Issuu

September 2026

All events are held at SAAA Headquarters unless otherwise noted.

SUN

COMMITTEE MEETING

EVENT

CLASS

TUE

WED

THU

MON

2 PAC Committee Meeting 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM Location: SAAA HQ

SAAA Office Closed

Supplier Etiquette – How to Tradeshow 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT

10 General Business Meeting 2:00–3:00 PM CDT

Philanthropy Committee Meeting 9:30–10:30 AM CDT

SAAA Trade Show 4:00–8:00 PM CDT

Certified Pool Operator (CPO) with Testing 8:30 AM–5:00 PM CDT

Assistant Manager 201 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT

Maintenance Appreciation Event 11:00 AM–1:00 PM CDT Camargo Park

Leasing Recap 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT New Braunfels, TX

Next Gen Committee Meeting 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

22 Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT), 9:00 AM–4:30 PM CDT

23 Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT), 9:00 AM–4:30 PM CDT

Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT), 9:00 AM–4:30 PM CDT Membership Committee Meeting 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

SAT

Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT), 9:00 AM–4:30 PM CDT

FRI

29 Property Management 201, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT

30 SASC Committee Meeting 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

Education Committee Meeting 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Location: SAAA HQ

IN THIS ISSUE September 2026 Calendar--------------------------------------------------2 Trade Show Exhibitors and Floor Plan--------------------------------4-5 From the Executive Director, Ryan Baldwin--------------------------8 2027 Board of Director Slate-----------------------------------------------9 Member Mixer------------------------------------------------------------------10 Remembering David Guin--------------------------------------------------12 Allow the Light in, by Alan Ross ----------------------------------------15

Remembering David Guin, pg 10

Concerned About Eviction Appeals, by David Fritsche----------18 San Antonio Q2 2026 ------------------------------------------------------22 Suppliers Voice, by DD Cobb---------------------------------------------25 Next Gen: Building the Future of Multifamily Leadership-----28 Congrats to Steve Colella--------------------------------------------------33 2026 Programs and Events, by Kennie Banks----------------------36 Better Together, by Alan Ross-------------------------------------------41 October 2026 Calendar----------------------------------------------------43

Executive Director Ryan Baldwin | executivedirector@saaaonline.org Finance & Accounting Debbie Sparrow| dsparrow@saaaonline.org Communications & Marketing Denise Thieme | denise@saaaonline.org Programs & Events Kennetha Banks | kbanks@saaaonline.org Membership Clemente Sanchez | csanchez@saaaonline.org Government Relations /PAC Fundraising Melissa Cabello Havrda | melissa@saaaonline.org Sarah Taylor | sarah@saaaonline.org Education & Office Manager Elizabeth Garza | egarza@saaaonline.org

NextGen: Building the Future of Multifamily Leadership, pg 27

San Antonio Apartment Association 7525 Babcock Road, San Antonio, TX 78249 OFFICE 210.692.7797 or 877.306.4108 WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

Member Mixer, pg 8

Mission: The San Antonio Apartment Association educates, communicates and advocates for professionals in the rental housing industry. The “Residence” Magazine is published monthly by the San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc. Circulated free. The San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc., expressly reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to reject advertising which may subject the San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc., to liability under statutory or common law. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the San Antonio Apartment Association. All rights reserved. Materials may not be reproduced or translated without permission. Entire contents are the © Copyright 2022 of the San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc. ADA Compliance Statement: The San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc. (“SAAA”), is committed to upholding the standards of, and strictly complying with, the Americans with Disabilities Act (the “ADA”). It is the policy of SAAA to allow Service Dogs and Service Miniature Horses to accompany the person for whom the animal is providing a service in the areas of public accommodation at the office of SAAA and at SAAA events, programs and classes.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

EXHIBITOR DIRECTORY Company

Company

2 S-D, Inc. Construction Services

300

Cotton Holdings Inc.

126

Intersolutions

427

Sherwin Williams

101

Advanced Healthstyles Fitness Equipment Inc.

402

Creswell Wrecker

111

JMI Contractors LLC

406

Signature Legacy Promotions

202

Crowned Eagle Construction

122

Johnson Commercial Fitness

120

Smart Apartment Data

108

Affinity Greenway Waste and Recycling

109

CSC ServiceWorks

431

Knight Office Solutions

614

Space Savers Towing

433

Air & Drain Works

115

D-Kamp Construction

121

Lone Star Apartment Services

SBG Property Services

618

Aire Master of The Alamo

304

Dixie Interiors

205

Lone Star Carpet

401

Surface Connection

526

All Weather Contractors

100

LP Marlowe Roofing and Waterproofing

524

Swim Pure Pool Service and Repair

528

Ally Waste

307

Luxer One Texas

104

114

American Fire Systems, Inc

230

Make Ready Central

616

Texas Lawman Security Traffic Control Services, LLC

203

224

621

Massey Services

Texas Southwest Floors

Ameristar Screen Glass

503

129

110

Maverick Flooring

The Liberty Group

Apartment Solutions

407

425

125

Mission Golf Cars

The Sent Effect

Apartments.com

The Urban Foresters

619

Apex Waste Services, LLC

630

Artisent Floors

130

ASOA Tech/ Parking Permits of America

531

ASOA Tech/ Parking Permits of America

533

ATI Restoration

626

Bath Fitter

502

BEHR Paint Company

519

Belfor

228

BG Staffing

201

BR Texas Inc.

