The schedule was tight, the trip was rushed—but it proved worth every second. In just a short burst of conversations, Cecilia Cossio was reminded that conferences aren’t about collecting 100 contacts. They’re about finding the one or two connections that truly shift the needle.

And through every conversation, one common denominator stood out: the desire and passion to keep advancing an industry that has always—and will always—serve people first. Whether that’s the lender, the investor, the community, the residents, or the teams that show up every day to take care of them all, the mission remains rooted in People.

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‍What Stood Out

‍•The Gap is Real. Costs are up, subsidies are stretched thin, and financing doesn’t pencil like it used to. Prevention programs are one of the few things helping residents stay housed and properties stay stable.

•It’s Still a Human Business. AI boosted leasing and made data more accessible, but the real value comes when teams pair technology with accountability, training, and genuine resident care

.•Resident Services Drive Dollars. Certified, data-driven resident programs don’t just improve lives—they unlock incentives, lower debt costs, and reduce turnover.

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‍Practical Wins‍

•Water retrofits + smart meters

•In-house reno crews

•AI procurement + bulk buys

•Above-market pay for talent

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‍Her Pledge
This trip reminded me why we do it the NexGen way: People. Purpose. Progress. We won’t win this space with slogans. We win it by pairing innovative capital with operational excellence, and by remembering that every spreadsheet cell represents a human life—a family trying to keep their home and a team member trying to build a career.

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If You’re In This Work, Let’s Talk.  Join Cecilia  on Affordable Foundations - Legacy Impact through Housing