New AMA Board Chair’s Goal: ‘Make The Biggest Impact Possible’

New AMA Board Chair’s Goal: ‘Make The Biggest Impact Possible’

Michelle Sinclair, the incoming board chair for the Arizona Multihousing Association, is taking the helm at a defining moment for the rental housing industry. 

AMA will celebrate its 60th anniversary this year – six decades of advocating for a stronger Arizona rental housing market and industry. 

Today, AMA represents thousands of members and hundreds of thousands of rental homes across the state. 

We asked Sinclair, a 38-year industry veteran, to tell us about her path through the multifamily world, her vision for AMA and what the industry needs to do to keep housing attainable for Arizona renters.

What is your career background in the multifamily industry?

I started my career in the multifamily industry in the San Francisco Bay area. When I rented my first apartment, the leasing agent who gave me a tour asked: ‘Have you ever thought about being a leasing agent? You would be great at it.’ I looked in the newspaper for job ads, and here I am 38 years later. 

I moved from assistant manager to manager to regional. I’ve been a director of training and marketing, an asset manager and the president of a multifamily property management company. Now I’m vice president of strategic operations at The Wolff Company, in their 55+ independent living division called Revel. I’ve been fortunate to gain a wide range of experience across the industry, which gives me a broad perspective on the challenges and opportunities we face.

The most challenging period of my career came when I was diagnosed with a rare form of breast cancer, which required extensive treatment. For the first time, I had to step back and prioritize my health over work – a lesson in resilience that gave me a renewed perspective on life and leadership. Thankfully, I’ve been in remission for 7 years now. Life is tough sometimes, but I definitely grew from it, and it opened up new opportunities in the industry that I am so grateful for.

What is your vision for AMA in 2026?

I want our industry to have one voice, and I want to continue to build on everything that past chairs have accomplished in recent years.

We need to build on our work with legislators, cities and towns so they understand the continued need to grow the pipeline for housing.

We want to deepen engagement among AMA members, take advantage of their strengths and set measurable goals to ensure we’re making the biggest impact possible.

Rents have fallen, but Arizonans still list housing affordability as one of their top concerns. What else needs to be done?

With a large amount of new development coming online simultaneously, the market is recalibrating. We’re seeing concessions and some rent softening, but this is part of a normal cycle. It’s also creating meaningful gains in affordability, which ultimately strengthens the long-term sustainability of our communities.

Several factors are contributing to a potential slowdown in new development, including tariffs, regulatory hurdles and longer approval timelines at the local level. As projects take longer to move forward, costs increase and financial assumptions must be revisited. Finding ways to improve efficiency in the approval process can help mitigate cost pressures and support long-term affordability.

In some markets, regulatory requirements can significantly impact project feasibility. Well-intentioned conditions – such as design mandates, public space contributions or density limitations – can add substantial cost or limit the amount of housing delivered. Aligning regulatory goals with real housing needs is essential to producing sustainable, attainable communities.

AMA has made progress in this area by engaging with local governments to promote greater transparency and accountability around permitting timelines.

What do you wish people understood better about renting, rental property owners or rental property developers?

People don’t always see the human side of this industry. Our work is centered on creating safe, quality homes and supporting residents over the long term. Retention and stability – not displacement – are what define success.

Being a good neighbor is at the heart of how we operate. Our residents are valued members of the community, and our careful screening and management practices help ensure that our communities remain safe, welcoming and thriving.

What do you like to do for fun in your free time?

Volunteer work brings me a lot of joy. I’ve volunteered with the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, UMOM New Day Center, Entryway and the Arizona Multihousing Charitable Foundation. In the past I hosted my own fundraiser to support cancer patients. The money raised provided wigs for patients going through chemotherapy treatment.

I love board games, reading and spending time with my two adult kids when they’re in town.  

After surviving cancer, I realized the importance of embracing life fully. I started challenging myself in ways that once scared me – from traveling despite my fear of flying, to boogieboarding in the ocean and going on an African safari. This past summer, I was able to visit Greece with my family, and I continue to seek out new experiences. Life is unpredictable, and I’ve learned to make the most of every opportunity.