105

Butler Plus

200

ButterflyMX

527

Camp Facilities Services

303

Chadwell Supply

211

Church Foundation Repair

232

Comm-Fit

609

Core Distributing

134

Cornerstone Plumbing & Mechanical

612

CORT Furniture

221

DoodyCalls

419

E&S Lawn and Landscape, LLC

514

Earthtones Companies

229

Eco Scapes of Texas, LLC

103

Ferguson Facilities Supply

506

First Onsite

507

Fit Supply

624

Foundation Specialists

328

FRONTIER RESTORATION

606

Gambit Construction

131

Gambit-Construction

133

Guardian Construction

535

Global Multi-Family Construction

411

GMR Electrical

124

GoodTrash

613

Gratr Landscapes

410

Green Garbology

128

HandyTrac Key Control Systems

525

Happy To Deliver

107

HD Supply

518

Hentana Construction LLC

326

Heritage Landscapes

215

Image 360

332

Impact Property Solutions

510

Infinite Capital Construction

403

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

MLSApartments

204

MRI Software

309

Trashbusters Disposal and Recycling

530

MyBids.net

226

Trinity Towing

517

On Guard Inc

513

511

OneApp

302

TXP Environmental West Texas Dumpster

Optimized Waste Removal

515

TXP Environmental West Texas Dumpster

509

Performance Plumbing

429

TXSD Integration

500

Pittsburgh Paints

305

Urban Solutions

Poolsure

233

Urban Solutions

100

Precision Reconstruction Group

603

Valet Living

227

Pye Barker Fire and Safety

408

Vamvoras

311

Qwikkit

521

VBM Waste, LLC

620

Ram Jack Central & South Texas

320

Viking Roofing & Construction

608

Rasa Floors

627

Viking Roofing & Construction

610

Rasa Floors

629

Vima Décor

220

Real Floors

415 404

WASH Multi Family Laundry Services

102

Rock Strength and Performance Roto-Rooter Services Company

231

Waste Connections of Texas

602

Royal Access Control

532

WithMe

106

SBG Property Services

618

Zoom Drain

615

SAAA TRADE SHOW IS LOCATED IN FREEMAN COLISEUM EXPO HALL C

THANK YOU TO SPONSORS ELITE SPONSORS REGISTRATION SYSTEM SPONSOR

BAG SPONSORS

TRADE SHOW BADGE SPONSOR

MARGARITA SPONSORS

BEER SPONSORS

MIXED DRINKS SPONSORS

2026 SAAA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Alan Ross Bob Ross Realty

Kara Morkovsky Portico Property Management

Lyssette Perez Apartments.com

Maddie Patrick Indio Property Management

Tabatha Blunt Greystar Real Estate Partners, LP

Emery Johnson The Phoenix Recovery Group

Sunny Davila Kairoi Residential

Renetta Quintana Capstone Real Estate Services, Inc.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

By K. Ryan Baldwin, Executive Director Every year, when SAAA members tee off at the David Guin Memorial PAC Golf Tournament, most know it as a fun day of golf that raises money for the Association's political action work. Fewer may know the story of the man behind the name - a leader whose impact is still felt on this Association nearly two decades after he left us.

David Guin was an SAAA owner member for more than twenty-one years before his career with the Association became a full-time job. He climbed the volunteer ladder the long way - committee member, committee chairman, Board member, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President-Elect - before members elected him SAAA President in 1992. During that same era, he also served on the Texas Apartment Association's Board of Directors and as a delegate to the National Apartment Association, chairing numerous state and national committees along the way. David didn't step away when his term as President ended. About nine years later, SAAA's Board selected him from a field of candidates to become the Association's Executive Director - trading his volunteer badge for a staff desk. “He accepted, and the rest is history,” SAAA President Steve Ross later wrote. In 2001, the Texas Apartment Association named David its Association Executive of the Year - an honor Rosemarie L. Selman said he was “very deserving” of and “quite humbled by.”

Numbers tell part of the story. Under David's leadership, SAAA's bank balance grew from the low five figures to nearing a million dollars in nine years. Membership grew right alongside it - SAAA won the TAA membership growth award four times and took six TAA membership drive contests during his tenure. He brought the magazine's editing, layout and ad sales in-house and turned it from a black-andwhite newsletter into a full-color, 50+ page publication. The Association's education program (PEP) grew from a handful of offerings to fifteen courses and designation programs. He helped make SAAA a major fundraiser for the American Red Cross, launched an Outreach Committee that still visits San Antonio high schools, and built the Association's first PAC fundraising program - the forerunner of the very tournament that now carries his name. But David's real legacy was bigger than any one program. He had a dream that SAAA would one day own a permanent home of its own, and he spent years quietly building the Association's reserves toward exactly that. By the time he announced his retirement, SAAA had purchased its own land and was finalizing architectural plans for a new headquarters - a project the Board and staff finished in his honor after he was gone.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

Ask anyone who worked with David and the professional accomplishments are only half the story. Steve Colella counted David among the industry's three “original curmudgeons” (alongside David Fritsche and Colella himself) - a man who could out-stall, out-drawl and out-charm a room full of skeptics until his idea won anyway. He loved to fish, hated to hunt (he liked to joke he was “no longer mad at the deer”), was fiercely loyal to the Spurs, and turned up to at least one association function dressed head-to-toe as Uncle Sam, pointing straight at the camera. He was also a voracious reader, rarely seen without a book in hand, and a gregarious one who knew no strangers - on one “hunting” trip to Colorado, he struck up a long conversation with the stranger next to him at a bar, who turned out to be novelist Kurt Vonnegut. He golfed every chance he got, hosted friends at his cabin on the Guadalupe River near Hunt, and was, in the words of fellow AE John Mitchell, “a real live Texas-styled wizard” in any negotiation. He was also, unmistakably, a mentor - and an unabashedly vocal one. David never hesitated to speak his mind for SAAA and the industry at TAA and NAA meetings, sometimes to the chagrin of leadership in the room, but his heart was always in the right place, and more often than not he turned out to be right. Association executives from Houston to Dallas to Austin credited David with teaching them how to run a meeting, how to listen, how to build consensus, and how to fight for their industry without losing their friendships in the process. “He has left each one of us a better person than before we met him,” wrote Ginger Miller. Marc Ross, in his early years on the SAAA Board, still points to the long and animated road trip the two took to a TAA Board meeting in Midland/Odessa as the start of a lifelong mentorship built on mutual respect. Whoever was leading SAAA, David was their wholehearted and unequivocal supporter. Every year the outgoing SAAA President gave out a handful of “President's Awards,” and for years it was something of a running joke among the Board that David should simply be handed one automatically - 2006 SAAA President Jill Welborn, gave him one that year, his last full year before retiring.

In the late summer of 2007, David submitted his letter of resignation, effective September 29, 2007, after nine years as Executive Director. SAAA's September/October issue of Residence Magazine that year was practically a love letter to him - his own farewell column reflecting on nine years of change, and page after page of well-wishes from friends across the state and the country, all looking forward to the fishing trips, grandkids and golf rounds waiting for him in retirement. He never got the chance to enjoy it. David passed away just two weeks before his retirement was set to take effect - before that warm send-off ever reached most mailboxes. The Association's PAC Golf Tournament that September, which David and committee chair Jeff Condit had spent months organizing, went on as planned within days of his passing. It was, in a very real sense, the last thing he helped build for SAAA. Not long after, the Association renamed that tournament in his memory.

