As we usher in a new year, it's the perfect time for Homeowners' Association (HOA) board members to reflect on the past and set goals for the future. Adopting strategic resolutions can pave the way for a more efficient, harmonious, and well-managed community. In this article, we'll delve into key New Year's resolutions for your association, providing insights to help guide your community in the right direction.

1. Establish Clear Goals for the Year Ahead
Setting specific, measurable, and attainable goals is crucial for the success of any community. Whether it's enhancing curb appeal, improving community engagement, or implementing sustainable practices, having a roadmap helps prioritize tasks and ensures everyone is on the same page. For instance, if boosting community engagement is a goal, plan monthly events such as neighborhood social gatherings or educational workshops to foster a sense of community spirit.

2. Create an Association Calendar
An organized and comprehensive calendar is important for effective community association management. Take time now to determine dates for board meetings and community meetings for the year ahead. Also, outline proposed dates for community events and other activities so that people can plan ahead and boost attendance. You can also use a digital platform like a community website to keep residents informed. For example, mark dates for common area maintenance, meetings, and community events to streamline operations and keep residents in the loop.

3. Review Governing Documents
Regularly reviewing governing documents is essential for keeping your community in compliance and avoiding potential legal issues. Work with your community manager and legal professionals to ensure that your bylaws, CC&Rs, and rules and regulations are being followed and reflect current laws and the community's evolving needs. Be sure to examine any vagueness in your governing documents and devise a strategy to make the rules more concrete and easier to understand. 

4. Review Insurance Coverage
Protecting the community and its assets is a top priority for any HOA. Regularly assess your insurance coverage to guarantee it aligns with current needs and potential risks. Consider consulting with an insurance expert to ensure that your policies adequately cover common issues such as property damage, liability, and natural disasters. By staying proactive, your community can mitigate potential financial setbacks in the future.

5. Evaluate Service Provider Contracts:
Evaluate existing service provider contracts to ensure that you are receiving optimal services at competitive rates. Explore cost-saving opportunities or revised service parameters based on the community’s evolving needs without compromising quality. This approach can be particularly beneficial for services such as landscaping, maintenance, and utilities. An annual review of service provider contracts helps maintain transparency and accountability in your community.

6. Ensure Emergency Preparedness
Community associations should be well-prepared to handle emergencies effectively. Conduct a comprehensive review of emergency preparedness plans, ensuring all residents are informed and aware of evacuation routes, emergency contact information, and community resources. Your community manager can assist in forming an emergency plan tailored to your association’s needs.

7. Pursue Educational Opportunities
Knowledgeable and well-informed board members are essential for effective community governance. Encourage board members to attend educational workshops, webinars, and seminars that cover relevant topics such as meetings, governing documents, and financial planning. This commitment to ongoing education ensures community leaders are equipped with the latest industry insights and best practices.

Keep a list of accomplishments during the year so that you can look back and recognize what was achieved over the year.  Sharing the list of achievements at the annual meeting allows owners to appreciate your hard work and to see the value they gain by being part of the community.

By adopting these strategic New Year's resolutions, your HOA can enhance its overall functionality, strengthen community bonds, and position itself for a prosperous year ahead. Embrace the opportunity to create positive change and foster a thriving community for all residents.

About Community Association Management Services
In business since 1991, CAMS is North and South Carolina’s premier community management company. With experienced local managers in each of its nine regions, CAMS provides innovative solutions to the community associations it serves. Additionally, CAMS was featured on Inc. Magazine’s 2022 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. To learn more, visit www.camsmgt.com/choose-cams.