Finding Common Ground

My job as a designer involves the traditional roles of an interior designer, but another aspect is playing the role of psychologist or therapist. So much of the job involves listening to clients and deciphering the design issues at hand, and that boils down to understanding the clients’ needs and ultimately finding ways to meet […]

Sherman Woods Homeowners Association, St. Clair Rotary raise $13K for Salvation Army (MI)

Bellringing and seasonal decorations were not the only draws to the subdivision. The month of collection featured the Sherman Woods Chorus, visits from Santa Claus, the Grinch and horse-drawn carriage rides.  Since its inception in 2016, the Sherman Woods collection drive has raised $48,328 for the Salvation Army.   Read the article…………………………….

Local donation resources abound (CA)

The devastation of the January fires has left many overwhelmed with emotion. But when calamities hit, communities have the opportunity to rise up and help. Locals came together almost immediately in January to aid those in need.  The Hancock Park Home Owners Association circulated donation information and put together a drive the first weekend of […]

Setting New HOA Goals: Making 2025 a Success for Your Community

As you come out of your Holiday coma and reflect on your HOA’s 2024, there may be several things you think your board did well with, while there might be others where it is obvious that you could have done better. Maybe you’re glad you actually survived the year! In any case, the New Year […]

Events Your Community Association Should Host in 2025

A thriving community doesn’t just happen—it’s built one connection at a time. Events bring neighbors together, foster engagement, and create memories that last a lifetime. For community associations and event planning committees, hosting activities throughout the year is an opportunity to strengthen bonds, celebrate diversity, and keep your neighborhood vibrant.  Read the article…………………………….

The Ocean Grove Community Association Honors Neptune Township EMS (NJ)

The Night of Gratitude, hosted by the Ocean Grove Community Association’s Giving Committee (OGCA) on Saturday, January 4th, was an evening to remember, as the community came together to celebrate and honor the local emergency medical services (EMS) teams of Neptune Township.   Read the article…………………………….

SaddleBrooke HOA-2 Salute our Veterans Event (AZ)

Over 250 SaddleBrooke residents attended one of the most inspiring and enjoyable Veterans Day celebrations to honor our veterans you can imagine. It was the dream of resident and Event Coordinator Mike Oberski, accompanied by his wife Linda, to pay tribute to our SaddleBrooke veterans both present and past.   Read the article…………………………….

Building Stronger Communities Together: The Community Connection Workshop Series (FL)

The Orange County Neighborhood Services division is committed to fostering strong, engaged and informed communities. One of the most impactful ways they achieve this is through our partnership with the City of Orlando for the Community Connections Workshop Series. This initiative reflects our shared goal of providing Orlando’s residents with valuable resources, information, and tools […]

A happy holiday season: Guidelines for parking, noise, guests, and packages

Community associations across the country are coming alive with festive lights and holiday decorations. As residents gather to celebrate the season, it also means an influx of cars, guests, noise, and packages. To ensure a cheerful and festive holiday season, communities should plan, adopt, and communicate reasonable guidelines.   Read the article…………………………….

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia has gotten into the condo business. Here’s why. (PA)

Malik Davis holds a special distinction: He is the first person ever to buy a condo from Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia.  Habitat for Humanity is known for building single-family homes for low- and moderate-income households. But the Philadelphia affiliate of the international nonprofit is currently selling its first condos as it tries to create more […]

Meridian Ranch Christmas Lights Competition

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and that means it is time for the 15th annual Meridian Ranch Christmas lights competition — and this year, there is a revamped approach.  Jamie Adams, senior community association manager of Warren Management Group (the managing agents for the Meridian Ranch Design Review Council and association managers […]

Malibu Lakeside celebrates its 100th anniversary (CA)

1924 was also the year that Malibu Lakeside was established by a developer named H.L. Averill, who began offering lots for sale located to the south of the then recently established Malibou Lake Mountain Club. Ultimately, approximately 125 rough and simple country cabins were built, some of which exist today.   Read the article…………………………….

BHPOA Welcomes DOT, DEP, and Queens DA’s Office To Address Local Concerns (NY)

The Belle Harbor Property Owners Association (BHPOA) hosted its final meeting of the year at P.S. 114 on Tuesday, Nov. 19, welcoming representatives from three agencies to provide updates and address residents’ concerns.  Before the agencies addressed the crowd, however, BHPOA Executive Vice President Ed Lynch acknowledged the peninsula’s veterans in honor of Veterans Day […]

Successful Social Programming: The Value of Building Relationships

Fostering a sense of community in multifamily buildings and HOAs is essential—not only for the health and happiness of residents, but also for the overall well-being of the property itself. As we navigate our fast-paced, post-pandemic world, nurturing relationships has become vital. Creating connections through social programming helps engage residents, enhances their day-to-day living experience, […]

HOA Event Ideas For The Holiday

The holiday season is a time for joy, community, and connection. For HOAs, it’s an excellent opportunity to strengthen bonds among residents and foster a sense of belonging. Hosting holiday events can bring numerous benefits to your community, creating lasting memories and enhancing the overall living experience.    Read the article…………………………….