The David Guin Memorial PAC Golf Tournament carries his name because it carries his mission. David spent more than two decades fighting for this industry - first as a property owner and volunteer leader, then as the Association's chief advocate at the Capitol in Austin, before the San Antonio City Council, and everywhere in between. The tournament that bears his name funds exactly the kind of political engagement he championed in his entire career, ensuring SAAA's voice stays strong at every level of government. So the next time you step up to the tee at the David Guin Memorial PAC Golf Tournament, know you're doing more than playing a round of golf for a good cause. You're carrying forward the legacy of a man who spent his life advocating for this industry, who built SAAA's future with his own hands, and who never stopped believing this Association could be even better than the day before.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

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by Alan Ross 2026 President San Antonio Apartment Association Last month, I described purpose as my North Star. I've been thinking about that phrase, and I've decided I may have gotten it wrong. Not about purpose, because I still believe deeply in its importance. Purpose helps us answer why, giving meaning to what we do and helping orient us when the path forward isn't always clear. But maybe purpose isn't the North Star. Maybe it's a star. One point of light in a much larger constellation of ideas that help us find our way. Purpose may be the star that guides me; for someone else, it may be culture, while for another it may be behavior, results, or legacy. We can look toward the same sky and find our direction in different places, and maybe that's exactly how it should be. Before I had kids, photography was one of my favorite hobbies. Nature was always my subject of choice, and for a period of my life, a camera became my excuse to explore. On one particularly memorable photography trip, I traveled more than 4,200 miles, chasing landscapes, night skies, and whatever else caught my eye along the way. Looking back at the thousands of photographs I took during those years, I realize I had a particular fascination with the night sky. I spent countless hours photographing the Milky Way and, on a few unforgettable occasions, the northern lights. There is something humbling about standing beneath a sky filled with more stars than you could ever count. Standing beneath that sky reminded me of how small I truly was, yet I've come to understand that being small doesn't mean being insignificant. I may be insignificant to the galaxy, but I am not insignificant to my family, my community, or this association. Neither are you. Perhaps that is one of the reasons SAAA matters so much: it gives each of us an opportunity to take our individual point of light and make it part of something much larger. Photography taught me something else about looking at the stars: sometimes, seeing more isn't about where you look; it's about how willing you are to look. 15

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

When photographing the Milky Way, a camera can capture far more than the naked eye can see, but to do that, you have to allow more light in. First, you open the aperture of the lens as wide as possible, allowing it to receive more light. Then, you lengthen the exposure, leaving the shutter open and giving the camera time to gather the light that's already there. And then you hope. Because here's the part photography doesn't always show you: most of the photographs we take aren't the ones anyone ever sees. For every photograph I've been proud enough to share, there were countless others that were blurry, poorly exposed, out of focus, badly composed, or simply didn't capture what I had hoped they would. Sometimes I adjusted the settings and tried again; sometimes I waited for the conditions to change; and sometimes I packed everything up knowing I'd have to come back another night. The stars hadn't failed me. I was still learning how to capture them. And I've started to wonder if culture works much the same way. For me, culture is how people feel when they experience us. That's what makes culture so fascinating and so complicated. Two people can walk into the same SAAA event, sit in the same room, hear the same speaker, and leave having experienced something completely different because we each bring our own perspectives, experiences, expectations, beliefs, and sometimes even our defenses. If we aren't careful, those things can narrow our aperture, making us so certain about what we're going to see that we never give ourselves the opportunity to discover what else might be there. But what happens when we open ourselves a little wider? What happens when we sit at a table with someone whose experiences are different from ours and genuinely listen, attend the second event after the first one felt uncomfortable, join the committee even though we don't know anyone, or simply stay a little longer? We increase the exposure. We allow more light in, and suddenly things that were there all along begin to appear: A relationship. A mentor. An opportunity. A friendship. A chance to serve. A voice we hadn't heard before. Maybe even a version of ourselves we hadn't discovered yet. That is where I think SAAA can be extraordinary, not simply because of the education we provide, the advocacy we undertake, or the events we host, although those things matter enormously. SAAA matters because of what can happen between people when we create an environment where they feel welcomed, valued, challenged, and connected. But creating that culture is a shared responsibility. If you're new to SAAA, my challenge to you is to keep showing up. Open your aperture, stay a little longer, introduce yourself to someone you don't know, join the committee, attend the next event, and give relationships time to develop. Not every exposure will produce the picture you hoped for. Don't stop looking. But for those of us who have been here awhile, I think the challenge is different, and perhaps greater. We already know where to sit, recognize the faces in the room, know who to call and where to volunteer, and have learned how to find our place. Those relationships are something worth celebrating; they are part of what makes SAAA special. But familiarity can also narrow our field of view. The longer you spend behind a camera, the more you learn that taking the photograph is only part of the work; you also have to pay attention to what's in the frame. I wonder if those of us who have been part of SAAA for a long time sometimes need that reminder. If we're always looking at the people we already know, who are we leaving outside the frame? Who is standing alone? Whose name don't we know? Whose voice haven't we heard? Who keeps showing up but hasn't been invited in? 16

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

Who belongs in this picture that we haven't made room for yet? I don't think the answer is to weaken the relationships that already exist within SAAA. Quite the opposite: those friendships and connections are part of our strength. Our challenge is to widen the frame. Pull up another chair. Make the introduction. Invite someone into the conversation. Ask the unfamiliar voice what they think, and listen to the answer. Help another person discover the connection that once made you want to keep coming back. Because if we want new members to open their aperture, those of us who already call SAAA home have a responsibility to give them light worth allowing in. We won't always get it right. Just like photography, culture requires adjustment, and there will be moments when we look at the picture we've created and realize it isn't the one we intended. When that happens, our responsibility isn't to defend the photograph. It's to adjust the settings and take another shot. Because the culture I hope we continue building at SAAA is one rooted in belonging. Not sameness. Not agreement. Belonging. A culture where you don't have to see the sky exactly as I do to know there is a place for your star in the constellation; a culture where people can walk into a room and know: There is a place for me here. My presence matters. My voice can contribute. I am part of this. That's what I want us to aspire to become. And that brings me back to those nights I spent standing beneath the stars. There was always a moment after setting up the camera when there was nothing left to do but wait: the shutter was open, the camera was gathering light, and I had to stand there in the darkness long enough to see what would emerge. There was something beautiful about that waiting, something I didn't have a word for then. I think I do now. Wonder. The willingness to stand in the dark... long enough... to discover that there's far more light than you first imagined. Maybe that's what I hope our culture at SAAA inspires: wonder. Curiosity about the person sitting next to us. Openness to an idea that challenges our own. The courage to walk into a room where we don't know anyone, and the willingness to notice the person who just did. The patience to remain engaged long enough for acquaintances to become relationships, relationships to become connections, and connections to become community. Because the strongest culture isn't one where everyone sees the same thing; it's one where we are willing to look together. And ultimately, the culture we aspire to create will be revealed not simply by what we believe, but by what we choose to do. Maybe who we become depends, in part, on remaining open to the possibility that there is still something we haven't seen. Another person. Another perspective. Another opportunity. Another star. And perhaps, if we're willing to widen the frame, we'll help someone else discover that they belong in the picture too. The light is already there. We just have to be willing to allow it in. 17

