A Word from your WA3 President - February 2026
Dear Washtenaw Area Apartment Association Members,
I hope this message finds you well. On behalf of the Board, I want to thank you for your continued engagement and support of the Washtenaw Area Apartment Association. Your involvement is what allows our organization to remain a strong advocate for the rental housing industry in our region.
First, I am pleased to welcome several new members to the WAAA Board of Directors. Please join me in welcoming:
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Khalil Williams, Venn Pointe Communities
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Kimberly Brown, Beztak
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Billie Mason-Smith, The Dinerstein Companies
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Erin Hirth, RPM Living
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Sarah Brewer, The Liberty Group
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Naomi Wolfe, KMG Prestige (Special Appointment)
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Jordan Woener, PrideRock Capital (Special Appointment)
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James Nichols, Marquette Management (Special Appointment)
We are grateful for their willingness to serve and look forward to the experience and perspective each will bring to the Board.
As many of you are aware, local legislation continues to present challenges for our industry. We remain actively engaged in monitoring, interpreting, and responding to policy developments that impact our members. To support our members, we will be hosting a GRH Readiness Workshop session on April 6th, which will include resources and vendors on-site to help answer questions and provide guidance. We strongly encourage attendance, especially for those navigating compliance or operational impacts.
The first read of a new piece of legislation occurred on January 20th, and staying informed early in the process is critical. If you want to stay ahead of what’s coming—and better understand both what’s already in place and what’s in the legislative pipeline—I encourage you to consider joining the Legislative Committee. This committee plays a vital role in keeping our members informed and ensuring our collective voice is heard.
Volunteer involvement is the backbone of WAAA. Whether through the Legislative Committee or any of our other committees, your participation helps shape our direction, strengthens our advocacy, and enhances the value we provide to the membership.
Finally, I want to emphasize the importance of supporting our political advocacy efforts. Contributions to our Political Action Committees are essential in advancing and protecting our industry at both the state and national levels. This year, we are working to raise $1,094.92 for PMAM and $1,987 for NAA. Every contribution—large or small—makes a meaningful impact.
Thank you again for your continued commitment to WAAA. Together, we can navigate challenges, influence policy, and strengthen the rental housing community in our communities.
Warm regards,
Ryan Calhoun
President
Washtenaw Area Apartment Association