Our History

WA3 History

The Washtenaw Area Apartment Association traces its roots back to 1983, when a small group of Ann Arbor housing owners and managers united around a shared purpose: protecting fair, balanced, and informed housing policy in their community.

Origins in Advocacy

Before WA3 existed, this group—then known as the Ann Arbor Apartment Association—came together in response to a proposed city charter amendment presented as an “energy conservation” measure. In reality, the proposal would have created significant burdens for both rental owners and residents.

Three weeks before the election, the measure was expected to pass by a wide margin. Through coordinated outreach and voter education, these owners and managers helped the community understand the true impact of the proposal, ultimately defeating it decisively.

This experience revealed two important truths:

• Housing providers needed a stronger, more unified voice in local policy conversations.

• The rental housing community benefited when owners, managers, and stakeholders stayed connected and informed.

Becoming an Association

Following that election, the group formally established the Ann Arbor Apartment Association to ensure ongoing engagement in legislation affecting rental housing. Their mission was simple: provide informed input, advocate for fair policy, and support a healthy rental housing ecosystem.

As the region grew and the issues facing rental housing expanded beyond city limits, the organization evolved into the Washtenaw Area Apartment Association, representing a broader and more diverse membership.

A Consistent Voice for Fair Policy

Over the decades, WA3 has remained actively involved in local and statewide policy discussions. The association has weighed in on proposals related to:

• Rent control

• Excessive or duplicative fees

• Unnecessary inspection requirements

• Cost-shifting measures that place disproportionate burdens on rental housing providers

WA3’s position has always centered on the same principle: policies should support safe, high‑quality housing without imposing wasteful or counterproductive costs on owners or residents. When fees or regulations do not improve housing outcomes, they ultimately raise costs for the very people they claim to protect.

A Community Built on Collaboration

From its earliest days, WA3 has been grounded in collaboration—owners and managers working together to strengthen the rental housing community. That spirit continues today as the association brings together housing providers of all sizes to share knowledge, advocate for fair policy, and support the wellbeing of residents across Washtenaw County.