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

WHY YOU NOW HAVE TO BE CONCERNED ABOUT EVICTION APPEALS IN BEXAR COUNTY

By R. David Fritsche, SAAA General Council

If you file your own evictions, use Nationwide Eviction, Possession Partners, or any other non-lawyer eviction service, you must read this: Who Should be Concerned: If you file your own evictions in JP Court or use non-lawyer eviction services such as Nationwide Compliant or Possession Partners, you run the risk of losing an eviction appeal even though the tenant is no longer in your property; this article covers the differences in handling eviction appeals between the two Bexar County Courts at Law and what you must do to avoid waiving all rent due and a potential wrongful eviction claim against you. Reasons for the Concern: SB38 changed the eviction landscape in Texas and Bexar County Court at Law No. 3 and Bexar County Court at No. 10 have different interpretations on how an eviction appeal must be scheduled for trial under the new law; if you fail to attend the eviction trial setting in Bexar County Court at Law No. 3 and the tenant shows up, Bexar County Court at Law No. 3 will issue a take nothing judgment against you – this means you just waived all rent due and owing through the date of trial and no longer have the right to pursue the tenant with a collection company, which could subject you to a wrongful debt collection lawsuit. Background: When a JP Court eviction judgment is appealed by the tenant, SB38 requires that the JP Court Clerk promptly deliver the court file to the County Clerk; as the court files are received, the County Clerk assigns each file a new case number and assigns each file to County Court Nos. 3 or 10 on an alternating basis. The County Clerk then mails notice of the new file number and court assignment to the representative filed the eviction and who appeared on your behalf at the JP Court. If your case is assigned by the Clerk to Bexar County Court at Law No. 10, it is business as usual and you, your attorney or your representative should file a notice of trial setting within 21 days of the court receiving the file; the trial does not have to happen within the 21 days, but the notice should be filed within the 21 days of the court receiving the file.The best practice would be to have the trial set within 21 days of the court receiving the file.

The problematic issues arise when the file is assigned to Bexar County Court at Law No. 3. If the file is assigned to Bexar County Court at Law No. 3, then the Clerk will be mailing to the representative (and your tenant) a trial setting notice for a trial on the merits on a specific date and time before Judge Rodriguez in Bexar County Court at Law No. 3. This means if you used an eviction service in JP Court or filed yourself, the eviction service or you will receive the trial setting notice. If you do not appear for the trial on the merits in County Court No. 3 and the tenant appears, the Court will issue a Take Nothing Judgment against you, meaning the tenant just won and you likely just waived all rent due and owing. If this happens, you cannot ever attempt to collect the rent you waived as you are no longer entitled to it and if you do, you will subject you and the owner to a wrongful debt collection lawsuit for attempting to collect a debt that was waived. 18

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

Because Bexar County Court at Law No. 3 has instituted this new process, you cannot ignore a trial setting notice and you must appear in County Court No. 3 for trial even if:

The tenant skipped at some point in the eviction process and you have already taken possession of the unit;

You obtained possession through a writ of possession because the tenant didn’t timely pay into the JP Court registry or County Court registry on a pauper’s affidavit appeal; or

The tenant turned in keys and you have possession;

You still run the risk of an adverse judgment against you because the Court does not know you have possession and the appeal remained pending without ever being dismissed.

When you use an eviction service for an JP Court eviction and the case is appealed, at least one eviction service e-mails the property and states that they are off the case and advises the property to obtain their own attorney or to contact one of their “in network” attorneys. When this occurs, the County Clerk will still mail court notices to the eviction service and the eviction service may not provide you with the notice as they are “off the case.” I witnessed one property have a take nothing judgment issued against them for multiple months of rent where the trial setting notice was mailed to Nationwide Compliance and no one appeared for the property. In my experience in County Court No. 3, you should not expect Judge Rodriguez to grant a Motion for New Trial when a party fails to appear, Because every eviction appeal remains pending until there is an order from either County Court at Law disposing of the case with a judgment, a dismissal or on a nonsuit, you should monitor the case with your attorney or eviction service. To avoid the problem of a potential nonsuit, once you learn of an eviction appeal:

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO Follow up regularly with your attorney or eviction service to determine whether the appeal lands in County Court No. 3 or County Court No. 10; If the case lands in County Court No. 3, you should file a notice of appearance immediately so you obtain notices, or, have your attorney of choice file a Notice of Appearance and monitor the docket for the trial setting. If you intend to file yourself, you should take the extra step of contacting the clerk regularly at 210.335.2231 to find out when the trial is set in County Court No. 3 and make your appearance to obtain a judgment or announce a dismissal without prejudice. Regardless of which court in which your appeal lands, be prepared to go to trial or nonsuit the case if the tenant is gone and you don’t want a judgment.

If you elect to proceed to trial on your own, be aware that in County Court the Judge does not assist you as may occur in JP Court and you are held to the standards of an attorney; this means all the Rules of Evidence and the Rules of Procedure apply. You have the burden of proving your case by preponderance of the evidence by introducing the lease, the Notice to Vacate and the Ledger and having the Judge admit them into evidence, then testifying how the NTV was delivered, that the tenant remains in the property and how much rent, and rent only, is due and owing, and that you want a judgment for possession of the property and all rent. If you fail to prove up the elements of an eviction, then the court will likely issue a take nothing judgment against you.

Always monitor all of your eviction appeals through your attorney, your eviction service or by contacting the clerk and be prepared if you try the case yourself or have the case dismissed if you elect not to obtain a final judgment on an eviction appeal. © 2026 R. David Fritsche

The Law Offices of R. David Fritsche does not intend for the information contained in this article to be a substitute for legal advice; you should always obtain counsel from your attorney of choice regarding the information contained herein. David is an attorney with The Law Offices of R. David Fritsche, General Counsel to the San Antonio Apartment Association, Inc., and engages in the practice of landlord/tenant law and civil litigation. He can be reached at (210) 227-2726 or e-mail: david@lawordf.com.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

FEBRUARY 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

by DD Cobb The Value of Showing Up For as long as I can remember, one of the most common reasons cited for not renewing association membership has been a perceived lack of value or return on investment. While that concern is often voiced by supplier partners, the reality is that value is rarely something that simply appears. More often, it is something that is created through involvement. I started in the apartment industry right after high school in 1992 and have always been an advocate for getting involved in local apartment associations. Throughout my career, whether serving in a supplier role or now as a Regional Director overseeing multiple markets, I have consistently encouraged my teams to invest time in their local associations.

Today, I am fortunate to work alongside professionals who exemplify the benefits of engagement. Lori Osborne, based in Corpus Christi, has served as President of the Board and remains active in both the Corpus Christi and Rio Grande Valley associations. Michelle McTague has dedicated years of service as a board member with the El Paso Apartment Association. Here in San Antonio, Lyssette Perez has served on SASC, currently serves as President-Elect, and continues as an active Board member serving currently as Vice President. Their commitment has not only strengthened their associations but has also elevated their careers and expanded their professional networks. Over the years, I have learned a simple truth: if you take the time to get involved, give back your knowledge, volunteer your talents, and serve alongside your peers, business growth often follows naturally. The relationships built through committee work, leadership roles, educational programs, and community service projects cannot be replicated through sponsorships alone. This is where many supplier members miss an opportunity. Membership dues should not be viewed as a transaction where immediate business is expected in return. Instead, membership is an investment in relationships, education, advocacy, and industry credibility. The suppliers who receive the greatest return on their investment are almost always the ones who participate, volunteer, and become visible contributors to the industry they serve.

