Innovation

LIVEbe is a residential development company based in Maryland, United States. It was founded to create authentic apartment communities enriched with engaging social and cultural connections for their residents. Based on their mission, they strive to provide care by being inclusive, passionate, caring, and connected to residents. Their program, which involves LIVEbe Ambassadors, creates and cultivates numerous events and living opportunities. These events allow members to feel like they belong and are represented in their residential community.

The housing industry is usually very cyclical. However, LIVEbe differentiates itself through its innovative approach to community living. A highlight of their overall process is their LIVEbe Ambassadors, who serve in a mentor role to create opportunities to help residents grow and thrive. Most of these ambassadors are employees who are proactive in people's lives to help them feel at home.

While their focus is on residential communities, several of their initiatives align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Their main mission of promoting inclusive community engagement contributes to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, something that is directly linked to what LIVEbe does. Along with this, they also emphasize working conditions for employees, empowering them to be creative, have freedom, and develop themselves in their careers. The goal that is closely aligned with the way they treat their workers is SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. LIVEbe’s focus on workers has allowed them to remain economically stable and even thrive. The human connection LIVEbe has with its employees and residents helps to build their resilient communities and overall improve urban life.

Inspiration

Elaine De Lude, Vice President of LIVEbe Communities who has been leading the company since the beginning, explained that she was inspired to create this mission-focused company after her experiences with other property management companies. She wanted to change the usual uncaring perception of landlords into one that prioritizes community-building and supporting its workers.

“Leaders have significant authority to run their communities as if it was their own business. We do what we say we are going to do and demonstrate our values daily,” said De Lude.

Overall impact

LIVEbe is a residential development community under the multifamily division of Berman Enterprises. LIVEbe manages an array of apartment communities in the state of Maryland. LIVEbe was founded in 2016 with the goal of reimagining apartment living as a connected and rewarding experience rather than simply providing rental housing. LIVEbe ambassadors focus on emotional intelligence, service, and engagement to develop true relationships with residents, whom they refer to as “members.” LIVEbe also organizes events in public places such as nature walks, spa days, pool parties, and gathering spots to foster connection and well-being.

In the short term, LIVEbe’s innovation increased resident happiness and retention by instilling a sense of belonging. Community events and public spaces have increased resident engagement and strengthened neighborhood bonds. Employees benefit from the ambassador model because it provides meaningful roles that emphasize emotional intelligence and customized service, which addresses SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.

De Lude explained that LIVEbe stands out from other property management companies because of their “collaborative, supportive and nurturing environment with a commitment to continuous improvement. We do that via our surveys and in-person meetings with internal and external customers.”

Long-term, LIVEbe contributes to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities by eliminating urban isolation and encouraging inclusive neighborhoods. Positive internet reviews, staff surveys, and regular lease renewals prove this effect. LIVEbe’s revolutionary approach demonstrates how real estate may support economic and social well-being.

Business benefit

LIVEbe’s innovative social and environmental sustainability efforts have great benefits that allowed them to grow. Starting with just two employees, the company has grown to manage five properties across the DC and Baltimore Metro Area. The industry has recognized this growth as not only fast-paced, but sustainable. The epIQ Top Management Companies and Communities for 2024 announced that LIVEbe ranked #23 in the top 100 companies with 1-9 properties, while their Bowen apartments ranked in the top 250 communities overall.

Furthermore, their DEI efforts have paid off, with De Lude being appointed President of the Property Management Association, a DC metro area group of leaders in the leasing industry. During her tenure, she implemented many DEI efforts that LIVEbe had pioneered so they could be applied to the wider community, fostering a greater sense of purpose and belonging.

As for their environmental footprint, LIVEbe’s Baltimore Skyscraper, 2 Hopkins, employs an EMS, or Environmental Management System, in which many inputs such as electricity, water, and air, are automated to be more efficient through a computerized system. This allows LIVEbe to achieve low costs, but also high environmental impact, scoring 88 out of 100 possible points on their energy star portfolio. This system drives down input costs while saving electricity and water and cleaning the city air of Baltimore.

Social and environmental benefit

LIVEbe’s biggest impact is how they flip the typical approach to apartment living. Most rental companies treat it like a transaction. You pay rent, they fix what’s broken, and that’s the extent of the relationship. LIVEbe sees it differently, and it shows. They treat their properties like living communities and their residents like members, not just tenants. That shift might seem small, but it changes everything. It makes people feel like they belong. It’s part of a bigger goal to build connection, not just occupancy. That same mindset shows up in how they support their employees too. Offering wellness time and flexible schedules isn’t something you usually see in property management. LIVEbe does it because they know that taking care of their people inside reflects how the community outside feels too.

De Lude told us, “Community means something different to everyone. To us, it means creating a supportive, belonging, diverse, connected environment.” That showed up in how they’ve supported displaced families, partnered with schools, and found ways to give back. It’s not fully tracked or documented yet, but you can see the intent behind it. With a little more structure, that impact could be even stronger.

On the environmental side, they’re just getting started. They’ve added Energy Star appliances, prioritized buying from companies with shared values, and designed their properties with walkability and wellness in mind. They also just began the journey to becoming a Certified B Corporation. That step will give them more tools and structure to grow their sustainability efforts and stay accountable as they build a business that balances profit with purpose.

Interview

Elaine De Lude, Vice President