Does your organization have a documented risk management plan that is reviewed and updated regularly?
results breakdown
The results show that many organizations have yet to put a formal risk management plan in place. Almost half of respondents (48.3%, or 14 organizations) reported having no plan at all, while another five organizations (17.2%) said they have an informal plan that has not been documented. Four organizations (13.8%) have a documented plan but have not reviewed it recently. Only four respondents (13.8%) indicated that their plan is reviewed annually or more often.
Taken together, nearly two-thirds of organizations (65.5%) either have no plan or rely on informal arrangements. This does not necessarily mean that these organizations are not managing risks in their day-to-day operations, but it does suggest that their approaches may not be consistently documented or formally reviewed. Without a written plan, it can be more difficult to track emerging risks, establish clear responsibilities, and ensure that important procedures remain relevant as circumstances change. For organizations already managing competing priorities and limited resources, developing a practical, manageable plan could be a useful first step toward a more consistent approach to risk management.
What is your organization’s greatest current risk management concern?
Results Breakdown
Building maintenance and major capital repairs stood out as the most common concern, selected by 10 organizations (34.5%). This is a notable finding, as building-related issues can have implications well beyond the cost of repairs, affecting tenant safety, the quality of housing, and an organization's ability to plan for the future. Major repairs can also be difficult to address when funding is limited or unexpected expenses arise.
Financial sustainability and rising operating costs, along with staffing, governance, and operational capacity, were each identified by six organizations (20.7%). These concerns point to the broader pressures organizations face in keeping their operations running while responding to growing demands. Even when the need for repairs or improvements is clear, limited budgets, staff capacity, and competing priorities can make it difficult to take action. Tenant safety, health, and well-being was the leading concern for five organizations (17.2%), while two (6.9%) identified emergency preparedness and business continuity. No respondents selected insurance coverage and liability as their greatest current concern.
Overall, the responses suggest that organizations are dealing with a mix of immediate operational challenges and longer-term sustainability issues. Building maintenance is the most frequently cited concern, but the results also show how closely infrastructure, financial stability, and organizational capacity can be connected. Addressing one area may depend, in part, on having the resources and capacity to manage the others.
How prepared is your organization to respond to a major emergency, such as a fire, flood, extended power outage, or building evacuation?
Results Breakdown
Emergency preparedness appears to be an area where many organizations could benefit from further work. Six respondents (20.7%) described their organizations as very prepared, with documented plans and procedures in place. The largest group, nine organizations (31.0%), reported that plans exist but need updating. Another six (20.7%) said they are minimally prepared, with some procedures in place, while seven (24.1%) acknowledged that they are not prepared and still need to develop an emergency plan. One respondent was unsure of their organization's level of readiness.
In total, 13 organizations (44.8%) described themselves as either minimally prepared or not prepared for a major emergency. At the same time, the number of organizations with existing plans that need updating is worth noting. It suggests that the challenge is not always starting from scratch; for some, the priority may be reviewing current procedures, identifying gaps, and making sure plans reflect present-day building needs and operational realities.
An emergency can place considerable pressure on staff and resources, particularly when decisions need to be made quickly. Having clear procedures for situations such as fires, floods, extended power outages, or building evacuations can help reduce uncertainty and support a more coordinated response. The findings point to an opportunity for organizations to review their current level of preparedness, develop plans where none exist, and ensure that staff understand their roles and responsibilities. Regular reviews and practice exercises can also help make sure plans are useful in practice, rather than simply existing on paper.