Thursday December 18, 2025
FirstService Residential is the leading property management company in Missouri and Kansas, serving condominium associations, HOAs, master-planned communities, and high-rise properties. To better understand the local HOA landscape, we sat down with Jason Wortman, senior vice president for Missouri/Kansas, to answer key questions about trends, challenges, and opportunities in the region.2026 Kansas/Missouri HOA trends and insights: An interview with Jason Wortman
What makes Missouri and Kansas unique in the HOA space?
"Missouri and Kansas have incredibly diverse communities. From high-rise condos in downtown Kansas City to sprawling master-planned neighborhoods in suburbs like Overland Park and Leawood, each community has its own personality and priorities. Our job at FirstService is to tailor solutions that fit those unique needs while maintaining consistency in service and compliance."
Jason Wortman, senior vice president for Missouri/Kansas
What trends are shaping HOAs in Missouri and Kansas?
"We’re seeing a strong shift toward resort-style living and enhanced amenities. Communities are investing in features like fitness centers, walking trails, and social spaces to meet the expectations of residents who are spending more time at home. High-rise properties, in particular, are upgrading common areas and introducing hospitality-style services to stay competitive in a changing market."Technology is also transforming the HOA experience.
"Digital platforms like FirstService Residential Connect™ make it easier for boards and residents to manage payments, reserve amenities, and communicate directly with their management team. On top of that, we’ve introduced HODA® (Homeowner Digital Assistant) to take convenience to the next level."HODA® streamlines communication by providing quick responses to community-specific questions via text message, 24/7. It’s fully integrated with our Connect platform, so homeowners can simply text HODA® for inquiries such as account balances, recent transactions, service requests, billing issues, amenity reservations, and visitor parking passes.
How do HOAs in this region handle financial planning and risk management?
"Financial stability is critical. We guide boards through reserve studies, budgeting, and even financing options for major projects. For example, our team recently helped a Kansas City high-rise secure a $5.7 million loan for infrastructure upgrades and saved the board thousands annually through waste management and tax refunds."Jason adds:
"Through FirstService Financial (FFI), we provide boards with access to specialized banking relationships, competitive lending solutions, and investment strategies designed for community associations. FFI helps communities maximize interest income, secure favorable loan terms, and ensure funds are protected while aligning with the board’s long-term goals. This partnership gives our clients confidence that their financial planning is not only sound but optimized for growth and stability."
What challenges do boards face today?
"Aging infrastructure and rising costs are top concerns. Many communities in Missouri and Kansas were built decades ago, and now they’re facing major repairs—think roofs, elevators, plumbing systems, and parking structures. These projects aren’t just costly; they require careful planning and coordination to minimize disruption for residents."Jason continues:
"Boards also struggle with balancing resident expectations for modern amenities with financial realities. Homeowners want upgraded fitness centers, enhanced security, and smart technology, but budgets are often tight. Inflation and rising labor costs only add pressure."This is where FirstService’s expertise makes a difference.
"We help boards navigate these challenges through strategic planning, reserve studies, and proactive maintenance programs. Our in-house maintenance and project management teams provide hands-on support for everything from routine repairs to large-scale renovations. By managing projects internally, we ensure quality control, faster turnaround, and cost efficiency."Jason emphasizes the importance of communication:
"Transparent communication is key. We work closely with boards to educate homeowners about why certain projects are necessary and how they’re funded. When residents understand the long-term benefits—like preserving property values and avoiding emergency assessments—they’re more supportive of these initiatives."
How do Missouri and Kansas compare nationally?
Nationally, one-third of U.S. housing is in community associations, and by 2040, this model is expected to dominate. Missouri and Kansas reflect this trend, with growing demand for condos and master-planned communities. Median home values—$244,676 in Missouri and $189,300 in Kansas—underscore the importance of protecting property values through effective HOA management.Jason shares his perspective:
"Missouri and Kansas may not have the sheer volume of associations you see in states like Florida or California, but the growth here is steady and strategic. We’re seeing more developers incorporate HOA structures into new communities because homeowners value the stability and amenities these associations provide."
Positive homeowner feedback
Here are two verified Google reviews from Missouri communities managed by FirstService:"Our HOA has been managed by FirstService for years, and they’ve consistently delivered excellent service. Communication is clear, and issues are resolved quickly. Highly recommend!"
J.S., St. Louis, MO
"FirstService makes living in our community stress-free. Their team is professional, responsive, and always willing to go the extra mile."
M.K., Kansas City, MO
What’s your outlook for 2026 and beyond?
"We expect continued growth in master-planned developments and high-rise living. Developers are responding to demand for communities that offer convenience, lifestyle amenities, and luxury. In urban areas like Kansas City, high-rise condos will continue to attract professionals and empty nesters, while suburban regions will see more large-scale master-planned communities with integrated parks, trails, and social spaces."Sustainability will be a major focus.
"Boards are prioritizing energy-efficient upgrades such as LED lighting, smart irrigation systems, and solar options, as well as creating green spaces to enhance livability and reduce environmental impact. We’re also seeing interest in EV charging stations and water conservation initiatives, which align with homeowner expectations and long-term cost savings."Technology will play an even bigger role.
"Digital platforms and tools like FirstService Residential Connect™ and HODA® will become essential for transparency and engagement. Homeowners want instant access to information, and boards need streamlined processes for communication and compliance. These tools make that possible."Jason emphasizes the advantage of scale:
"Our role is to help communities thrive by combining local expertise with national resources. That means leveraging FirstService Financial for smarter funding solutions, tapping into our in-house maintenance and project management teams for quality and efficiency, and using data-driven insights to guide boards through complex decisions. The future is about proactive planning and creating communities that people truly love to live in."
The bottom line
As Missouri and Kansas HOAs look to the future, embracing innovation and proactive planning will be key to building vibrant, resilient communities. The region’s evolving landscape—marked by new developments, sustainability initiatives, and technology-driven management—demands expertise and adaptability from boards and managers alike.FirstService Residential stands out by offering comprehensive solutions tailored to these needs. From financial planning and risk management with FirstService Financial, to hands-on support from in-house maintenance and project management teams, and innovative digital tools like Connect™ and HODA, FirstService empowers boards and residents to create communities that thrive today and into the future.