RETTC’s Technology in Reaction Initiative

Real Communities.
Real Innovation.
Real Impact.

Technology is changing how rental housing is developed, operated and experienced. Across the country, housing providers are putting artificial intelligence, emerging technologies and innovative solutions to work—finding new ways to reduce operating costs, improve resident experiences, strengthen housing stability and address some of America’s most pressing housing challenges.

RETTC wants to tell those stories.

That’s why we’re launching Technology in Action, a national initiative to showcase real-world examples of technology delivering results for rental housing communities and residents. We want to look past the promise of technology and learn what’s actually working.

What We’re Looking For

We invite housing providers and their partners to share examples of innovation in areas such as:

• Lowering operating costs: predictive maintenance, energy management, process automation, staffing tools, fraud prevention and asset longevity.
• Improving the resident experience: faster service, resident-facing AI, better communication, smart-home technology, and safety and accessibility upgrades.
• Advancing affordability and stability: flexible payments, deposit alternatives, rent reporting, easier applications and retention tools.
• Accelerating development and supply: construction technology, modular building, AI-assisted design, and renovation and preservation.
• Applying AI and emerging technology: generative and agentic AI, robotics, data-driven decision support, sensors and cross-industry innovations.

Submissions outside these categories are welcome.

What Makes a Strong Submission

Strong submissions describe the challenge, the technology or approach used, how it was deployed, the results (including how residents benefited), lessons learned, and its broader potential impact. Measurable outcomes are encouraged, but early pilots and promising partnerships are welcome too. We’re especially interested in approaches other providers could replicate.

Housing Provider Participation Is Required

Every submission must center on a housing provider’s real-world experience. Technology companies, consultants and other partners may submit if they name a participating housing provider that has reviewed and approved the submission, authorized RETTC to use it, and designated a contact for follow-up. Submissions based solely on product features, hypothetical uses or unverified vendor claims won’t be considered.

How Submissions May Be Used

Selected examples may be featured at the Tech Executive Summit 2027 in New Orleans, in RETTC webinars and member education, in RETTC publications and media outreach, and in public policy and advocacy work. Selection isn’t guaranteed. RETTC will coordinate with providers before publicly naming them or sharing results, and will respect confidentiality requests.

Who Should Participate

Housing providers of all sizes and segments (market-rate, affordable, workforce, student and senior) are encouraged to submit, along with their technology, development, financial and consulting partners. RETTC membership is not required.

Share your experience and help show what’s possible when innovation meets real-world housing challenges.

Show us technology in action.