Developing and implementing well-crafted policies is a cornerstone of successful association governance. Thoughtful policies protect the association and enhance the overall quality of life for residents. Boards should have clear policies and procedures for governing operations, decision-making processes, rules enforcement, and financial management.
Governance in community associations is complex, with many potential blind spots that can lead to serious financial, legal, and operational challenges. Some of the most common yet often overlooked governance pitfalls include understanding roles, respecting the hierarchy of the documents, and failing to adhere to communication and meeting protocols.
New community association board members often need to hit the ground running, but it’s also incredibly important to set aside time to understand the inner workings of the association. When new board members become familiar with the players, governing documents, budget, reserve study, and more, they can confidently guide the community and fulfill their responsibilities.
For many homeowners, joining their association board may seem like an obligation rather than an opportunity. However, it can be transformative both personally and for the broader community. As a long-time board member, I know our community’s strength begins with individual volunteers.
Many community association leaders are unaware that most music and movies are protected by copyright. Use of copyrighted work without a license constitutes infringement regardless of intent. If a community association publicly plays music or a movie, it must first obtain a license.
