown, eastern Cincinnati and Kentucky:
Follow US 50 (River Road) W. for approximately 14 miles. Turn right on Shady Lane to left on Aston Oaks. Follow Aston Oaks to the right to the golf course. An alternative for Northern Kentucky is to take the Anderson Ferry across the river. Turn left on US 50 (River Road) and follow to Shady Lane and continue as noted above.
From northern and western parts of Cincinnati:
Take I-275 W to I-74 E (toward Cincinnati) to Exit 11 (Rybolt Rd/ Harrison Pike) and follow Rybolt to the right. Turn right on Wesselman (bottom of hill at light) to left on Taylor. Follow Taylor to right on Dog Trot. Take Dog Trot to left on Bridgetown Rd. Take a slight right from Bridgetown onto Shady Lane. Turn right on Aston Oaks.
Trend Setting
This heading contains information on Management & Leasing.
WHY EMPLOYEE RETENTION CHALLENGES GO DEEPER THAN WAGES
By Leah Cuffy, Reprinted Courtesy of Units Magazine
The rental housing industry has spent years investing in its human capital. Wages are rising, compensation structures are evolving and the commitment to competitive pay is stronger than ever. Yet, onsite teams still keep walking out the door.
The 2025 RCLCO National Real Estate Compensation and Benefits Survey reveals that base salaries rose 4.7% across the real estate sector from 2024 to 2025, outpacing the 4.2% projection set at the start of that period. At the same time, total turnover for onsite property-level employees reached 29.2% during those same 12 months. For larger organizations with more than 450 employees, that number climbs to 33.4%.
The real estate sector is paying more but, at the same time, it is also losing more talent. Understanding why— and what to do about it—requires looking beyond compensation.
WAGE GROWTH IS STRONGER THAN EXPECTED, BUT IT ISN’T ENOUGH ON ITS OWN
The data on compensation is genuinely positive. According to the RCLCO survey, non-exempt employees saw a 4.3% actual increase year-over-year in 2025, against a 3.9% projection. Senior management came in at 4.8% actual versus a 4.0% projection. Top executives saw actual increases of 5.0%. Looking ahead, 86.2% of real estate companies are projecting salary increases in 2026, with an average projected increase of 4.1%.
The National Apartment Association’s (NAA) Q4 2025 Apartment Labor Market Dynamics Report confirms this trend persists within the rental housing sector. Even as unique job postings across core apartment roles declined year-over-year, advertised salaries continued rising. Property managers saw the largest year-over-year increase in median advertised salary at 4.5%. Maintenance supervisor advertised salaries saw a 3.1% increase, and maintenance technicians gained 2.2%. Leasing consultant advertised salaries were slightly higher year-over-year by 0.6%.
Leasing compensation structures also reflect the rental housing industry’s commitment to rewarding performance. The RCLCO survey revealed that 81% of companies structure leasing commissions as a flat dollar amount per lease or renewal. Significantly, 82.4% of lease renewals are included in commission eligibility, aligning employee incentives with resident retention, which is consistently more cost-effective than moving-in new residents.
EMPLOYEE TURNOVER REMAINS ONE OF THE INDUSTRY’S MOST EXPENSIVE CHALLENGES
Across the real estate industry, the RCLCO survey found total turnover for onsite property-level employees reached 29.2% during the past 12 months, in stark contrast to the 14.2% total turnover reported for corporate and non-onsite real estate functions. That gap reflects the structural reality that onsite teams carry more
resident-facing pressure, operate with significantly less schedule flexibility and often face less clearly defined career pathways than their corporate counterparts. Voluntary turnover alone stood at 23.4%, up from 21.7% since 2024.
These patterns are especially costly in rental housing. Grace Hill’s Employee Turnover Cost Calculator estimates the direct cost of replacing a single rental housing industry employee at nearly $5,000 per new hire, and that figure does not account for the productivity loss during vacancy, the burden placed on remaining staff or the impact on resident satisfaction when communities are understaffed. For operators managing several hundred onsite employees at a 29% turnover rate, this represents millions of dollars in employee turnover costs annually.
NAA’s Performance Ecosystem report adds further context specific to the rental housing industry. Staffing shortages and turnover were consistently cited as major barriers to operational performance. Operators managing 5,000 or more units identified staffing as their single most persistent pain point, with 49% naming it as their top challenge.
WHY TALENT IS LEAVING
The RCLCO survey asked real estate companies to identify the most common reasons for voluntary resignation. The results point directly to where the industry needs to act. Compensation topped the list at 27%, which confirms that pay still matters; however, the second most cited reason, accounting for 24% of voluntary departures, was lack of career mobility and progression. Together, these two factors represent more than half of all voluntary exits.
These findings are consistent with what NAA’s own research surfaces across the rental housing sector. This means that roughly one in four people who leave are not doing so because another company offered them more money—they are leaving because
they cannot see where the job is going. Career mobility and advancement are no longer optional benefits in the rental housing industry. They are essential to workforce stability and retention.
