Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept - it’s here, and it’s reshaping affordable & multifamily housing organizations. From automating communications to optimizing workflows, AI presents significant opportunities for housing organizations to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance experience.

But with these opportunities come critical challenges: how do organizations ensure AI is used ethically? How do we maintain fairness, transparency, and accountability in decision-making?

Why AI Governance Matters for Housing Organizations

Housing organizations operate in a high-stakes environment—handling sensitive, confidential, or protected data, making decisions that affect people’s livelihoods, and working within a regulatory landscape that is evolving rapidly. AI-driven processes, if left unchecked, can introduce risks such as bias, inaccurate or misleading recommendations, data security vulnerabilities, and over-reliance on automated workflows.

AI governance is about setting the expectations for design, development, usage, and support for AI for your organization. It ensures AI is used responsibly, aligning with organizational values and legal requirements. A strong governance framework:

• Protects residents and communities by ensuring fairness and accountability in AI-driven decision-making

• Enhances operational efficiency while maintaining human oversight where necessary

• Mitigates risks related to bias, data privacy, and compliance

• Supports responsible innovation by providing clear guidelines for AI adoption and usage

In our recent webinar, Smart Systems, Safe Standards: Using Trustworthy AI, we explored these topics in depth. You can watch the full recording below:

If your organization is looking for guidance on developing an AI governance framework, let’s start the conversation. Book a 15 minute call with an advisor to kickstart your path toward trustworthy AI adoption.

Key Takeaways from the Webinar

1. AI Should Be Accountable, Transparent, and Explainable
   Housing organizations need clear policies outlining how AI systems are used, who is responsible for their oversight, and how decisions are explained to stakeholders.

2. Bias & Fairness Must Be Proactively Addressed
   AI is only as fair as the data it learns from. If historical data used in model training includes discriminatory patterns, AI tools may unintentionally reinforce them. Organizations should implement bias audits and ensure human review in critical decision-making processes.

3. Data Privacy & Security Are Non-Negotiable
   AI systems rely on large amounts of data, which means housing organizations must strengthen data protection measures. Secure storage, encryption, and clear policies around data collection and retention are essential to maintaining trust.

4. AI Governance Should Be a Continuous Process
   AI governance isn’t a one-time effort—it requires ongoing monitoring, policy updates, and staff training. Establishing an AI governance committee can help ensure compliance, risk management, and continuous improvement.

How to Get Started

If your housing organization is just beginning its AI journey, here are some steps to establish a strong governance foundation:

• Define AI Use Cases: Identify where AI can provide the most value while aligning with organizational priorities

• Establish AI Policies: Develop clear policies for AI use, covering transparency, fairness, data privacy, and human oversight

• Implement Risk Management Processes: Regularly assess AI tools for unintended consequences, bias, and security vulnerabilities

• Train Your Team: Ensure staff understand AI limitations, ethical considerations, and how to use AI responsibly

Looking Ahead

AI has the potential to transform housing operations for the better—but only if it’s implemented with foresight and responsibility. By prioritizing AI governance, housing organizations can harness the power of AI while safeguarding tenant rights and ensuring ethical decision-making.

For a deeper dive into AI policy and governance, watch our full webinar. If your organization is looking for guidance on developing an AI governance framework, let’s start the conversation. Book a 15 minute call with an advisor to kickstart your path toward trustworthy AI adoption.