Emotional intelligence: Defining the future of community management
For years, community association management has focused on strengthening its foundation of technical skills. While those capabilities remain essential, they are no longer what differentiates excellence in community management. Emotional intelligence is.
Community transition: Turning a complicated process into a rewarding experience
When my wife and I moved into our community association, I was simply excited to be part of a new building. As I got to know my neighbors, attended board meetings, and saw how deeply people cared, I realized how meaningful it would be for me to help guide our community transition from developer control to homeowner-led governance.
Growing up HOA: How community shaped a life and a career
I moved into my first community association at age 11 in 1991. That transition — a new city, new school and a new neighborhood — could have been intimidating. Instead, it became the backdrop for some of my fondest childhood memories and ultimately shaped how I think about community today.
Women’s History Month: Power and poise
In celebration of Women’s History Month in March, Ungated profiles women in the community association industry who give their time, creativity, and expertise to mentor others, build relationships, protect investments, and enhance communities. These profiles reflect women’s significant influence and their impactful contributions to the common interest housing model. Meet Phyllis Swink and Carolyn Bonds.
AI tools: Technology that strengthens community operations
Community managers today face a mix of expanding responsibilities, tighter staffing, and rising expectations. Across the industry, leaders are experimenting with artificial intelligence to strengthen operations and lighten heavy loads. They’re finding that AI tools can be utilized to support daily work and broader organizational growth.
Women’s History Month: Strong women, strong communities
In celebration of Women’s History Month in March, Ungated profiles women in the community association industry who give their time, creativity, and expertise to mentor others, build relationships, protect investments, and enhance communities. These profiles reflect women’s significant influence and their impactful contributions to the common interest housing model. Meet Julie McGhee Howard and Theresa Melson.
Women’s History Month: Remembering the summer that changed my life
In honor of Women’s History Month, I want to recognize the women who shaped my professional journey, beginning with Lillian Boese. The summer after I graduated from high school I began my internship at the Zoological Society of Milwaukee, a nonprofit organization supporting the Milwaukee County Zoo. Serving others came naturally to me. I imagined pediatrics. And then I met Lillian Boese.
Preventing violence: Steps to recognize threats and protect your community
Community managers have a profound responsibility for the safety and well-being of residents and staff. At CAI’s 2025 CEO-MC Retreat in September, a security expert shared guidance for recognizing potential threats, de-escalating conflicts, and preventing violence.
Online meetings: How one community benefited from going virtual
The world has changed dramatically over the past few years and so has the way homeowners associations conduct business. Online meetings are essential tools for transparency, accessibility, and efficiency in the modern community association. Digital meetings mean more residents engage, more voices are heard, and more questions are answered proactively.
Preventive maintenance: 6 steps to secure a safe future for your community
The collapse of Champlain Towers South in Florida wasn’t just a tragic event, it was a wake-up call for community association and maintenance plans and programs. Since then, insurers have gotten stricter, lenders more cautious, and lawmakers busier than ever. With a little discipline and a plan, you can lead your community safely to the summit. Get started with a six-step preventive maintenance plan.