Industry research and employer surveys consistently show that when employees do not see a clear path for growth, they are more likely to leave, even with rising wages. Professional development programs, nationally recognized credentials and structured learning pathways provide employees with tangible confirmation that their skills are valued and that career growth is supported. These investments reduce onboarding time, strengthen job readiness and create momentum that keeps talent engaged long term.
When organizations prioritize continuous learning, leadership development and transparent career pathways, they send a clear message that rental housing is not just a job, but a long-term profession where employees can build skills, advance with confidence and grow alongside the industry.
Retirement, work-life balance and personal, family or health reasons rank as the third most common driver of voluntary resignation. In rental housing specifically, NAA’s 2024 Mental Health Survey found that 50% of onsite leasing professionals and 46% of onsite management staff reported at least some level of psychological distress, while both groups reported working beyond scheduled hours more than eight times per month on average and taking only 1.4 vacation days in the prior four weeks. Nearly half of each group also reported direct exposure to workplace trauma, yet awareness of available mental health resources remains far lower among onsite staff than among corporate leadership. When recovery time is limited and support systems are not reaching the people who need them most, exits because of personal or healthrelated decisions often reflect structural conditions rather than individual ones. Reducing this category of turnover requires staffing models that address chronic overload, managers equipped to recognize mental health needs early and a deliberate effort to ensure every onsite professional knows what resources are available.
ONSITE TEAMS ARE FULLY PRESENT AND FULLY EXPOSED
Workplace flexibility has reshaped expectations across nearly every industry since the COVID-19 pandemic. Because rental housing is a people-centric business, workplace flexibility for onsite teams is still limited, which can impact retention. Across real estate broadly, the RCLCO survey found that 89% of onsite property-level employees work fully onsite five days per week. By contrast, only 39.5% of corporate employees are fully onsite.
Face-to-face interactions with residents and prospective residents will always be central in onsite roles. A closer look at how rental housing professionals actually spend their time, however, reveals an opportunity the industry is beginning to explore. NAA’s Performance Ecosystem survey found that, on average, onsite professionals devote 42% of their week to routine operational work, paperwork, data entry and administrative tasks. Another 24% goes to reactive work, troubleshooting, responding to service disruptions and handling urgent requests. Meaningful stakeholder engagement, which is the resident relationships and proactive outreach that define onsite roles, accounts for just 17% of the average workweek. When two-thirds of an onsite employee’s week is consumed by tasks that are administrative or reactive in nature, the job becomes harder to sustain and harder to make attractive to talented people.
Centralization and AI are changing this equation in the rental housing industry: Emerging proptech platforms are now automating routine leasing inquiries, maintenance triage, renewals and back-office processing without human intervention. Operators who have deployed these tools are documenting measurable results, millions in annual cost savings, meaningful NOI gains and steadily improving staff-to-unit ratios, alongside reported declines in onsite turnover as administrative workload lifts.
Centralization and AI provide the opportunity for companies to create the structural conditions to offer onsite staff what the broader workforce has been asking for since 2020, more flexibility and more manageable days.
WHAT A SOFTENING LABOR MARKET MEANS FOR RETENTION STRATEGY
The staffing dynamics inside rental housing do not exist in a vacuum. The broader labor market shifted significantly in 2025. Job creation slowed sharply, net payroll additions totaled approximately 584,000, a decline of roughly 71% compared to 2024. Businesses announced 1.2 million job cuts over the course of the year, and the unemployment rate rose from 4.0% in January to 4.4% by December.
For rental housing operators, a softer external labor market is a mixed signal. Competitive pressure from other industries aggressively recruiting customer-facing talent has eased. But employees who feel economically uncertain don’t become less likely to leave. Instead, they become more likely to stay in jobs that feel stable, valued and worth staying for. That raises the stakes on everything compensation alone cannot buy, such as workplace culture, management quality and meaningful paths to advancement.
A WORKFORCE CHALLENGE WITH STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS
The rental housing industry has always been built on talented professionals who show up every day at communities across the country. In 2026, retaining those staff will require more than a salary increase: It will require career development programs with real credentials and visible pathways, management practices that reflect the demands of onsite work and a serious look at how technology can redistribute the administrative burden that drives talented people to look elsewhere.
NAAEI’s Career Map offers a practical resource for HR teams looking to build more visible career pathways. It maps compensation ranges, credential requirements and advancement steps for roles across the industry. Making career growth resources available to employees at onboarding, and referencing them during performance reviews, gives people a framework for thinking about their future at their company rather than somewhere else.
The 2025 RCLCO National Real Estate Compensation and Benefits Survey reveals a significant opportunity, and the tools to effectively address retention are increasingly accessible. For HR and operations leaders in rental housing, this represents a pivotal moment to prioritize retention as a strategic objective. By adopting this perspective, retention can be transformed from a recurring line item into a fundamental driver of organizational success and employee engagement.
Leah Cuffy is NAA’s Director of Advocacy Research.
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