Well, it’s that time of the year again – time to reflect on 2013 and resolve to make improvements for 2014.

But, just as you’ve set personal goals for the new year, now is the time to look ahead as a HOA (homeowners association) to form New Year’s resolutions that will set your community up for success this year.

Setting Community Goals (AKA Resolutions)

Effective HOAs constantly seek feedback and input from their homeowners. The beginning of the year is a great time to get on the same page. This year, before you get together with your board, reach out to your homeowners to determine the needs and goals specific to your community – you might be surprised at what you find. This often gives the board a fresh perspective while making owners feel included and active.

Now, take this feedback to your next board meeting for review and choose the areas most in need of improvement, define your goals and prioritize them based on need, budget, time and resources.

Next, you’ll want to distinguish between long, and short term goals. Breakup the long term goals into smaller milestones and recruit homeowners to help you reach them. If you were initially successful when seeking community feedback, this task becomes exponentially easier.

Last but not least, publicly share your community goals and your progress throughout the year. Use your community website and /or newsletter to keep everyone in the loop and up to date. The new year is a great time to reconnect but try to keep up the momentum. A good HOA’s job is never done.

We hope these tips will get your community off to a great start in 2014.

Here’s to a happy and healthy year!

Read More: 5 Homeowner Resolutions for 2014

Interested in getting a Reserve Study for your community? Click here to get a proposal!