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 their role as stewards of their neighbor's money very seriously. Now, compare this to what we hear all the time about government spending. There's more than enough news and political rhetoric about deficits and crumbling infrastructure.
Radin hopes insights about prudent spending at HOAs will boost opinion of them. Especially since much of the news about homeowner associations focuses on problems and disagreements.
HOAs are just plain misunderstood. Mainly because people residing in them can't always do as they please. If all the homes in an HOA have two floors, you probably can't add a third floor to your home. If the homes are painted beige, painting you house a different color may be frowned upon. People sometimes put things on display at their home, flags and decorations, and go ballistic -- and to the news media -- if they're asked to remove them.
Because there's so much room for misunderstanding, maybe HOAs need at least some understanding. Even some love.
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 their role as stewards of their neighbor's money very seriously. Now, compare this to what we hear all the time about government spending. There's more than enough news and political rhetoric about deficits and crumbling infrastructure.
Radin hopes insights about prudent spending at HOAs will boost opinion of them. Especially since much of the news about homeowner associations focuses on problems and disagreements.
HOAs are just plain misunderstood. Mainly because people residing in them can't always do as they please. If all the homes in an HOA have two floors, you probably can't add a third floor to your home. If the homes are painted beige, painting you house a different color may be frowned upon. People sometimes put things on display at their home, flags and decorations, and go ballistic -- and to the news media -- if they're asked to remove them.
Because there's so much room for misunderstanding, maybe HOAs need at least some understanding. Even some love.
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