Lakewood Ranch HOA board votes to pull Community Activities’ funding (CA)

With its community development districts in place since Lakewood Ranch’s inception, the resulting funding commitments have helped the communities to be looking good 30 years later.  Meanwhile, homeowners associations have added another level of support, taking care of issues such as landscaping.     Read the article…………………………….

Why a Community Mission and Vision Statement Matter: Building the Future of Highlands Ranch (CO)

At the Highlands Ranch Community Association (HRCA), our mission and vision serve as the guiding principles behind everything we do. HRCA was honored to have been named CAI-RMC’s Association of the Year to have HRCA’s General Manager, Mike Bailey, appointed Community Manager Excellence in Service in 2024. With over 30,000 residential homes and 1,500 commercial […]

Orion Township community supports families displaced by condo explosion (MI)

In a devastating incident last week, several families in Orion Township were displaced after a condo explosion left two people critically injured.  As the dust settles, those affected are now focused on recovering their personal belongings and seeking assistance from the community.    Read the article…………………………….

Clarksville HOA Builds Community with Chili Cook-Off (TN)

Ivy Bend HOA in Clarksville hosted its first-ever chili cook-off in October. Around 55 neighbors enjoyed the event, which included a bounce house, football, ice cream, a lemonade stand, and games like cornhole and horseshoes   Read the article…………………………….

Record crowds attend Light Up Dunwoody to kick off holiday season (GA)

Record crowds turned out for Sunday night’s Light Up Dunwoody celebration, which may spur organizers to make changes to the festival in future years.  The Nov. 17 ceremony, sponsored by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association, was moved up a week in order to accommodate the schedules of performers and bands,   Read the article…………………………….

Shark River Hills Property Owner’s Association Thanksgiving Food Drive (NJ)

Shark River Hills Property Owners Association (SRHPOA) is running a Thanksgiving Food Drive in cooperation with Boy Scout Troop 31.   Donations can be dropped off at the Municipal Marina (149 South Riverside Drive Neptune NJ 07753) between now and November 23rd and will be donated to Asbury Park’s Mercy Center.    Read the article…………………………….

Lead on: How effective mentorship can transform communities

In the dynamic world of community associations, effective leadership is crucial. But traditional top-down approaches in leadership often fall short in fostering true engagement and loyalty among board members and community managers. By integrating mentorship into daily interactions, community association leaders have the unique opportunity to inspire their fellow volunteers, colleagues, or teams, improve engagement, […]

How a Holiday Party Can Build Community in Your NYC Condo

Imagine stepping into your building’s beautifully decorated lobby, warmly greeted by neighbors who were once just faces in the elevator. In a condo or co-op, a holiday party is more than just a seasonal celebration—it’s a chance to build a genuine sense of community. Hosting a holiday gathering can help you get to know your […]

How to Increase Homeowner Engagement in Your HOA Community (IL)

Let’s be real: most of us barely know our neighbors. In fact, studies show over half of Americans don’t even know the folks living next door. If you’re a board member for your HOA, you might feel the challenge of trying to bring the community together in a world where door-knocking feels outdated, and people […]

How to successfully live under a homeowners association

If you buy a condominium, townhouse or single-family home in a newer development, you’re likely to become a member of a community association. About 20 percent of Americans live in a community governed by a condo association, homeowners association or co-op board, according to the Community Associations Institute, which educates volunteer board members and association […]

Chestnut Grove kick-starts outdoor American flag display tradition (PA)

The Chestnut Grove senior condominium complex came alive with the colors red, white and blue on Friday, Nov. 8 — three days in advance of Veterans Day.   Nearly 500 miniature American flags lined the entrance to the neighborhood as part of a display organized by the complex’s homeowners’ association.  Of those, 96 or 97 flags […]

Spread the Cheer by Hosting a Joyful Ho-Ho-HOA Holiday Event

The holidays are upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by bringing your community together for a festive community association holiday party? Whether you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland or planning a spirited Ugly Sweater Contest, hosting a jolly event is the perfect way to spread goodwill and build connections.    Read the article…………………………….

