

Volunteer leadership: 5 questions to guide a board’s fiduciary duty
April is National Volunteer Month, an excellent time to celebrate the volunteers that help community associations thrive. Fiduciary duty is a critical component of successful volunteer leadership. It governs every decision and every action a board takes.

Putting down roots: Community garden flourishes
The Green Hill Condominium Association has spent the last couple of years developing a comprehensive community garden that is reinvigorating the Wynnewood, Pa., community. The garden is enhancing community spirit, volunteerism, and helping the community go green.

Green technologies: Initiating sustainability in your community
These days, “green” means tapping into renewable energy and protecting the environment. Community association managers can help guide board members and residents through applications for evaluating, approving, and implementing the installation of green technologies such as solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, rain barrels, wind generators, and heat pumps.

Stock market meltdown: How communities can build financial resilience amid uncertainty
Over the past week, the stock market has suffered major losses that make even the most confident Wall Street trader stressed. Many community association board members also have been wondering: What should we be doing with our reserve funds right now? By grounding your community’s reserve strategy in timing, needs, and structure, you can reduce anxiety and increase confidence even in the face of market uncertainty.

Overcoming career challenges: Three solutions women in community associations can use today
Women in community associations face unique challenges such as difficulty advancing and pay gaps, according to a panel of women leaders during a recent CAI webinar. They share three solutions women can put to use today.

Not on my watch: Avoiding financial fraud in communities
Things have stabilized at the Hammocks Community Association near Miami more than three years after local prosecutors began filing criminal charges against previous board members for allegedly defrauding owners of more than $2 million in a financial fraud scheme. Every instance of financial fraud serves as a reminder, professionals say, of the importance of owner vigilance and the need for safeguards and controls.

Gender equity: Women in community associations are raising awareness
Women in community associations are having a conversation about gender equity in the workplace. They agree that systemic change requires raising awareness of women’s experiences and welcoming the conversation. Changing behavior is hard, and significant change requires everyone’s awareness and proactivity, regardless of gender.

Effective collaboration: Partnering with real estate agents
During my more than 20 years managing and consulting with homeowners associations, I have been able to identify gaps in the relationships between boards, current and future homeowners, and management companies. We all have a role to play. Where do real estate agents stand in that gap?

International Women’s Day: Celebrating women in community associations
This Saturday (International Women’s Day) and throughout March, we proudly recognize and celebrate the extraordinary women who lead, inspire, and elevate community associations. From community management and governance to law, accounting, insurance, technology, reserve studies, banking, and engineering, women have made their mark on the community association industry.

Career planning: Charting your course in community management
With its blend of interpersonal challenges, administrative expertise, and leadership responsibilities, the community management profession both offers immense opportunity and requires intentional career planning. Whether you’re just starting or looking to advance, a clear plan can help you chart a successful and fulfilling path.