Community associations are no exception to the ubiquitous challenge of speeding on streets around the world. In private communities, safety isn’t just a feature, it’s a cornerstone. It’s one of the primary reasons people choose neighborhoods. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, higher speeds significantly increase the likelihood of accidents and the severity of… Read more »
As you make your New Year’s resolutions, are you already wondering if you’ll be able to keep them? Looking back at promises made this time last year, perhaps you realize you’re making the same resolutions all over again. You’re not alone; research from Statistics Brain shows that 45 percent of us make specific resolutions each year, only… Read more »
From snowstorms in Texas to historic cold temperatures across Florida, it’s clear that winter weather preparedness is not just for northern regions. Wherever you are, managing winter weather risk doesn’t have to be daunting; it simply begins with preparing for snow, ice, and extreme cold ahead of time. For over 60 years, Philadelphia Insurance Companies… Read more »
Native Americans and early settlers gave thanks together with this historic feast. On the fourth Thursday of November, people in the United States celebrate Thanksgiving, a national holiday honoring the early settlers and Native Americans who came together to have a historic harvest feast. NATIVE AMERICANS Long before settlers came to the East Coast of… Read more »
Veterans Day is a U.S. federal holiday observed on November 11th to honor American veterans for their service. Originally, Armistice Day in 1919 was established to commemorate the end of World War I. In 1954, the name was changed 1954 to honor all American veterans of all wars. The day is marked with ceremonies, such as a wreath-laying at the… Read more »
Anew survey by the Foundation for Community Association Research identifies aging infrastructure as a critical concern for community managers, boards members, and residents. Water intrusion, deteriorating balconies and fences, failing pipes and roofs, as well as plumbing and electrical issues often show a building’s age. As buildings’ internal systems and physical components age, how can community associations best prepare… Read more »
From 3-foot-tall skeletons draped over front lawns to inflatable pumpkins and spider web-covered walkways, Halloween decorations have grown in popularity over the years. Community association board members may choose to develop a policy for these spooky decorations, including what, where, when, and for how long. Board Members Engage residents in a conversation on whether… Read more »
The 2025 fiscal year ended on Sept 30. The Antideficiency Act prohibits federal agencies from obligating any money without an appropriation from Congress. Any period when appropriations are not enacted into law, either through regular appropriations bills or a continuing resolution, is known as a “funding gap.” This gap results in a partial federal government… Read more »
Every community faces it: the temptation to put off maintenance. It seems like an easy way to save money, right? That fresh coat of paint can wait. The HVAC check-up can be skipped this year. But this practice, known as deferred maintenance, can lead to big problems down the road. While it might seem like… Read more »
It’s that time of year—you’re exchanged your swimsuit for sweaters and scarves just in time to roll up your sleeves and prepare you home for cooler weather. As we watch summer fade into the sunset, consider adding the following items to your winterization checklist, and ensure your home is in tip-top shape for the fall… Read more »
Switching from a reactive, “fix-it-when-it-breaks” approach to a proactive preventive maintenance program can dramatically cut costs and extend the life of a community’s assets. While it’s a big shift, you don’t have to do it all at once. By following a few key steps, you can create a program that’s perfectly suited to your community’s… Read more »
Each year you receive a draft of the proposed budget for review and comment. A lot of work goes into preparing the budget. It’s a complex activity that has to start early so the budget can be finalized and approved prior to the beginning of the new fiscal year. Here’s how we do it: The… Read more »