Are you an HOA board member in Hartford, CT? If so, you likely have a lot on your plate, from following HOA laws to managing finances.
Your biggest challenge, however, may be to get people to show up to meetings. If they don't, it's bad for everyone involved. Your residents will miss key information, and the board won't be able to hold critical discussions.
The good news is that there are several ways to make your HOA meetings more popular. Here's a quick guide to get you started!
Share the Agenda
According to Connecticut HOA laws, you must give proper notice before each meeting. This includes sharing the time and date of the meeting at least ten days before. The notice should also provide an overview of your meeting agenda.
Even beyond the law, sharing your agenda is always a good way to increase your HOA meeting attendance. If homeowners have strong feelings about some items on the agenda, they'll be more likely to attend.
Choose a Good Date and Place
When setting the date for your meeting, it's nearly impossible to select one that will suit everyone. This is why it's often best to survey your members to come up with a date that most people are comfortable with.
Similarly, you should pick a meeting place close to the community. If possible, do it in the clubhouse to save everyone travel time.
Make Meetings Fun
Another way to get people to show up to HOA board meetings is to make them more fun. For example, you can schedule the meeting around a particular theme or event, such as a pizza party or a giveaway.
Of course, you don't want to overdo it. A fun activity gets people in the door, but don't let it dominate the meeting. For effective community engagement, use the first 15 minutes for socialization, then move on to the agenda.
Streamline the Proceedings
Very few homeowners are willing to devote hours to community meetings. As such, you should streamline them as much as possible by sticking to the agenda. It's an excellent way to avoid branching off to irrelevant topics.
Another thing you can do is set aside some time for members to voice their concerns. If someone thinks your HOA fees are too high, let them state their case. This will get them to attend more meetings in the future.
Include an End Time
Nobody wants to block out the day because they're not sure when the meeting will end. Include an estimated end time in the notice to let your homeowners know how much time they'll need to set aside.
For best results, advertise that your meetings will last an hour. This is short enough to get people to show up while giving you time to cover everything.
HOA Meetings Made Easy
When it comes to HOA management strategies, it's all about making things easier for homeowners. The same principles apply to HOA meetings. As long as you follow the above tips, the people will show up.
Do you need professional help organizing HOA meetings in Hartford, CT? At PMI CONNV, we serve all types of communities, from co-ops to condos. Contact us here to see why we've been in business for 10+ years!
