When directors & officers make a concerted effort to improve socialization in an HOA, it can offer numerous benefits to the association and individual owners. Creating opportunities for people to socialize cultivates a sense of community and fosters a positive, friendly environment. Here are a few ways your HOA clients can bring their residents together.
Directors & Officers Can Appoint Committees
HOA boards generally have broad authority in overseeing the association’s finances and maintenance. While delegating responsibility to a board is intrinsic to the essential dynamics of an HOA’s operations, it can also be problematic. It is common for residents in HOAs to lament having little or no control over big decisions involving the upkeep of the community or its rules and regulations. This source of tension can fuel many of the most typical claims against D&O insurance.
To engage homeowners in an HOA’s management activities, appointing committees to manage certain ongoing functions or planning special projects and events may be advantageous. For example, a board could appoint members to a landscaping or sustainability committee. Likewise, a committee could handle the arrangements for an annual holiday party.
Having committees may lighten a boards’ workload, enabling directors & officers to harness the insights of people with advanced knowledge or experience in a particular area. Moreover, asking owners to participate in a committee is an excellent way to involve them in an HOA’s management functions actively.
Enhancing Communal Areas and Green Spaces Can Facilitate More Interactions
Creating places where residents can gather will prompt them to spend more time socializing with their neighbors. For example, putting shade and seating in a scenic area could give HOAs an excellent site for barbecues or special celebrations. Likewise, a fenced bark park is a surefire way for pet-friendly associations to unite people.
Creating a new amenity, such as a fitness area or a community room, might be a value-adding improvement for an association. Of course, HOAs have to budget for new amenities carefully, and reviewing or revising policy elections may be necessary.
Strengthening Directors & Officers Coverage May Be Helpful
How can D&O affect socialization in a community? When directors & officers feel that making significant changes to their common areas or expanding amenities carries considerable liability risks, they may opt to maintain the status quo. Even if board members feel that a new amenity or fun event would be perfect for their community, they may determine that the risks outweigh the benefits.
Unfortunately, it is fairly typical for directors and officers to receive little recognition or appreciation throughout their service on a board. When something goes wrong at an HOA, however, homeowners may quickly blame board members.
Directors & officers liability protection offsets boards’ risk exposure considerably. Having the proper safeguards in place can give board members more confidence about venturing into unfamiliar territory and planning new projects.
Ultimately, prioritizing socialization can make HOAs more appealing to homebuyers and keep property values in good standing. Moreover, reinforcing a community atmosphere can improve relationships between a board and the membership that it represents.
About Kevin Davis Insurance Services
For over 35 years, Kevin Davis Insurance Services has built an impressive reputation as a strong wholesale broker offering insurance products for the community association industry. Our president Kevin Davis and his team take pride in offering committed services to the community association market and providing them with unparalleled access to high-quality coverage, competitive premiums, superior markets, and detailed customer service. To learn more about the coverage we offer, contact us toll-free at (855)-790-7393 to speak with one of our representatives.