CAI marks five years since Surfside collapse with renewed condo safety push

Community Associations Institute marked the fifth anniversary of the Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside, Florida, honoring the 98 people who died and highlighting progress on condominium safety, reserve funding and long-term planning. The group says the tragedy reshaped state policy and continues to drive inspections, maintenance and financial reforms nationwide.

Why it matters: - The Surfside collapse changed how states, communities and housing leaders think about condominium safety and reserve funding. - As condo buildings age nationwide, stronger maintenance, inspections and financial planning affect resident safety and the long-term viability of community association housing. - The issue touches a large share of U.S. households, with about 78.1 million Americans living in more than 373,000 community associations, including millions in condominium communities.

What happened: - Community Associations Institute marked the fifth anniversary of the Champlain Towers South collapse in Surfside, Fla., on June 24, 2026. - The organization honored the 98 lives lost in the June 24, 2021, tragedy. - Dawn M. Bauman, CAE, CAI's chief executive officer, said the lessons of Surfside continue to shape conversations about building safety, financial sustainability and responsible community governance.

The details: - CAI said meaningful remembrance includes reserve studies, building inspections, maintenance planning and informed community decisions. - Since Surfside, states have enacted or considered laws focused on reserve studies and funding, building inspections and structural integrity. - Condominium safety legislation has been introduced in at least 18 states. - Significant reforms have been enacted in California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Tennessee, Virginia and Washington. - CAI has worked with lawmakers, regulators, engineers, reserve specialists, community association leaders and housing experts on practical solutions. - The organization said its advocacy, education and best-practice efforts are intended to help communities meet changing requirements and plan for the future. - CAI said its condominium safety resources cover reserve funding, inspections, building maintenance and long-term planning and are available at condosafety.com.

Between the lines: - The anniversary underscores a shift from reacting to disasters toward preventing them through routine upkeep and financial discipline. - State action after Surfside suggests building safety is now tied more directly to governance and long-term funding decisions. - CAI is positioning itself as a central convener for the policy and technical changes that followed the collapse.

What's next: - More states are likely to keep debating condominium safety requirements as aging buildings face higher scrutiny. - Communities will continue balancing safety upgrades, reserve contributions and maintenance costs. - CAI said it will keep promoting education, advocacy and planning tools aimed at safer, more resilient condominiums.