Ponce Inlet’s oldest condo community celebrates 50th (FL)

Seventies music, conversation and laughter wafted from the courtyard of Beacon Point Condominium in Ponce Inlet Saturday, Oct. 26, as the condo community celebrated its 50th anniversary.  Beacon Point was originally built as retirement apartments for teachers, financed by a teachers’ union, in the early 1970s. The original blueprints in 1972 were for Pier East […]

Successful Social Programming: The Value of Building Relationships

Fostering a sense of community in multifamily buildings and HOAs is essential —not only for the health and happiness of residents, but also for the overall well-being of the property itself. As we navigate our fast-paced, post-pandemic world, nurturing relationships has become vital. Creating connections through social programming helps engage residents, enhances their day-to-day living […]

Shining a light: Diversifying your community’s holiday decor

For people across the world, holidays bring together neighbors, friends, and family. For those living and working in community associations, the holiday season presents an opportunity to strengthen ties as communities celebrate with lights, decorations, and special events.  It might be the most wonderful time of the year, but not everyone celebrates the same holidays. […]

Marina Pointe Awarded Tampa Magazine’s “Best of City” For Best Condominium 2024

Marina Pointe, the crown jewel of luxury waterfront living in Tampa’s rapidly growing Westshore Marina District, has been named Best Condominium in Tampa Magazines’ annual ‘Best of the City’ awards. This prestigious recognition further cements Marina Pointe’s position as a premier residential and lifestyle destination in the Tampa Bay area, emphasizing its pivotal role in […]

A Ghoulishly Good Time: Celebrating Halloween Without the Tricks in HOAs

Halloween is creeping up, and it’s time for your HOA to brew up plans for a safe and spook-tacular celebration. With witches, goblins, and little monsters roaming the streets, it’s important to ensure safety and community spirit. Your HOA can be the hero of the night, like Frankenstein and his monster, with the right tricks […]

City of Washougal Launches HOA and Neighborhood Registry (WA)

The City of Washougal is excited to announce the launch of its Homeowners Association (HOA) and Neighborhood Registry, aimed at fostering stronger community connections and enhancing local communication. Washougal is comprised of roughly 200 neighborhoods with their own unique character and appeal.    Read the article…………………………….

Legal Aspects of Community Garden Projects in HOAs (TX)

Community gardens have sprouted in popularity across the nation, offering a shared green space for neighbors to connect, cultivate, and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.  However, establishing a community garden within an HOA environment entails navigating a unique set of legal aspects. Understanding these legal considerations ensures your community garden flourishes while upholding HOA […]

Tips To Make Your HOA Newsletter Pure Gold

Homeowner association newsletters are a great way to enlighten, inform, remind and encourage. Inviting the membership to HOA events and meetings helps neighbors meet neighbors. Frequent reminders of important rules or architectural policies helps build a friendlier and more harmonious community. Recognizing volunteer efforts encourages others to step up. Newsletters needn’t be long and involved, […]

The Role of Fairness and Empathy in Homeowners Association Boards

Homeowners Associations (HOAs) play a crucial role in maintaining the harmony and aesthetics of residential communities. At the heart of every successful HOA is an effective Board of Directors entrusted with the responsibility of making decisions that impact the lives of community members. In this blog post, we’ll explore how embracing fairness and empathy can […]

HOA Event Ideas and Tips to Make Them Successful

HOA events are a fantastic way to bring residents together and create lasting memories. Whether your board is planning a neighborhood block party, a holiday celebration, or a family fun day, the key to success lies in thoughtful organization and creative ideas. But fear not, for we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide on […]

12 Fun Community Events Your Neighborhood Could Organize

When we talk about the joy of living in a neighborhood, it’s important to include the fact that city life comes with some very strong and wonderful connections. When you live in a neighborhood, you have a chance to interact with all sorts of people from your area on a regular basis. Community events are […]

Neighborhood Nurturers — Aquity’s Guide to Enhancing Community Well-Being

What if the secret to a happier, healthier life lies right outside your front door? In an age where community connections are more crucial than ever, fostering a thriving and supportive neighborhood can significantly impact the overall well-being of its residents.    Read the article…………………………….

Community rallies around dozens displaced by Maryland condo building fire

More than 40 residents’ homes were damaged or destroyed by a fire in Clarksburg, Maryland, Saturday, and they’re getting by with help from the community.  Jala Carter, her fiancé and their four kids were home when fire ripped through their condo building about 8 a.m. She pulled the fire alarm, got her family out and […]

Empowering Owners for a Better Community

Living in an association offers many benefits, including shared amenities and a sense of community. However, a community’s smooth functioning often hinges on its residents’ involvement and influence. Engaging with the Association can enhance your living experience and ensure that your voice is heard in decisions affecting your home and community. As the end of […]

Forest Ranch community finds way to support each other after Park Fire (CA)

Dozens of people gathered in Forest Ranch Thursday evening for the annual ice cream social, but many are dealing with the aftermath of the Park fire.  “Our goal again is to help keep this community strong,” the president of the Forest Ranch Community Association, Marlene Fune, said.   Read the article…………………………….