The Tukwila, Wash.-based Washington Multi-Family Housing Association, a nonprofit trade group representing the multifamily-housing industry, recently has established chapters in Spokane and in the Tri-Cities, says Jim Wiard, WMFHA executive director. 

Although there currently are no plans to open brick-and-mortar offices in either city, the Eastern Washington Council of WMFHA will provide educational training, government affairs advocacy, and networking opportunities to current and prospective members in both cities, Wiard says. 

Spokane-based Michele Davis and Jim Lalonde will serve as co-chairs of the local chapter. Davis is an account manager at For Rent Media Solutions, and Lalonde is a principal at Prodigy Property Management, LLC, says Wiard.

He says the organization has acquired 40 to 50 new members in the Spokane area in the last 30 days, since the chapter has been established. He adds that WMFHA’s current membership in the Eastern Washington area includes 14 management companies that oversee 100 apartment communities.  

“We have a large number of volunteers as well, and people are really eager and excited to help out,” he says.  

Monthly association meetings are scheduled for upcoming months and will include classes on property management, legal issues within the housing community, legislative issues, and other topics. The classes are open to members and nonmembers. 

Wiard says the association works to improve the professionalism of the organization within the industry, and tracks state and federal legislation affecting the industry, providing advocacy at the state and federal levels.