CAI just released its updated Fact Book. Here are some interesting facts that I think really tell a part of the story of community associations.
First, there are community associations that are developed around special themes and uses, such as star gazing, wine, nudity, airplanes and wheat storage. This is representative of our societal desire to fit in and to “connect” with like-minded people. If your community was to have a theme what would you want it to be?
Second, every community has its own “history, personality, attributes and challenges, but all associations share common characteristics and core principals” according to the Fact Book. So what are those shared characteristics for great associations? A fundamental understanding that “community” means harmony not conformity, “governance” means transparency not compliance and “business” means sustainability not austerity. How does your association stack up to these core beliefs?