INDUSTRY NEWS
RF Investment Partners Exits Ally Waste Following Growth
by MFJ Staff
RF Investment Partners has exited its investment in Ally Waste Services, concluding a partnership that fueled the company’s rapid expansion from a regional valet trash provider into a nationwide, technology-enabled managed waste platform. Since 2022, Ally Waste has completed 12 acquisitions, increased revenue by more than 900% and expanded into more than 42 states, while maintaining a strong focus on leadership development and company culture.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Quarterra Celebrates Groundbreaking of Aldea
by Doug Pike
Quarterra has broken ground on Aldea, a 387-unit garden-style apartment community in Murrieta, Calif., marking the company’s first development in the city. The community will feature one-, two- and three-bedroom homes with smart-home technology and extensive amenities. The project reflects continued investment in high-growth Southern California markets.
Mill Creek Breaking Ground for Modera City North
by Paul Willis
Mill Creek Residential has broken ground on Modera City North, a luxury apartment community that will bring contemporary rental housing to one of Phoenix’s fastest-growing mixed-use districts. The development will feature thoughtfully designed apartment homes, upscale amenities and access to employment, retail and entertainment destinations.
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP
It’s Not You vs. Home Ownership, It’s You vs. Resident Happiness
by Cory Smith
The rental housing industry has long viewed homeownership as its primary competitor, but resident satisfaction and experience may be the more important factors shaping housing decisions. Creating communities where residents feel connected, valued and supported can strengthen retention and long-term success. By focusing on service, engagement and quality of life, operators can better meet evolving expectations and redefine the value of renting.
Read the article in The Multifamily Journal
Are Resident Surveys Broken or Just Misused?
by Jeff Proebstle
Resident surveys remain a valuable tool for understanding resident experiences, but their effectiveness depends on how operators collect, analyze and act on feedback. When surveys become routine exercises without meaningful follow-up, they risk losing their impact. A strategic approach that connects insights to improvements can help communities strengthen.
Maintenance Staffing Remains Biggest Labor Challenge
by Keith Loria
Maintenance staffing remains the multifamily industry’s toughest hiring challenge despite broader improvements in onsite recruiting. A shrinking pipeline of skilled trades professionals, retirements and competition from construction and other industries continue to limit the available talent pool. Operators are responding by emphasizing development and flexibility.
MULTIFAMILY TECHNOLOGY
Smarter Spending with AI: From Cost Control to Performance Insight
by Andrew Ruhland
Artificial intelligence is helping multifamily operators move beyond basic cost-cutting by transforming financial data into actionable operational insights. Rather than simply identifying where money is spent, AI-powered analytics can improve spend compliance, uncover savings opportunities and support better decision-making across portfolios. By combining automation with performance intelligence, operators can strengthen budgeting, increase efficiency and make more strategic choices.
Read the article in NAA Apartment Innovations
Why Renters Are Gaming the System
by Tiffany De Alva
Some renters exploit gaps in leasing processes, creating challenges for operators trying to maintain fair and consistent policies. Addressing these issues requires stronger verification practices, clearer communication and proactive strategies that protect both communities and responsible residents. By improving processes, property teams can reduce risks.
AI Reshaping Multifamily Construction
by Matthew Kaufman
AI is beginning to reshape multifamily construction by improving planning, efficiency and decision-making throughout the development process. As adoption continues, construction professionals are exploring how technology can enhance collaboration, reduce inefficiencies and support better and smarter approaches to building communities.