The future of our associations depends on engaged members who understand that value is a two-way street. Associations provide opportunities, resources, education, and connections, but it is up to each of us to take advantage of them. When members become actively involved, they gain far more than customers. They gain trusted relationships, professional development, leadership experience, and a lasting impact on the industry. After more than three decades in multifamily housing, my advice remains unchanged: get involved. Attend the meetings. Join a committee. Volunteer for a project. Seek a leadership opportunity. The return on that investment may not always appear immediately, but over time it will prove far more valuable than any single sale or contract. The greatest value of association membership has never been what you get out of it. It has always been what you put into it. And that may be the real answer to improving supplier renewals: not asking what the association can do for members but helping members discover what they can do through the association.

My Association Journey I started in the apartment industry right after high school in 1992. Truthfully, I had no idea what an incredible career opportunity was about to unfold in front of me. At the time, I was simply looking for a job. I walked into the leasing office of the apartment community where I lived because I needed to use their typewriter to create a resume. Yes, a typewriter. I'm definitely showing my age now. After finishing my resume, I went back to my apartment. A short time later, the office called and asked if I had found a job yet. When I told them no, they said, "Come back down. We'd like to talk to you about working here." I couldn't get back to that office fast enough. When they explained that I would receive an hourly wage, leasing commissions, renewal bonuses, and, best of all, a 25% employee discount on my rent, I was sold. I was excited, motivated, and eager to begin what I thought would simply be my next job. Little did I know it would become my career.

Like many people entering multifamily, I didn't know much about the industry. I started attending association education classes simply because I wanted to understand the business I was working in. Looking back, those classes were my introduction not only to the apartment industry, but also to the incredible network of people who make this industry so special. I spent many years onsite and loved every minute of it. Then one day, a resident I had leased entirely over the phone from California came into the office. This was long before virtual tours and internet listings. He looked at me and said, "You are a really good salesperson. Have you ever thought about going into sales?" I laughed and told him no. His response changed the trajectory of my career. "What you did to me was sales," he said. "You painted a picture that made me want to live here." I had never thought of it that way. Soon after, I took a leap and entered a completely new world selling Yellow Pages advertising. For anyone under forty reading this, the Yellow Pages was a giant book that listed every business and phone number in town. It was the Google of its day. After several years, as that industry began evolving, I knew it was time for another challenge. That's when I found my way back to multifamily, this time on the supplier side, selling maintenance supplies for Century Maintenance Supply. To say I was out of my comfort zone would be an understatement. Other than knowing apartment communities needed maintenance products to turn units, I had very little knowledge of what I was selling. Thankfully, Charlie took a chance on me. Not only did he teach me the business, but he also understood the value of association involvement. He encouraged me to attend meetings, volunteer, serve on committees, and invest time in the industry. One of my earliest lessons came when a maintenance supervisor needed a custom drain pan. I ordered it, picked it up, and proudly delivered it myself. When I arrived, he looked at it and exclaimed, "Oh my gosh! The nipples are in the wrong place!" I was horrified. In my mind I was thinking, "Sir, that's where God put them." The look on my face must have told the entire story because he immediately started apologizing.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

"No, no, no," he said. "Not you. The drain pan. Those pipe connections are called nipples." Needless to say, that was an educational day for me. Looking back now, some of my favorite memories came from being involved with the association during those years. Charlie always supported my participation, and I took every opportunity I could to give back. I chaired committees, welcomed new members, and worked to help others understand the value associations can bring to both individuals and businesses. One of my favorite events was the Maintenance Supply Cook-Off at La Villita. The friendships, teamwork, and industry relationships built through those events are still with me today. And that's exactly why I believe so strongly in association involvement. The value was never found solely in a membership directory, a sponsorship, or a logo on an event banner. The value came from the people. It came from the relationships, the education, the mentorship, and the opportunity to serve alongside others who were passionate about our industry. Over thirty years later, I can confidently say that every time I invested my time in the association, I received far more in return than I ever expected. Not necessarily in immediate sales, but in relationships, friendships, leadership experience, and opportunities that helped shape the career I enjoy today. That's why supplier involvement matters. Associations can open doors, but members have to walk through them. The suppliers who see the greatest return are usually the ones who volunteer, participate, lead, and contribute. Membership is not simply something you buy. It's something you experience.

Membership is not simply something you buy. It's something you experience.

FEATURED RESOURCES FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

As a valued member of the Texas Apartment Association (TAA), you have access to TAA Education Foundation (TAAEF) resources designed to help recruit, retain, and advance talent. Through education and career development opportunities, TAAEF helps rental housing professionals grow, succeed, and build rewarding careers.

By Leigh Ann Gutierrez, NextGen Committee Chair, and Natalie Bennett, NextGen Committee Co-Chair The NextGen Committee was created to bring together apartment industry professionals and provide them with the opportunities, connections, and experiences needed to develop their skills and prepare for future leadership roles within our industry. It is about more than networking—it is about developing the leaders who will shape the future of the apartment industry. Our mission is to identify, engage, and empower the next generation of multifamily leaders by creating opportunities for professional development, meaningful connections, community service, and leadership growth. We believe today's emerging professionals are tomorrow's board members, committee chairs, executives, and industry advocates. Our responsibility is to prepare them for that journey.

A Year of Purpose and Growth Over the past year, the NextGen Committee has experienced tremendous growth—not only in membership but also in impact. We have built one of SAAA's largest and most engaged committees, made up of professionals who consistently step forward to volunteer, collaborate, and support the association's mission. Their passion, enthusiasm, and commitment have become the driving force behind everything we have accomplished. We've strengthened relationships across the San Antonio Apartment Association by partnering with multiple committees, increasing volunteerism, and encouraging members to become more involved throughout the organization. Whether supporting association events, collaborating with fellow committees, or serving our community, NextGen members have embraced every opportunity to make a difference. Our members have proudly served the San Antonio community through volunteer initiatives with organizations including the San Antonio Food Bank, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, and Haven for Hope. One of our proudest accomplishments was collecting and donating more than 70 Bed-in-a-Bag sets to Sleep in Heavenly Peace, helping provide children in need with a comfortable place to sleep. Together, our volunteers have dedicated countless hours to giving back, proving that leadership extends far beyond the workplace. 28

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

Advocacy has also become an important part of our mission. During the SAAA Member Mixer, NextGen organized a Liquor Pull fundraiser that raised more than $1,100 for the Political Action Committee (PAC). These funds help support the advocacy efforts that protect and strengthen the rental housing industry through engagement with local and state policymakers. It was an opportunity for our members to not only give back but also contribute to the future of our industry. Perhaps one of the year's biggest accomplishments came during Casino Night. Our members personally visited apartment communities throughout San Antonio, promoting the event and encouraging industry professionals to attend. Through the collective efforts of volunteers, committee members, and SAAA leadership, Casino Night became a sold-out success, creating one of the year's premier networking opportunities and demonstrating what can be accomplished when our industry comes together. This year also marked the launch of the NextGen Spotlight, a recognition program created to celebrate committee members who exemplify leadership, volunteerism, and dedication to both SAAA and the multifamily industry. By recognizing those who go above and beyond, we hope to inspire others to become involved, serve with purpose, and continue strengthening our association.

