A small HOA in San Diego with about 60 units is considering reducing its five-person board to three due to difficulty in finding residents to run for the board. The decision to change the board size would require a membership vote, and it is important to consider the workload and complexity of the HOA in determining the appropriate board size. While larger HOAs may have larger boards, having too many directors can lead to over-deliberation and unproductive volunteers filling seats. A board of three or five may be suitable for this particular HOA, considering its size and lack of common areas or amenities.
In terms of education options for board members and owners, the Community Associations Institute (CAI) and Executive Council of Home Owners (ECHO) offer courses to educate managers, homeowner leaders, and service providers. CAI provides various courses through its chapters in California and online, while ECHO offers live and online education primarily in Northern California. Both organizations aim to educate HOA stakeholders on the proper workings of a CID to reduce trial and error in governance.
CAI’s Nevada and Illinois Chapters offer a designation called the Dedicated Community Association Leader (DCAL), which involves over 30 hours of coursework and activities to provide confidence in board candidates or incumbents. While California does not currently require minimum education to govern an HOA, these educational programs serve as valuable resources for those involved in community associations.
Kelly G. Richardson CCAL, a Fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers, emphasizes the importance of education in HOA governance and encourages sending column questions to kelly@roattorneys.com for further insights.
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