In the most recent issue of Common Ground, Editor Chris Durso documents the emergence and growing visibility of self-styled “homeowner advocates” in his article Critical Mass. These individuals, self-proclaimed representatives of a supposed widespread grass-roots anti-HOA movement, have a wide variety of issues, agendas, and expectations. They range from reforming laws governing HOA’s, to creating strict government oversight and regulation, all the way to the complete abolition of the industry.
As Chris points out, many of these individuals bring well-thought out concerns and ideas to the table and are committed to helping make their associations better – even if they don’t like how they are run or who is doing the running. Others though, hate (and I don’t think hate is too strong a word here) the very premise of associations, revolt at democracy at its most local form, and frequently can’t understand why the rules have to apply to them and not just to everyone else. They resort to sweeping generalizations about the industry, engage in ad hominem attacks, and encourage a culture of victim-hood to the poor homeowners under the thrall of the big, bad associations.
Now back to reality for a moment. At CAI, our purpose is to help build responsible and effectively run associations. But we also always remember that people are human and mistakes will be made. As my mom reminds me to this day, you aren’t perfect and never will be – the same is true of our industry. So,
- We are in support of reasonable laws and public policies that make HOA’s work better.
- We are in support of education for everyone involved in the industry and of professional standards and expectations for those serving the industry.
- We are in support of neighbors working together to make their communities better.
And we spend our time, energy, and resources trying to make those things happen.
What we cannot support are situations that compromise the financial health and well-being of associations, place an undue regulatory burden and cost on associations, or treat associations differently than any other type of business entity. Because that is what associations are - businesses. They have assets and liabilities, governance and leaders, and shareholders/owners - just like Apple Computer or the local bakery. They aren’t governments, they aren’t personal private clubs, and they certainly aren’t fascist states created to deprive poor, unsuspecting homeowners of their rights. They are businesses that need to be run in a professional and business-like manner.
Another quick reality check. It turns out that our vision and perception of the industry is the one that is actually exists out there in the real world among the majority of Americans. A recent Zogby poll (sponsored by the Foundation for Community Association Research, a CAI-affiliated organization) indicates that the vast majority of Americans living in community associations are happy with their homes, their associations, and their neighbors – and don’t want additional governmental regulation of their communities. You can see a summary of the poll results at: http://www.caionline.org/about/survey.cfm .
I know that the “homeowner advocates” sneer at our data simply because it comes from us, but I have not once seen them put up the time, money, and effort to have a similar fairly-designed survey conducted by an independent polling service. It is just too easy and cheap to cite anecdotal stories, make people feel like victims, and demand government regulation and oversight to address your personal pet peeve.
Back to reality again. Our industry is filled with dedicated and hard-working individuals including:
· More than a million homeowners who serve on their boards and committees as volunteers, giving of their own precious free time to make their communities better
· Tens of thousands of professional community managers who have made a career of serving communities and believe in high standards of professionalism
· Thousands of vendors - from attorneys to bankers to landscapers to painters - who serve our communities
I know that it bothers a lot of our members to hear criticism of our industry; it bothers me too. What I try to remember is that true criticism is valuable, it is based on the open exchange of ideas, a willingness to consider other perspectives and an understanding that can help us grow and improve. Criticism is healthy for any industry that takes itself seriously.
The vindictive, hateful, and petty behavior that we sometimes see in some who style themselves “homeowner advocates” isn’t criticism, it is grandstanding, it is hate, and ultimately it is counter-productive to making communities better.
Because ultimately - with over 50 million Americans living in more than 275,000 associations in the United States, representing trillions of dollars of investment - the community association industry is a vibrant, thriving part of our national economy and is here to stay.
