by Kevin Pellegrino, FWAA CEO
Looking back on 2024, it’s clear that the Fort Worth Apartment Association (FWAA) had a year full of progress and hard work. This report breaks down what we accomplished, how we handled the ups and downs, and what’s in store for the future. At FWAA, we’re all about supporting the multifamily housing industry through education, advocacy, and community building—and this year, we stayed true to that mission.
From hosting standout events to tackling some tough challenges, our members and committees showed up and made it happen. Whether it was fundraising, getting involved in advocacy, or just finding new ways to connect with each other, 2024 proved that together we can keep this industry moving forward. This report dives into all the details so you can see precisely how FWAA continues to make a difference for our members and the community.
Budget & Finance Committee, Chair, April Royal
FWAA is committed to transparency in all financial matters to members. We believe that is paramount to a volunteer-led organization. Our staff and volunteer leaders responsible for the fiscal success of our association are highly detailed and inquisitive people, always questioning where money is spent to ensure your investment in FWAA is one you can trust.
We are happy to report that FWAA is in great shape financially, ready to overcome almost any challenge that comes our way.
November Numbers: November alone brought in $142K more than expected, with a year-to-date (YTD) surplus of $227K. Even without the gains from long-term investments, we’re looking at $113K over budget for the month and $121K YTD—a big win for the association.
Revenue Gaps: FWAA is constantly reviewing and reworking its education programs to fit the needs of members. For that reason, some of our budgeting for registration fees for some of our educational programs and events were more aggressive than expected, resulting in a negative budget variance of around $102K. We’ve taken these shortfalls, and others, into account as we budget more conservatively by making adjustments to our offerings as we move into 2025.
Expenses That Matter:
- Charitable donations were up, thanks to the success of Bowling and Military Golf events.
- Costs for event supplies and meals went higher than expected, partly due to inflation.
- Pool Certification classes brought in more revenue than planned, even with added expenses.
Smart Investments: By leveraging short-term CDs and other tools, we generated $61K in extra interest income. These moves help keep us strong and ready for whatever comes next.
Advocacy is why FWAA exists. We were founded on the principals that the multifamily industry must have a voice in the decisions of local governments and the policies they dictate. FWAA works tirelessly to keep open and positive relationships with key government officials at every level of local governments across nine counties.
FWAA Political Action Committee (PAC), April Royal, Chair
The FWAA PAC is the source of funding for all campaign donations. It is responsible for raising money and approving all payments ethically and lawfully. The FWAA PAC continued its long history of conscientious spending and fiscal responsibility.
- Every candidate we supported in the November elections came out on top—proof that our strategy works.
- The PAC approved $18,500 in contributions and officially filed to rename from AATC PAC to FWAA PAC, making its purpose clear.
Government Affairs Committee, April Royal, Chair
This group stayed busy tackling important issues at every level:
- Locally, we addressed zoning and rental inspection policies in cities like Saginaw, Arlington, and North Richland Hills.
- Statewide, we focused on priorities like property tax relief and reforms around squatters’ rights.
- Assessed more than 150 candidates for local, state, and national office.
- Recommended more than $25,000 in NAA PAC contributions to FWAA-area congressional candidates.
- Held more than 90 meeting with local, state, and federal elected officials including the entire FWAA-area congressional delegation, Texas Governor Abbott, and Fort Worth Mayor Parker.
Leadership Lyceum Committee, Chair, Jamie Woody
The FWAA Leadership Lyceum Program is a concept that was created here and has spread to many other associations throughout the country. Another great reason FWAA is a small, but mighty organization, all because of the work of its incredible members.
- This year’s class dove into advocacy and community service, presenting their FWAA Gives project to the Board in September.
- Applications for the 2025 class opened in December and will close on January 31, 2025, setting the stage for another impactful year.
Let’s congratulate the Leadership Lyceum Class of 2024:
- John Brandes, Maintenance Supply Solutions
- Molly Hernandez, WAK Management
- Adam Keck, HD Supply
- Gina Kostansek, Madera Residential
- Katy Polanco, Olympus
- Stephanie Rusnak, BH Management
- Kristen Vick, Stowes
- Brent Weast, Community Enrichment Center
Business Exchange Committee, Chair, Cara Glover
Another great Business Exchange is in the books! Once again, FWAA members rose to the occasion for another successful reverse trade show—another great idea that started here in DFW. The work done by the committee every year never ceases to amaze, and the money raised is for an all-too-important cause: advocacy.
This committee’s work ensures meaningful connections in the industry:
- In August, 205 Owner-Managers and 246 Supplier Partners gathered, raising $88,000 for NAAPAC.
- Plans for the 2025 event are already in motion, with an eye toward even more significant impact.
We can never underestimate the value of our supplier partners. To say you are an extremely important part of our industry is an understatement. Thank you for all you do.
Products & Services Council (PSC), Chair, Kyle Gambrell
The PSC Advisory Council is responsible for the flourishment of our PSC members at the association. They plan meetings and programs to increase their probability of success in this highly competitive industry. They also oversee PAC Events and the annual Trade Show. Another standout year by this group, bringing members together and planning for the future:
- Highlights included a joint meeting with AAGD and a festive holiday mixer.
