Affiliate of the Year-Mid-Size (25,001-99,999 units) Finalist

MAA offers a variety of educational opportunities for our members. Within the last year, we held our first-ever Leadership Lyceum. Our mission is to develop current and future leaders of the association and industry. The best way to do that is to offer educational events that create stronger members and a stronger workforce.

Hosting the Leadership Lyceum gave members the opportunity to not only learn more about the industry but the importance of the association.

Our class consisted of current board members and potential leaders. Each person walked away learning something different. Everyone gained a better understanding of the importance of education and how MAA fills that role for our members.

Over the 3-day course, we heard from local leaders, past board members, and a presentation from NAA. It was important for us to have participants hear and learn what the NAA has to offer. By doing so, we've seen more of an interest in our members participating in NAA events.

We're proud to say that we had 12 graduates from the inaugural class. We will be offering this opportunity again in 2023 to future leaders.

Advocacy is the whole reason MAA exists. When we opened our local office in 2016, the goal was to be the voice of the rental housing industry. Over the last 6 years, we have been able to be that voice for our members. And we've made a name for ourselves at the Capital and with several municipalities within the state.

Our Government Affairs Committee helps oversee the coordination of issues through grassroots efforts and helps bring awareness to local leaders about the importance of apartments in Mississippi. MAA works closely with the National Apartment Association to monitor issues on a federal level, such as fair housing and tax reform. The federal, state and local policy issues impacting the apartment industry are numerous and wide-ranging, and affect how property owners and managers provide safe affordable housing.

2022 has been a busy year for us and our advocacy work. From passing legislation to working with 2 cities regarding rental inspection ordinances, we've been busy.

The year began with a legislative push to make corrections to the Landlord Tenant Act. Through the diligent work of our lobbyist, Government Affairs Committee, and association attorney, we were able to successfully pass changes that are positive for our members and residents.

Advocacy never stops for MAA! We're always monitoring and making sure our members are educated on what is going on.

Each year MAA raises money for Hatching Hope. Hatching Hope is a 501 (C)(3) disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization that provides immediate and long-term recovery essentials to victims of disasters. Since 2016 we have raised over $13,500 for the organization.

This year, we raised the most money of any affiliate for kit sponsorships. We were able to raise $7,500 and purchase 150 kits to purchase and have on hand.

Being able to provide residents with kits after a disaster has been very inspiring.

The past two years have been challenging regarding events and offering networking opportunities. This year, we began hosting quarterly coffee events for members to attend. We were blown away by the success of something that seemed so simple.

Members get an opportunity each quarter to attend the networking event at a different community. There is no cost to attend, which has increased participation with members who don't typically attend events. We've also used the opportunity to invite non-members as well.

Our members have enjoyed connecting with other members with no agenda for the event. Several times the event runs longer than scheduled because everyone is having such a great time.

Educational opportunities are very important, but we also found opportunities to connect with peers are just as valuable.