A letter from IREM President Dawn Carpenter, CPM®

As we wrap up 2025, we look forward to the exciting opportunities 2026 holds for us. We are officially entering the second half of the decade and looking ahead to the future.

In our Q&A, we hear from our new leadership team: 2026 IREM President Mindy Gronbeck, CPM^®, 2026 President-Elect Kim Collins, CPM^®, and 2026 Secretary/Treasurer Ryan Huffman, CPM^®. They discuss IREM’s implementation of the 2026–2030 strategic plan and vision, deepening member engagement, enhancing membership value across all career stages, and focusing on sustainability, technology, global expansion, and advocacy.  

In Outlook 2026, we look back on what has evolved over the past year and what can be seen on the horizon for 2026. Property managers can expect to be affected by economic shifts, tenant preferences, sustainability demands, and AI adoption. Flexibility will remain essential across leasing, space use, and design. We discuss commercial and residential trends, AI’s expanding role, sustainability and ESG, risk management and preparedness, tenant and resident engagement, and mixed-use expansion. Property managers must be proactive and focus on doing fewer things exceptionally well to build loyalty and long-term success.

A major aspect of IREM’s continued focus on sustainability is our Certified Sustainable Property (CSP) program, which launched 10 years ago. This year, IREM introduced CSP v.2025, which updated the framework to align with evolving market expectations and sustainability standards. In 2023, the Jackson Control Sustainability Awards were introduced by Jackson Control and the IREM Foundation to recognize top CSP properties. Learn more about the continuously growing CSP program and the 2025 Jackson Control Sustainability Awards, as well as the IREM Foundation’s distinguished awards recognizing professionals and organizations that have demonstrated excellence in teaching, mentoring, and advancing the industry.

The IREM Association Executive (IAE) Advisory Council plays a crucial role in deepening member engagement and enhancing membership value. Read how the IAE Advisory Council strengthens IREM by bridging the national headquarters and local chapters, ensuring consistent member support, effective tools, and professional development for association executives to sustain high-quality, evolving member experiences nationwide.

Global expansion includes awareness of the similarities and differences surrounding property types throughout the world. For example, Dubai is a hub for the branded residence, leading the worldwide growth of this trend, with South Florida ranking second. The U.S. and UAE markets differ but share a demand for fully integrated, service-rich lifestyles. Learn more about Dubai’s successes in this property type and how it caters to today’s globally mobile, experience-driven buyers who want seamless luxury living.

The senior housing sector is booming as America’s 65+ population is expected to surge past 88 million by 2050. Property managers are balancing rising costs and staffing challenges through strong culture and training to ensure success as independent and active adult communities evolve with social, wellness, and lifelong learning amenities. Learn more in our property spotlight column.

As I enter the homestretch of my time as IREM President, I want to take this opportunity to remind everyone that we are “better together.” Each IREM member has unique strengths, perspectives, and expertise, and by paying attention to and taking advantage of these qualities, we can achieve more, both in our businesses and at IREM itself. IREM continues to be strong because of members like you, and we will face the challenges and celebrate the successes of the future as a team.