More Than Networking While networking remains an important part of what we do, NextGen has become much more than a networking group. We are building a leadership pipeline. Our meetings focus on professional development, collaboration, and creating opportunities for members to discover where their passions align within SAAA. We want every member to leave feeling more connected, more confident, and better prepared to take the next step in their career. By encouraging committee involvement, volunteerism, and leadership opportunities, we are helping create well-rounded industry professionals who understand that leadership is built through service.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT We provide meaningful education and resources that help members grow their skills and advance their careers. MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS We create opportunities to build relationships that support members both personally and professionally. COMMUNITY SERVICE We give back through volunteer initiatives that make a positive impact in the San Antonio community. LEADERSHIP GROWTH We empower emerging leaders to take on new challenges and pursue leadership roles within SAAA and beyond.

Looking Ahead The future of NextGen is incredibly bright. Over the years, this committee has grown into more than a place to network—it has become a community where professionals build relationships, discover their strengths, and begin their leadership journey within the San Antonio Apartment Association. The foundation that has been built through service, collaboration, and member engagement has created something that will continue to evolve with each new generation of leaders. Every incoming chair, vice chair, and committee member will have the opportunity to bring fresh ideas, new perspectives, and continued enthusiasm while building upon the strong culture that already exists. As the multifamily industry continues to grow, so will the need for leaders who are willing to serve, advocate for our industry, and invest in others. NextGen is uniquely positioned to cultivate those leaders by providing opportunities to volunteer, collaborate across committees, develop professionally, and form lasting relationships throughout the association. Our hope is that every member who joins NextGen discovers more than just a committee. We hope they find mentors, friendships, confidence, and a passion for serving both the industry and the community. Whether someone is attending their very first meeting or preparing to step into an association leadership role, NextGen is designed to provide the support and opportunities that help turn potential into purpose. The success of NextGen has never been defined by one event, one committee, or one leadership team. It is defined by the people who choose to invest their time, share their talents, and create opportunities for those who will follow. That legacy is what will continue to move NextGen—and the San Antonio Apartment Association for years to come.

Our Commitment NextGen isn't just about preparing for tomorrow. It's about making an impact today. Every volunteer hour, every committee meeting, every connection made, and every new leader developed strengthens not only our committee but our entire multifamily community. None of these accomplishments would have been possible without the dedication of our incredible committee members. Their willingness to serve, volunteer, advocate, and support one another has created a culture that truly embodies what NextGen stands for. Together, we are creating opportunities, developing leaders, and building lasting relationships that will shape the future of our industry for years to come. The future of multifamily depends on the leaders we invest in today. At NextGen, we are proud to be building that future, one relationship, one opportunity, and one leader at a time.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

Buried in the City of San Antonio's proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget is a change that will land squarely on apartment owners and operators: the fee for the Proactive Apartment Inspections Program (PAIP) is set to double, from $100 to $200 per unit. For any property enrolled in the program, that is a straightforward doubling of an already meaningful cost — and for a 200-unit community, it means the annual PAIP obligation climbs from $20,000 to $40,000. We want every member to understand three things: what PAIP is, what this increase would do, and, most importantly, how to keep your properties out of the program in the first place.

WHAT DOUBLING THE FEE REALLY DOES The City of San Antonio frames PAIP as a renter-protection program, and the fee as the cost of administering it. But it is worth being clear-eyed about where a doubled per-unit fee actually goes. Rental housing operates on tight margins. When a mandatory cost doubles, on top of the insurance increases, property tax growth, utility costs, and labor expenses every operator in this city is already managing, that money has to come from somewhere. In practice, costs like these are recovered through rent. That is not a threat or a strategy; it is arithmetic. A fee assessed on housing is ultimately paid by the people who live in that housing. San Antonio currently has the highest apartment vacancy rate of any major market in the country — ,14.7% as of August 2026. according to CoStar, having recently passed Austin and Memphis A market with vacancy that high is not a market with room to absorb new costs. It is a market where affordability is already stretched thin, and where every added cost pushes rents up and makes it harder to keep units filled. Doubling the PAIP fee in this environment works directly against the affordability goals the City of San Antonio says it is pursuing. We have made this case to the City of San Antonio, and we will continue to. We also want to be candid with our members: the political reality is that this fee increase may well move forward as part of the broader budget. That makes it all the more important that you focus on the thing fully within your control: not being enrolled in the first place.

IF YOU WANT TO WEIGH IN The FY 2027 budget is still working its way through the process, and there is still time for public input. If you want the City of San Antonio to hear from the people this fee actually affects, you can: Contact your City Council member's office directly. A short, specific message from a constituent-operator carries real weight. Tell them your property count, what the fee doubling costs you, and how it affects rents and residents. Participate in the City's budget input channels at saspeakup.com, where the FY 2027 budget is posted for public comment. Coordinate with the San Antonio Apartment Association. We are tracking this closely and can help you frame your outreach so our members speak with a consistent, credible voice.

WHAT IS PAIP? The Proactive Apartment Inspections Program launched in April 2023 as the City of San Antonio’s mechanism for pushing non-compliant apartment communities back into line with the San Antonio Property Maintenance Code. The idea itself isn’t controversial: renters deserve safe, habitable housing, and neglected properties had been driving complaints for years. The part that matters for your bottom line is how a property lands in the program. Enrollment is automatic when a complex either: receives three designated code citations within a rolling six-month period, or is placed under an order from the Building Standards Board. Once enrolled, a property becomes subject to the program's inspection regime — and the per-unit fee. This fee is what the FY 2027 budget proposes to double. There is also a voluntary side to the program that many owners overlook: you can register your community to receive courtesy notifications about potential code issues before they escalate into the citations that trigger automatic enrollment. More on that below, because it is one of your best tools for staying off the program.

