The Arizona Multihousing Association recently awarded 10 communities in the Phoenix and Tucson areas the highest awards for safety at its annual Project S.A.F.E. ceremony.
Multifamily property managers throughout the state are eligible to compete for the awards by participating in the association’s 5-Star Safety Certification program.
The mission of Project S.A.F.E. is to empower apartment communities and residents by providing education and awareness about how to create safer, more vibrant environments for the properties and neighborhoods in which they live.
The association created the program to encourage property owners, management and residents to maintain quality housing, increase personal and physical safety, reduce crime and bring neighbors together. The certification allows responsible owners and managers to demonstrate to current and prospective tenants their commitment to the safety and wellbeing of the community.
Arizona Multihousing Association CEO Courtney LeVinus said the programs benefits residents – who have safer places to live – and property owners and managers, who may be able to better market their communities, connect with other industry leaders and, in some cases, lower insurance rates.
“As housing providers and partners, we have an unspoken duty to protect our communities so that our residents may feel safe and secure in their homes,” LeVinus said. “This program truly matters and has made a real-life impact on many communities that have participated.”
To become certified, property managers must earn five stars by:
- Attending a Project S.A.F.E. orientation
- Completing a Crime-Free Multi-Housing training offered by their city government
- Joining at least two local Community Coalition meetings with other property managers
- Hosting a social event for residents to learn about an important topic such as ID theft and fire prevention to best safe practices for pets and pools
- Submitting documentation of their achievements
In total, 18 management companies representing 58 multifamily locations were 5-Star Safety Certified by the Arizona Multihousing Association in 2023.
Each received a certificate, a special designation in the AMA Directory, as well as a virtual badge to display on their website and social media to set them apart for their demonstrated dedication to safety.
The awards recognized communities that went above and beyond with the highest resident turnout to a Project S.A.F.E. event, the largest variety and number of event sponsors and local participants, the most creative event flyer, the most creative and relevant event theme and an overall choice by the awards committee.
The award winners in Phoenix were:
- Best Resident Turnout: Ventura Vista, PB Bell
- Best Community Participation: Lakeside, PB Bell
- Best Flyer: Reflections at Red Mountain, PB Bell
- Best Theme: Lakes at Arrowhead Ranch, Decron
- Committee’s Choice: Aeroterra, Dunlap & Magee
The award winners in Tucson were:
- Best Invitation: San Mateo, Bridge Property Management
- Best Theme: Encantada Continental Reserve, HSL Asset Management
- Best Resident Turnout: The Gallery on 5th, Scotia Group Management
- Best Neighborhood Participation: Encantada at Steam Pump, HSL Asset Management
- Committee’s Choice: Encantada Rita Ranch, HSL Asset Management
The property management companies that participated were:
- AMC
- Asset Living
- Avenue5
- Bridge Property Management
- Chamberlin + Associates
- Decron Properties
- Dunlap & Magee Property Management
- Gorman & Company
- Greystar
- HSL Asset Management
- IDM
- Knightvest Management
- Logan Property Management
- MC Companies
- MEB Management Services
- Mark-Taylor Residential
- Mission Rock Residential
- P.B. Bell
- Village Green
“Project S.A.F.E. is not just a program. It’s a catalyst for positive change within our properties and the wider community and a cornerstone of our commitment to bringing tenants together to foster safe and welcoming environments,” LeVinus said. “I commend the dedication of property managers, staff and residents to producing engaging events, learning more and ensuring a comprehensive approach to the well-being of our communities.”
