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HOAs Role in Community Development

Started by AnilS2 • 5 replies • 1440 views

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AnilS2 (Maryland)
Posts: 1
Posted:
I am a member of my HOA board. Most of our resources and effort is spent on enforcing rules and imposing fines—and seems like the only role—and no thought of community and area development.

Are there shinning examples of HOAs who have successfully embarked on community development and making the neighborhood more attractive, convivial and happy neighborhood?

I would like to create a forum on "HOAs Role in Community Development" to seek views and advice.
TimB4 (Tennessee)
Posts: 21,059
Posted:
Anil,

I applaud you for your efforts.

Legally, and mind you I am not an attorney, I would think that there may be some limitations due to what authority an Association has and does not have. This authority would be derived from applicable laws and the CC&Rs.

There are some resources available:

Best Practices: Community Harmony and Spirit from The Foundation for Community Association Research

Best Practices: Community Security from The Foundation for Community Association Research

“Building Community” in Condominium and Homeowner Associations a list of various articles from the Community Associations Network (a sponsor of this site)

Sometimes it can be simple things like regular newsletters with updates on various events (school sports, etc.). I remembers seeing one newsletter that had a match owners and pets game. It had a picture of the pet (and it's name) then on another page a picture of owners and their names.

Hope this helps,

Tim
JohnC46 (South Carolina)
Posts: 14,265
Posted:
Anil

As Tim said, bravo for you trying to make things better

There are many associations that run smoothly and all are happy. When I say all, I mean the far majority are. Even in my HOA where the largest majority are happy, we have a few (5-10 or so out of 113) that will never be happy no matter what or how things are done. They will always find something to bytch about. The problem is the minority is often the most vocal and they tend to be the most vocal at owner meetings. They are also the type that shop for answers they want and/or spout off on the Internet, including this chat.

Some say apathy is a bad word. Lack of concern (apathy) is quite common when one is happy with the way things are and/or their priorities are not the same as others.

JoK2 (California)
Posts: 198
Posted:
What do you mean by "community development"? People or assets? It is quite admirable that you want to move your HoA forward, however that is not as easy as it sounds. As John stated, and in our own HOA, when people don't come to meetings etc, it's not a given that they don't care. It can mean the opposite as we found out recently. They actually trust the board to take care of things so when only an 1/8 of owners show up for a meeting, it can be a sign of all is ok with what is going on. If your thinking of improvements that involves assets, that's another can of worms that requires a lot of professionals hired to give you an answer.
AnnH6 (Florida)
Posts: 27
Posted:
1) Keep newsletters focused on timely, relevant information. In reality, very few people appreciate having their HOA fees spent on "fluff" pieces of information. Most homeowners actually want to know what the HOA Board is doing beyond "social events".

2) Offer annual surveys in order to gauge customer/end user perceptions. Use it as a QI tool to make improvements.

3) Use surveys before making big changes. The Board may think it is a great idea, but if only 30 out of 500 homeowners are supporting it, is it really a great idea? HOAs may be surprised when they find out what homeowners are really thinking (ie they might actually want the Board to replace the landscaping and not drop in a new bench).

AnnH6 (Florida)
Posts: 27
Posted:
1) Keep newsletters focused on timely, relevant information. In reality, very few people appreciate having their HOA fees spent on "fluff" pieces of information. Most homeowners actually want to know what the HOA Board is doing beyond "social events".

2) Offer annual surveys in order to gauge customer/end user perceptions. Use it as a QI tool to make improvements.

3) Use surveys before making big changes. The Board may think it is a great idea, but if only 30 out of 500 homeowners are supporting it, is it really a great idea? HOAs may be surprised when they find out what homeowners are really thinking (ie they might actually want the Board to replace the landscaping and not drop in a new bench).

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