HOW TO AVOID NEEDING TO BE PART OF PAIP The single most effective way to avoid the PAIP fee, whether at $100 or $200, is to never trigger automatic enrollment. With three citations within six months triggering enrollment, the key is preventing minor issues from becoming formal citations. Here is where to focus: Know which violations count. The citations that trigger enrollment are specific "designated" code violations, detailed in the City of San Antonio's PAIP fact sheet. Make sure your on-site and maintenance teams know exactly what those are, so the highestrisk items get priority attention. Treating every code item as equal wastes effort; treating the designated ones as urgent protects you. Register for courtesy notifications. The City's voluntary registration gives you advance notice of potential violations before they become citations. This is the closest thing the program offers to an early-warning system, and it is free. Signing up converts a surprise citation into a heads-up you can act on inside your compliance window. Close the six-month window in your favor. Because the trigger is three citations in a rolling six-month period, the discipline is speed. One citation is a warning. A second in the same window is a signal to escalate internally: reprioritize work orders, bring in additional crews, and personally verify the fix. The goal is to make sure you never reach a third open item in that window. Run your own proactive walk-throughs. Do not wait for a City inspector to find what a quarterly self-inspection would catch. Common triggers such as inoperable smoke detectors, exterior lighting, stairwells and railings, standing water, broken windows, unaddressed unit-level habitability requests are exactly the items a disciplined internal inspection catches first. Document these walkthroughs; the record itself is useful if you ever need to demonstrate good-faith diligence. Respond to Building Standards Board matters immediately. A BSB order is the second path onto the program, and it does not require any six-month accumulation. If a property receives BSB attention, treat it as a top-priority matter.

WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

PERKS POLITICAL ACTION COMMITTEE

Ryan Baldwin | Steve Colella | Alan Ross | Marc Ross

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

DAY 1

July 29, 2026: Outreach & Transitional Housing

The South Texas Homeless Surge Event launched on July 29, 2026, with VA outreach teams fanning out across San Antonio to locate and engage Veterans experiencing homelessness. The day's work centered on the VA's Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) program, with partner organizations AGIF and Crosspoint admitting Veterans into transitional housing to stabilize them before the critical second day of the event. Day 1 produced nine new admissions into HCHV programs - three Veterans through AGIF and six through Crosspoint. Four additional Veterans, while not yet entering transitional housing, were thoroughly assessed and connected to HUDVASH for follow-up on Day 2. In total, 13 Veterans were engaged, educated, and connected to housing opportunities through the collaborative efforts of VA Social Work staff, partner nonprofits, and City of San Antonio representatives.

DAY 2

July 30, 2026: Vouchers, Landlord Engagement & SAAA's Role

The momentum from Day 1 carried directly into an action-packed Day 2 - and this is where SAAA's involvement made a direct, tangible difference. SAAA Staff hosted the Day 2 portion of the Surge Event at the SAAA offices, providing crucial logistical support including on-site document printing that kept the day running smoothly. The results were remarkable. More than 35 Veterans attended the Day 2 event, and 15 Veteran households secured HUD-VASH housing vouchers on-site - a testament to the dedicated work of the HUDVASH team and Opportunity Homes, who ensured every referred Veteran left with a voucher in hand. A landlord engagement component ran alongside the voucher event, connecting housing providers directly with the VA team. Those relationships are expected to directly accelerate the placement of Veterans into permanent housing in the months ahead. Endeavors and the American GI Forum also supported Veterans by enrolling them in SSVF programs to cover application fees, deposits, and related move-in costs.

A COLLABORATIVE COMMUNITY EFFORT

"Your consistent followthrough truly impacts the lives of our community every single day."

The Surge Event's success was the product of an extraordinary coalition. Crosspoint, AGIF, and SAMMinistries/City of San Antonio provided transitional housing and transportation on Day 1. Soldier's Angels assisted with transportation throughout the event. The VA's South Texas Veterans Health Care System social work leadership coordinated every facet of the two-day initiative. For SAAA, participation in the Surge Event reflects the association's commitment to the broader San Antonio community - and to the housing providers who make veteran housing possible. The apartment industry is not simply a place to sign leases; it is part of the community safety net that helps our neighbors, including those who served our country, find stability and dignity.

— Joyce Hernandez-Kelley, LCSW,

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

Social Work Supervisor, South Texas Veterans Health Care System

By: Kennetha “Kennie” Banks Senior Director of Programs and Events

As the Sr. Director of Programs & Events, it is my pleasure to create memorable programs and events that provide value to our members, strengthen industry relationships, and create opportunities for our members to connect, celebrate, and grow.

We started the year on January 23rd with our Industry Awards Reception at the Security Service Building. The evening was an opportunity to honor and celebrate our new President, Alan Ross, the SAAA Board of Directors, the Leadership Lyceum Class of 2025, and our Stanley Hammer Award recipient, Gary Green. The event featured ice sculptures, a dessert bar, a live orchestra and saxophonist, and several other special touches designed to elevate the member experience. The event attracted nearly 300 attendees.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

On February 24th, SAAA hosted our largest State of the Industry Symposium to date at the Greater San Antonio Builders Association, with more than 130 attendees. The program featured an outstanding panel of industry and community leaders, including Alejandra Lopez with the City of San Antonio, Arleen Garza with REEP, Sunshine Polanco with Greystar, and Char McCurdy with Summit. The discussion was moderated by Maddie Patrick with SAVOY Residential and provided members with valuable insight into the current state and future direction of the multifamily industry.

On May 29th, SAAA partnered with Chadwell Supply to host SAAAvor the Flavor, our stand-alone grilling competition at Eisenhower Park. This was the first time SAAA hosted a dedicated grilling competition, giving members a unique opportunity to come together in a fun and competitive environment outside of our traditional programming. Teams competed for amazing prizes valued at up to $1,000, making this a memorable addition to our 2026 event calendar.

As we moved into the second half of the year, we kicked things off with our annual Casino Night on July 24th at the Norris Center and what a night it was! We once again broke attendance records, welcoming more than 360 attendees to this year’s event. We were also proud to recognize our Elite Sponsor for the event, Apartment Solutions, and other industry sponsors whose support helped make the evening possible. The evening provided our members with an opportunity to network, enjoy an exciting casino-themed experience, and celebrate together outside of the traditional work environment. The continued growth of Casino Night demonstrates the strong demand for engaging social events that bring our members and industry partners together.

The year is not over yet. Two of SAAA’s biggest traditions close out the 2026 event calendar. We are currently preparing for our 52nd Annual Trade Show, taking place September 10th at the Freeman Coliseum, Hall C, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This year’s theme, “SAAA Universe: Heroes vs. Villains,” will bring a fun and engaging experience to one of our association’s largest signature events. We are expecting more than 1,500 attendees, with our very own Tony Sousa serving as emcee. The Annual Trade Show has been a longstanding tradition for SAAA, and each year our goal is to elevate the experience for our members. This event provides our Associate Members with an opportunity to showcase their products and services while connecting directly with multifamily industry decision makers. We are incredibly excited about this year’s event and grateful for the support of our sponsors, led by Elite Sponsor Heritage Landscapes, followed by Air + DrainWorks, Chadwell Supply, Apartment Solutions, Image 360 West, and many others. Their continued partnership is instrumental in making this event possible, and we sincerely thank all of our sponsors for their participation and investment in SAAA.

We are also preparing for the 2026 SAAA David Guin Memorial PAC Golf Tournament, which will take place on October 28 at Canyon Springs Golf Club. The David Guin Memorial PAC Golf Tournament is a fundraiser supporting the SAAA Political Action Committee (PAC).

