Building a Strategic HOA Plan
We all have a vision for our community. Whether it's the neighborhood we reside in, the one we manage, or the one that we provide services to, there is a goal in mind. Having an idea for your community is just the start. Seeing it come to fruition requires collaboration, time, and strategic planning.
Vision Alignment
There are specific steps an association can take to ensure their visions are aligned and stay on track for all types of projects. Video surveillance maintenance at a pool might be due to increased vandalism or moving toward a new access management system at a gated entrance. New landscaping could be needed around the neighborhood, or an amenity may need to be rejuvenated to appeal to potential community members.
The first step should be to identify the association's main issue (or issues). Are there specific problems that need to be addressed? Before any project can begin, it's crucial to have board alignment. With that focus, moving forward and staying on target is easier.
Once determined, contact the right business partners and obtain bid comparisons. A manager, management company, project manager, or consultant often builds relationships with various business partners and can attract the best ones for a community. This phase typically requires enough time for business partners to visit the property.
From there, time should be allotted for comparing bids obtained, which allows the community to focus on how each business partner can address the problem(s), the solutions offered, and the price. Ultimately, it's about taking the time to ask questions of business partners and being prepared to answer any of the board's questions. This step should guide the association to the best fit.
Communication
Communication is critical to navigating challenges such as timeline adjustments and unforeseen costs. It would help if you prepared for specific challenges over the project timeline, which includes being aware of current circumstances and effective communication between the board and selected business partners. Often, it's easiest for the business partner to have one primary contact: the board president, the community manager, a dedicated project manager, or someone else.
Calendars also are important. Set a date for when all options will be compared and when decisions will be made. Mark the dates for what happens when and who does what. Staying organized ensures everyone is accountable and can measure the accomplishments throughout a project.
Collaboration
Collaborating at least once a year establishes strong leadership and helps everyone better understand the community's strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities. It also prevents a community from becoming reactive when resolving issues, often leading to preliminary plans. If you need clarification on your community's vision, schedule a session with all the necessary parties to brainstorm possible projects, problems, and objectives.
Contact Us
Strategic planning in a community is essential for everyone—board members, managers, and business partners alike. The strategy helps all community members know where the neighborhood is headed each year and beyond. It manages expectations and helps an entire project run efficiently, even when it hits a bump in the road. Contact Condominium Associates with any questions!