HOA Strategic

Is your head about to explode? From the barrage of rhetoric at political debates? Awfully destructive! We've heard better, more constructive debates at homeowner association meetings. Civilized discussions among everyday folks. Among people elected to HOA boards and between them and homeowners living in HOA communities. Now that's pretty amazing. That everyday people in organizations like homeowner associations can constructively debate issues. That they can, so to speak, reach across the aisle. And that after coming to agreements or even agreeing to disagree, they're getting things done...constructively.  Kind of restores your faith.

First, you find something most people might think is off-the-wall. Even preposterous. Then you suggest why whatever that preposterous something happens to be maybe isn't so preposterous after all. That's what a retired executive is doing to build positive opinion of homeowner associations. During his career, Harvey Radin managed PR and crisis communication for multinational companies. He suggests in an article that "well-run homeowner associations" can teach governments a thing or two about spending public money prudently and efficiently. He points out that while governments are much bigger than HOAs, financial management for organizations, no matter their size, is similar in many respects. Elected leaders in well-run homeowner associations know how important it is to allocate the money homeowners pay in HOA dues to fund ongoing and long-term needs in their HOA communities. They also understand what it takes to balance the budget. In other words,they take thei...

Clarity, transparency and caution...three words to keep in mind when writing a newsletter, memos and letters, meeting minutes or just about any other communication for an organization. Balancing clarity and transparency with caution is maybe the toughest challenge. Because it's important to communicate clearly. And it's important to be transparent. But caution also plays a role because unfortunate words can cause problems, unfortunately. Words that cause misunderstandings, for example, can do that. Sometimes it's some seemingly little thing. Some word with a flippant meaning or tone. Something someone didn't really mean to say, but it's out there...and all hell breaks loose. Blending all three -- clarity, transparency and caution -- may not be easy, but it's very necessary.

If you're considered too establishment, you're getting lots of grief. As some of the candidates running for president of the United States know all too well. Ditto for people serving on homeowner association boards. Even when things are going good, people on HOA boards still get criticized for being too establishment. What a terrible thing, this establishment thing! But, even when things are going reasonably well??? Well...it's about being labeled, that's the thing. Sometimes even if you're not whatever you're thought to be. Oh, you know! Those volunteers elected to HOA boards! Taking time evenings to attend association meetings. Taking time other times of day and night to address homeowner association needs. What if they're too establishment?

by Harvey Radin People in government should take field trips to well-run homeowner associations. To experience fiscal responsibility first hand. To see how elected leaders in some homeowner associations -- HOAs -- are actually spending public money prudently and efficiently. Like governments, homeowner associations collect money to fund a host of community needs. Homeowners residing in HOAs pay dues to their association. This is similar in a way to government taxation. So, if there are roads in an HOA property that are not city-maintained streets, a portion of the money homeowners pay in dues may be set aside for the upkeep of these roads. Governments use tax dollars for public parks maintenance. Homeowner associations have what's known as common areas, landscaped parcels of HOA property that are often maintained by the homeowner association. Some HOAs assume responsibility for roof maintenance on homes, and painting maintenance. Some have recreational facilities that are mai...