Why is community association governance important?
Tip O’Neill, longtime Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, coined the phrase “All politics is local.” He wasn’t speaking of community associations, but he could have been. There’s nothing more local and, therefore, more accountable than those elected by their neighbors to the governing boards of homeowner associations, condominiums and cooperatives. Virtually every association-governed community has a governing board elected by homeowners in that community. While community managers and other professionals often provide critical support to associations, it is volunteers – elected by their neighbors – who ultimately are responsible for preserving the community, meeting the expectations of neighbors and protecting property values. About two million homeowners serve on community association boards. Countless others serve on committees that oversee architectural issues, financial issues, landscaping, swimming pools and so on. Their roles foster vibrant, responsible, competent, and
