An association’s board of directors is crucial in HOA management. The board is responsible for enforcing property rules, making decisions in the best interest of the association, creating budgets, and more.
However, behind-the-scenes efforts often go unseen by community members. In this article, we’ll cover a few of the specifics of the common HOA management duties and shed light on why the role of the board is so important to the success of a community.
What Drives a Board’s Decisions
Those who sit on the board of directors are in voluntary positions and elected by the community’s residents, which means they do not receive compensation for their time.
They are simply homeowners who care about what happens in their community and are willing to dedicate their efforts to help ensure the HOA is the best possible place to live. All actions and decisions the board takes are in service of two key goals:
- Protect and increase the HOA’s property values
- Drive a sense of community
Protect and Increase Property Values
Your home is probably among your most valuable – and personal – assets. The board works to protect and increase the value of these important assets over time by performing these key functions:
- Overseeing maintenance of common areas – The board of directors maintains a fiduciary duty to the community, which involves making careful financial decisions that ensure the association has enough funding in cash and reserves to ensure all common areas (ex. pools, gates, clubhouses, parks, athletic facilities, etc.) are well-maintained and responsibly funded.
- Enforcement of association’s rules & regulations – HOA rules & regulations are in place to ensure the community looks appealing and welcoming to all current and prospective residents. Guidelines regarding parking, lawn care, trash collection, paint color, and architectural improvements create an orderly community that bolsters everyone’s equity, including yours.
- Bringing the community vision to life – Board members are proactive in preparing for potential property updates and other changes to the association in the future. They are tasked with making smart, fiscally responsible choices and correctly prioritizing action in a way that aligns with the overall goals of the community.
Drive a Sense of Community
The board of directors provides a unique benefit of living in a homeowners association. In addition to preserving property value, this organizational body is in place to foster a stronger sense of community between you and your neighbors.
Whether yours is a small or sprawling association, an active board can provide opportunities for you to become more involved in your community. The board is tasked with approving and budgeting ideas from the manager or sub-committees to increase community engagement.
These events are funded by association member dues; therefore, you should feel encouraged and welcome to participate in all community events. Here are a few creative ideas that we have seen implemented by Southern California HOAs:
- Holiday parties
- Movies in the park
- Outdoor concert series
- Formal galas
- Friendly sports competitions
- Community classes
- BBQs, potlucks
- Clothing/canned food drives
All events and activities should relate to the overall vision and vibe of your community and take full advantage of your HOA’s unique amenities. Encourage participation from residents to spearhead committees and/or provide suggestions on how to create a greater sense of engagement.
A Commitment to Community
HOA board members are committed volunteers who are doing their best to build stronger communities – both fiscally and socially. Every decision they make is driven by these two important goals. As residents of your community, they too care about the direction of the HOA and are willing to step in to support its success.
We are here to support HOA boards and complement their efforts to help communities thrive.