7 Tips for Successful HOA Board Meetings

1. Select a neutral location, such as your association clubhouse or management company office. A restaurant, church, or school will work great also!

2. PREPARE! Create and share the agenda ahead of time so members come prepared to make decisions.

3. Bring association documents such as Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions, Bylaws, and Rules and Regulations. If there is any question, have the answers there with you.

4. Allow association members to attend. Set clear expectations that comments and questions from association members will be covered at the end of the meeting, to avoid interruption.

5. Wrap-up should include minutes and action items, so everyone is prepared for the next meeting. Share those wrap-up items with your association within 30 days after the meeting.

6. If you serve refreshments do so at the beginning or after, but not during, the meeting.

7. Never allow alcohol, small children, or pets at the meeting. We are here to make decisions efficiently and effectively!

The Community Association Institute has a booklet available for association board members that offers even more helpful tips on meetings. Check it out!Thanks also to Mulcahy Law Firm for contributing to this post.