Boosting Neighbor Participation in HOA/Condo Meetings
Homeowner engagement is one of the main pillars of a strong community. New homeowners need to be involved in the community and participate in HOA meetings often. However, many people are reluctant to be social at first. With 57% of Americans admitting that they know only some of their neighbors, it is a sign that sometimes people need a nudge to go the extra mile.
As more homeowners begin to participate in HOA meetings, you will be able to collect feedback and create a well-managed community. If you are looking to boost attendance at your HOA/condo meetings, you can use the following tips.
Welcome the new homeowners
Many homeowners like to be formally welcomed into the neighborhood. It helps them recognize the role of the HOA in the community. You can send a welcome package curated by the HOA, so the new homeowners feel validated. Make sure to include items that feel personal to the community.
Host social events
Neighbors need to meet each other and establish camaraderie to create a thriving community. HOA meetings will see higher attendance when the neighbors feel as if they are doing something together for the community. Organize a few social events throughout the year so that homeowners in the neighborhood get a chance to get acquainted.
Widen the scope for participation
The prospect of simply attending meetings might not be appealing to many. You will benefit from providing them with an incentive to attend the meeting. Consider the broader interests of the community and how the residents can actively participate in decision-making. Creating volunteer committees will provide homeowners an avenue to engage with the community further. Committees allow everyone to share the responsibilities and have regular interaction.
Depending on the activities and interests of the board, you can start a Neighborhood Welcome Committee, a Landscape and Beautification Committee, a Homeowner Education Committee, a Finance & Budget Committee among others. This will help to foster a sense of community and responsibility which will increase participation in HOA meetings since everyone will want to stay updated in regards to their committee.
Regular communication
The HOA has to maintain regular communication with each of the homeowners to keep them interested. Social media and emails have made it so much easier to broadcast information and keep everyone in the loop. You can issue a notice about the next HOA meeting and include the time and date so that more people are aware of it. Keep improving your communication methods.
Be punctual and respect everyone’s time
A board meeting should begin and end at the specified time. Homeowners like to know how much time they will be spending at the board meeting so they can arrange their schedule accordingly. Shorter and crisper board meetings will see higher attendance. If you develop a reputation for disrespecting everyone’s time, then homeowners will be less likely to get involved in the proceedings.
Reward engagement
Once the attendance of your HOA meeting goes up, you have to maintain the upward trend. Show appreciation for the attendees so they continue to show up.
Boosting neighbor participation in HOA meetings will aid swift progress. Property management Atlanta encourages higher meeting attendance for a stronger community.
