How Your Board Can Take Legislative Action
Because community living is growing in popularity, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) have been a hot legislative topic in recent years. Unfortunately, misguided policies can significantly impact homeowners and how your community operates.
To support your association and other HOAs, board members and homeowners can connect with legislators and offer insight that may influence crucial decisions. Read on for tips on how to take legislative action and promote HOA laws that help communities thrive.
How Government Impacts Your Community
While all communities have their own HOA rules and regulations, they’re still bound by local, state, and federal laws, which aren’t always in their favor.
State legislation is often led by special interest groups that push their own agendas and don’t consider their effects on HOAs. In other cases, anti-community association consumer groups specifically target HOAs to limit self-governance.
For example, new HOA laws in Florida require board members and community managers to complete training and submit a certificate of completion. Additionally, the new federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) requires many HOAs to disclose beneficial ownership details to the federal government. Non-compliance can lead to costly penalties for board members and the HOA.
Why Board Members Should Get Involved in HOA Legislation
With so much on the line, HOA board members must advocate for their communities. This means contacting legislators to share your input and ensuring decision-makers know how proposals will impact homeowners.
By taking action, board members can potentially:
· Spread awareness on vital issues that affect HOAs
· Influence legislators before laws pass or change
· Prevent harmful decisions
· Protect homeowners from higher fees or assessments
· Maintain the integrity and harmony of the community
· Support laws that are favorable for HOAs
· Create lasting partnerships with legislators
Government leaders are public servants who want to hear from their constituents. They welcome opinions that give them a broader understanding of important issues. When board members speak up for homeowners, they use their voices to effect positive change.
Tips: How Board Members Can Take Legislative Action
As an HOA board member, you have a duty to uphold your association’s governing documents and promote the community’s best interests. This can be done in part by engaging in government affairs when your HOA rules and lifestyle are at stake. Here’s how you can make a difference.
1. Visit your legislators.
You should personally visit with state legislators to introduce yourselves and talk about your community. This will help establish a relationship between the legislator’s office and your HOA.
If you don’t know your state legislators, you can look up elected officials through the U.S. General Services Administration or your state’s official legislature website. You can find local city council members, state representatives and senators, and other legislators in your district and their office locations.
2. Reach out to legislators through different methods of communication.
New laws can impact communities in several ways. They can create financial burdens, restrict who can serve on the board, and disrupt community operations. Let legislators know exactly how proposed laws will change your community. Send emails, write letters, and make phone calls to your legislators to emphasize the weight of their decisions and who they’ll affect. You can also encourage other homeowners to reach out.
Remember, clear and concise communication is most effective. Be sure to include:
· A short personal introduction
· The specific proposal or law you’re referencing
· A brief explanation of the issue and how it impacts you
· A clear call to action for the legislator
· Your contact information
Even if you disagree with your legislator, maintain a polite and respectful tone. Stay focused on your message and the community’s goals.
3. Invite legislators to HOA meetings.
You may also be able to invite government representatives to speak at your HOA board or annual meetings. This gives legislators the opportunity to talk about new HOA laws or present their ideas.
While legislators visit your community, the board or homeowners can respectfully ask questions, voice concerns, and share suggestions, building a relationship that benefits everyone. Just check your governing documents for restrictions on public officials speaking at HOA-hosted events.
4. Write a local editorial about pending issues.
Write and publish an editorial highlighting an industry-wide issue and describing how it affects local communities. Sharing this information is key to gaining public support and attracting the attention of legislators.
Here are ways to find local media opportunities:
· Research local print or digital publications that are open to editorial pieces
· Prepare a short pitch that contains the main points of the editorial
· Connect with newspaper or magazine editors
Ensure you’re authorized by the board and homeowners to speak on their behalf. Refer to your community’s bylaws or governing documents for specific procedures or restrictions regarding communication or public representation. While everyone has a right to express their personal opinions, misrepresenting the HOA’s views may lead to confusion, misunderstanding, or legal consequences.
6. Get involved with the Community Associations Institute.
The Community Associations Institute (CAI) is a nonprofit organization that represents the community association industry and provides resources, education, and guidance for community association board members and other industry professionals. Offering membership opportunities, regional chapters, training, and an online community, it’s an invaluable resource and partner for many HOAs.
CAI also maintains legislative action committees (LACs) in 36 states. These LACs advocate for legislation that protects community self-governance and identifies trends that will affect the industry.
By joining CAI, you can connect with your local chapter for education opportunities, networking events, and tips on supporting your association. You can also work with CAI to influence public policies in your area.
7. Support a political action committee.
Many political action committees (PACs) support legislators who fight for the community association industry. By donating to these groups, you can help legislators gain campaign traction and promote laws that help associations like yours. Again, make sure monies donated are from your personal fund or review your community’s guidelines for restrictions on monetary contributions on behalf of the HOA.
HOAs and Politics: FAQs
While homeowners may agree that legislative action promoting HOAs is a good idea, other political topics are controversial. How do HOA boards handle heated discussions within the community? Can homeowners publicly endorse candidates? If there are restrictions on political signs, are HOA laws enforceable?
If you have similar questions, our free ebook, “FAQs: HOAs & Politics,” will help you navigate political expression in your community in a fair and positive way.