- They also recommended updating the Vice-Trade Show Chair role to PSC Secretary for better communication and support.
Golf Committee, Chair, Chris Hyde
FWAA golf tournaments are a tried and true source of consistent PAC revenue each and every year, and 2024 is no different. Moving forward, we will be using the popularity and success of our golf tournaments towards raising money for charitable causes, when possible.
• The Spring Fling Tournament brought in $39,600 for FWAA PAC.
• The Fall Golf Classic added another $35,800 to the PAC fund.
Pickleball Tournament, Chair, John Brandes
is our newest, go-to, fun-filled member event! It’s a great way to host an evening of event networking and FWAA fellowship and raise all-too-important PAC money. Keep up the good work, FWAA!
- September’s tournament featured 33 teams and 120 spectators, raising $14,025 for FWAA PAC.
Trade Show, Chair, Adam Keck
FWAA hosted another sold-out trade show, this time with 213 booths and 164 exhibitors—one of our largest ever. While attendance was lower than hoped, it highlighted areas of opportunity for an overall improved experience for all FWAA member types. We hope to create a can’t-miss attraction in 2025! Stay tuned for details.
Education Committee, Chair, T Jaye Cupit-Sanders
FWAA prides itself on providing all members with top-notch and relevant education programs so they can utilize the most up-to-date best practices to run their business. Visit livefw.org for the latest and greatest updates on all education and training programs available to members in 2025!
Education is at the heart of FWAA, and 2024 was no exception:
- Over 220 members attended the Education Conference, raving about the speakers, venue, and food (though parking could’ve been better).
- Plans for 2025 include bringing back the leadership book series and growing sponsorship opportunities.
Education Foundation, EF President, Nicolle Block
The FWAA Education Foundation is now fully up and running! With an upcoming golf tournament planned to raise money for FWAAEF, we are excited about the potential of giving back to the industry in the form of scholarships:
- After some legal hurdles, we’re officially a 501(c)(3) public charity.
- Scholarships for Lone Star Award winners will start in 2025, helping members grow professionally.
Lone Star Awards, Chair, Katy Polanco
Lone Star Awards 2024 saw Bryan ‘007’ Downer installed as the first president of the newly named Fort Worth Apartment Association. In addition, 18 award-winners were crowned the best of the best in the industry. Stay tuned for this year’s event: the “Field of Dreams” gala on January 24, 2025, promises to be a home run, celebrating the best in multifamily housing.
Community Service Committee, Co-Chairs, Stacie Parrish & Ben Wientge
The community services committee had a ground-breaking year. Not only did FWAA have another amazing UGM Bowling Tournament, it was the first year FWAA had an official FWAA Volunteer Day where members served three different charities in one day: Union Gospel Mission of Fort Worth, 6 Stones, and Community Enrichment Center. In addition to that, we held our first Military Veterans Golf Tournament, raising over $30k for PTSD Foundation of DFW. We’d be remiss if we didn’t also highlight our most recent event, the Merry Movie Christmas Party, where we collected over $16,000 worth of toys for local families in our area. Giving back has always been a priority for FWAA, and in 2024, we delivered.
Marketing Committee, Chair, Michele Flores
Our marketing committee worked extremely hard on several initiatives, including an association re-brand, a new association website, Salesforce implementation, and ongoing member communication and marketing. What an amazing year for these outstanding volunteers who gave so much.
NextGen Committee, Co-Chairs: Alexandra Rohloff & Micah Stateson
NextGen, one of our newest committees, made it easier for new members to find their footing. This committee focuses on engaging up and coming volunteers in FWAA as they develop tools they need to both mentor others and be mentored by experienced FWAA volunteers. What an incredible and energetic group.
- They rolled out a mentorship program and created social campaigns like Maintenance Legends.
- Big plans are in place for 2025, with networking and mentorship top of mind.
Membership Committee, Co-Chairs: Bailey Acosta & Alexis Carreiro
Our amazing Membership Committee pushed FWAA to over 250,000 units during 2024! What an accomplishment! Through innovative efforts and determination, FWAA’s membership has continued to grow and flourish, bringing in fresh faces each and every day.
- We saw a 3.85% increase in membership and a 4.15% bump in unit count.
- The “Welcome Wagon” paired new members with mentors, making sure everyone felt at home.
Membership Growth Metrics
| Category | 2023 Members | 2024 Members | Member Variance | 2023 Units | 2024 Units | Unit Variance |
| O/M’s | 238 | 247 | +9 | 2,423 | 3,922 | +1,499 |
| IRO’s | 147 | 140 | -7 | 4,195 | 3,820 | -375 |
| Property | 1,072 | 1,114 | +42 | 238,989 | 248,055 | +9,066 |
| S/P | 413 | 441 | +28 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 1,870 | 1,942 | +72 | 245,607 | 255,797 | +10,190 |
Conclusion 2024 was a remarkable year for FWAA, marked by financial stability, successful events, and strategic growth in membership and programs. With innovative planning and dedicated committees, we look forward to an even more impactful 2025.