We are excited to once again bring our Associate Members and Owner/Management teams together for one of our final signature events of the year. The tournament provides an opportunity to build relationships, strengthen partnerships, and honor the legacy of David Guin while bringing our members together for a day of friendly competition and fellowship. As we continue through 2026, our focus remains on creating programs and events that are not only successful in attendance and participation, but that also provide meaningful value to our members. Each event presents an opportunity to strengthen the SAAA community, recognize the contributions of our industry, and create experiences that our members will remember long after the event concludes.

As we look ahead to 2027, our goal is to continue evolving SAAA's programs and events to better serve our members, increase engagement, create stronger partnerships, and provide meaningful opportunities for both our Owner/Management and Associate Members. In 2027, we will focus on creating a more strategic and member-focused approach to programming. Some of the initiatives we plan to implement include: Releasing sponsorship opportunities earlier: All 2027 sponsorship opportunities will be released in November 2026, giving our sponsors more time to plan their marketing budgets and select the opportunities that best align with their business goals. Customized sponsorship opportunities: We will develop customized sponsorship packages designed to meet the needs of our members and sponsors, whether their investment is $500 or $20,000. This will allow us to provide more flexibility while creating opportunities for businesses of all sizes to participate. Combining State of the Industry and Business Exchange: In 2027, we will combine the State of the Industry (SOTI) and Business Exchange into one comprehensive event. This will create a stronger program while providing members with both valuable industry information and opportunities to network and conduct business. Reimagining Maintenance Appreciation: Rather than hosting four separate Maintenance Appreciation events, we will host three events in 2027, two smaller appreciation events during the first half of the year, followed by one larger signature grilling competition in October. The final event will serve as a major celebration recognizing the important contributions of our maintenance teams. Re-engaging members: We will place a greater emphasis on building relationships with members who have become less active or have stopped participating in SAAA programs and events. Our goal is to understand what they need from the association and identify meaningful ways to bring them back into the SAAA community. Our 2027 Vision Our focus for 2027 is not simply to host more events, it is to create better experiences, increase member engagement, strengthen partnerships, and demonstrate the value of SAAA membership through every program we deliver. By strategically planning sponsorship opportunities, developing more customized partnerships, reimagining our signature events, and intentionally reconnecting with members, we can continue building programs that reflect the needs of our industry and create experiences our members are proud to be part of.

The goal is for every SAAA event to leave our members thinking, “That was worth my time, my investment, and my membership.” 39

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

very year, our Trade Show brings together two incredibly important parts of the San Antonio Apartment Association. Supplier members fill the floor with products, services, ideas and solutions, while owner members come looking for resources that can help them operate their communities more effectively. On the surface, the purpose seems pretty straightforward: give our supplier members an opportunity to showcase their businesses to the people who may need what they provide. But bringing people together has never been valuable simply because they occupy the same room. The real value comes from what becomes possible when they begin learning from, investing in and supporting one another. Throughout this year, I have written a lot about purpose and culture. Purpose gives us a reason to gather. Culture is what people feel when they experience us. And increasingly, I have come to believe that one of the best measures of both is whether the people who engage with SAAA leave better than they were before.

That doesn’t happen because of any one person, program or initiative. It happens when people are willing to share what they know, learn from someone else and, perhaps most importantly, lift one another up. Our supplier members do that for this association every day. They sponsor our programs and events, certainly, but their value extends far beyond financial support. They volunteer their time. They serve on committees. They share their expertise. They advocate alongside us. They mentor emerging leaders. They answer the phone when an owner member has a problem and needs a solution. And time and again, when SAAA asks them to Step Up, they do. If we truly value that contribution, though, I think we have to ask ourselves an equally important question:

That question has influenced several of the choices we have made this year. Underlying those efforts is a belief I have carried throughout this year: supplier members shouldn’t simply be viewed as supporters of the association. They are members of the association, and their experience here should reflect that. We have worked to create educational opportunities specifically designed for supplier members, recognizing that their professional development matters just as much as anyone else’s. We have worked toward creating a Leadership Lyceum experience specifically for suppliers, because the future leaders of this association won’t come from only one side of our industry. And we have continued looking for ways to give supplier members meaningful opportunities to participate, contribute and lead. None of those efforts are about checking a box or adding another program to the calendar. They are about culture.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

If we want SAAA to be a place where people grow, then we have to create opportunities for people to grow. If we want members to invest in this association, we should be willing to invest in them. And if we believe collaboration makes our industry stronger, we have to create places where that collaboration can actually happen. I don’t believe we have arrived at some perfect version of the supplier experience at SAAA. There is still more we can learn, more we can try and more we can do. But I do believe we are asking better questions and becoming more intentional about creating an association where supplier members aren’t simply asked to support our success—they are given opportunities to create success of their own. Which brings me back to the Trade Show. For much of the year, our supplier members show up for us. This is one of our opportunities to show up for them. So when you walk the Trade Show floor this year, I hope you’ll do more than visit the companies you already know. Walk the whole floor. Introduce yourself to someone new. Ask questions. Learn what they do. Find out what problem they might be able to solve for you. And when the opportunity presents itself, give our supplier members the chance to earn your business. Not because membership entitles anyone to a contract. It doesn’t. But there is tremendous value in doing business with people who are invested in the same industry, the same community and the same association that you are. So give them the opportunity. Let them tell you what they do. Let them compete. And perhaps you’ll discover that supporting someone who has been supporting this industry creates value for both of you. Our owner members make our supplier members better by sharing their challenges, experience and opportunities. Our supplier members make our owner members better by bringing expertise, innovation and solutions to those challenges.

And SAAA is at its best when we create the space for that to happen. Maybe that’s what the Trade Show is really about. Yes, there will be booths. There will be swag. There will be conversations, handshakes and hopefully plenty of business done. But underneath all of it is something much more important: people with different experiences, different expertise and different roles in our industry choosing to come together. Because when we collaborate, invest in one another and intentionally lift each other up, I believe we will always leave better than we were before. 42

SEPTEMBER 2026 | WWW.SAAAONLINE.ORG

All events are held at SAAA Headquarters unless otherwise noted. COMMITTEE MEETING

SUN

MON

TUE

EVENT

CLASS

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

Membership Committee Meeting 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Fair Housing 10:00 AM–3:00 PM CDT

8 Assistant Manager 201 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT

Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) 9:00 AM–4:00 PM CDT

Philanthropy Committee Meeting 9:30–10:30 AM CDT

Excel for Back to the Basics 9:30 AM–12:00 PM CDT

Property Management 201 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT

Excel for the Advanced 9:30 AM–12:30 PM CDT

Education Committee Meeting 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM

Next Gen Committee Meeting 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM

28 2026 SAAA David Guin Memorial Golf Tournament 10:00 AM–5:00 PM CDT Canyon Springs Golf Club