Tag Archives: democracy

Are HOAs actually “a form of local democracy with leaders elected by their neighbors?”

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Democracy must begin at home

It’s time to debunk one of the most deceptive political statements repeatedly made by the HOA industry’s most influential trade group By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities On their Facebook Page, Community Association’s Institute (CAI) prominently posts an infographic entitled “The HOA Fundamentals.” Here’s a screen shot, along with the source link: www.facebook.com/CAIsocial/photos/a.393580374014337.87323.297394356966273/1750665821639112/?type=3&theater Every single one of these misleading bullet points can be easily refuted by facts and examples of real-life association-governed communities. For example, to the educated Continue ReadingAre HOAs actually “a form of local democracy with leaders elected by their neighbors?”→

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What can be done to improve HOA governance?

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities There has been much online discussion about dysfunctional boards of association-governed communities. Homeowners complain that their board members operate in secret, they discourage participation of members, and resist providing access to official records. In some communities, the same handful of homeowners takes turns serving on the board, rotating officer positions, for more than a decade. If and when new blood is elected to the board, these new members may Continue ReadingWhat can be done to improve HOA governance?→

Homeowners’ Associations: 3 facts vs. myths

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By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities   Top 3 Fact Check list about life in common interest, Association-Governed Housing, including Condominium Associations and Homeowners Associations (HOAs) – also known as Planned Communities or Private Communities.   Myth #1. HOAs are enclaves for the wealthy Facts: A recent article in the Wall Street Journal, entitled Neighbor Disputes Turn Wealthy Areas Into War Zones, certainly perpetuates the misconception that only the uber-rich live in HOAs. But nothing could be Continue ReadingHomeowners’ Associations: 3 facts vs. myths→

Kansas City homeowners rebel against developer controlled HOA

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Homeowners fed up with what they say is bully behavior   By Deborah Goonan, Independent American Communities Today’s report from KSHB in Kansas City, Missouri, highlights a big problem for many association-governed planned communities: developers that control their new home neighborhoods with an iron fist. According to the report, homeowners in Copperfield Home Owners Association believe they are not getting their money’s worth from their HOA fees. Maintenance is not up to the standards they Continue ReadingKansas City homeowners rebel against developer controlled HOA→