As AI continues to influence the workplace, we surveyed housing authority professionals to understand how these tools are being used, what challenges exist, and where leaders see the greatest opportunities. The results reveal a mix of optimism, curiosity, and caution—along with a growing desire for sector-specific guidance.

✅ AI Is Being Used—But Largely at the Individual Level

The majority of respondents reported using tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, Canva Magic Studio, Visual Thread, or Respondit AI in some personal or professional capacity. Many are experimenting with:

  • Drafting and editing emails, letters, contracts, and board documents
  • Summarizing long reports and HUD guidance
  • Brainstorming and problem-solving
  • Research and data interpretation
  • Proposal and grant development
  • Meeting agendas, recaps, and policy work

However, organizational adoption is slower. While a few are piloting AI features within platforms like Yardi Voyager or resident communication systems, many respondents note they’re still in exploratory stages—or using AI mostly on a personal level.

The Most Common Benefits Reported

Across the board, one theme dominated: time savings. Respondents shared that AI:

  • Speeds up report and document creation
  • Improves clarity and tone in communication
  • Automates repetitive tasks
  • Reduces time spent searching or analyzing data
  • Helps “get to the important parts faster”

Others also cited:

  • Greater efficiency
  • Clearer resident and board communication
  • Creative problem-solving support
  • Confidence and clarity when drafting content

Top Concerns: Accuracy, Security & Staff Readiness

While many are excited about AI’s potential, there are real reservations:

1. Data Privacy & Security

Staff fear unintentionally exposing PII, financials, or sensitive agency information in AI platforms.

2. Accuracy & Over-Reliance

Concerns include misleading or incomplete information, and staff accepting AI-generated results without verification.

3. Staff Hesitation or Resistance

Tenured employees are often less comfortable experimenting, and many leaders worry about uneven adoption or fear of job replacement.

4. Loss of Human Touch

Several respondents emphasized the importance of maintaining empathy in resident interactions, case management, and service delivery.

Where Leaders See the Greatest Opportunity

Respondents identified multiple high-impact areas for AI:

Communication & Resident Services

  • Messaging, letters, call support, vendor outreach
  • AI chatbots for portals and phone lines

Policy, Forms, and Documentation

  • Board packets, agenda reports, policies, administrative plans, contracts

Process Efficiency

  • Workflow automation, data organization, internal knowledge tools

Strategic Planning & Analytics

  • Predictive insights around demand, maintenance, compliance, and risk

Training & Support

  • Onboarding, role guidance, and staff assistance

Many also indicated “all areas” hold opportunity if implemented thoughtfully.

What Housing Authorities Want Next

When asked what would support them most in AI adoption, three needs rose to the top:

✅ Practical, hands-on training—not generic webinars, but real demonstrations tied to housing operations, reporting, compliance, finance, and resident services.

✅ Peer discussions & sector examples—leaders want to hear from other agencies about what’s working (and what isn’t).

✅ Roadmaps & implementation guidance—including checklists, phased adoption models, and help building staff buy-in.

Respondents also emphasized a desire for support around:

  • Ethical use and data security
  • Change management and team readiness
  • Exploring new use cases in finance, compliance, and operations

Final Insight: The Interest Is There—But So Is the Uncertainty

Most leaders believe AI can improve efficiency and communication, but they want a trusted framework and sector-specific guidance before expanding usage. The appetite for learning is high—and so is the desire to protect residents, data, and staff confidence.

As more housing authorities experiment with AI, shared learning, structured training, and responsible rollout strategies will determine whether implementation feels empowering—or overwhelming.

Want to Learn From Other Housing Leaders?

If you’re interested in real conversations—not theory—around AI adoption, tools, and implementation in housing authorities, consider joining the Peer Group Connection. It’s a space where executive leaders, directors, and managers share what’s working, explore new solutions, and learn from each other in real time.

If you’d like more information or want to be included in the next session, click here to schedule a free consultation.