Let’s Focus on the “Community” in Community Associations in 2026

This article was originally published on January 5, 2026 by Adam Marshall for the Law Firm Carolinas Blog.

It is no surprise to anyone that we are living in polarized times. We are increasingly isolating ourselves in bubbles catering to our already held beliefs. We are getting news and information from “news” outlets designed to cater to specific audiences. Getting objective information from objective sources is becoming harder by the day. And with the rise of social media, the rules and norms of decorum seem to have eroded. The concept of “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it at all” that was taught by most of our mothers, seems to be a thing of the past. As someone who recently completed a successful run for public office, I know this as well as anyone.

So, how can we change the narrative in community associations? Community associations have (and sometimes rightfully so) received a bad rap over the last decade. However, that reputation is not supported by the data, as reported by my law partner Jim Slaughter in his recent blog post entitled Community Associations in 2025: Bigger, Busier, and Still Strongly Supported. His blog references the fact that 86% of owners rate their community association experience as very good, good, or neutral. So, how should associations work to foster community and change the perception?

This is a tough industry. Sometimes there is tension, emotions can run high, and managers and board members can experience burnout. This can have a negative effect on mental health and wellness, which can lead to more negativity among all parts of the community association. As Melissa Ramsey wrote when she began her 2025 term as President of the Community Associations Institute (CAI), “[w]hat if we focused efforts around the good? Imagine spending time and energy promoting the positive aspects of managing a community. We take time to highlight the wins and promote the accomplishments of volunteers, managers, and business partners.”

Associations should focus on community building through several methods. First, approach communication with respect. This communication style should come from the top. Meaning, the Board of Directors should (even when they don’t want to) be respectful to their members, management, and business partners. Management should always act professionally as they are often the communication arm of the Board. And, members should equally show the same level of respect to the Board, management, and their neighbors. Even when there is a valid dispute, resolutions are more feasible when there is respectful dialogue.

Second, be transparent. That is not always possible, especially when the Board is discussing confidential or privileged matters. However, the Board should have open communications with the membership about initiatives, concerns, and community maintenance projects.

Third, the association can support community building through social events, community beautification days, cookouts, or other volunteer opportunities. These types of activities can allow owners to get to know their neighbors in situations outside of an organized community meeting. Knowing your neighbors can build trust, camaraderie, and can support community safety.

In the new year let’s work as Boards, managers, business partners, and homeowners to change the narrative. Let’s focus on the positive, let’s respect each other, and let’s do all we can to put the “community” back in community associations!

Read More: LawFirmCarolinas

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Budget Planning: A Roadmap for Financially Healthy Communities

A few years ago, a volunteer board proudly shared photos of their newly renovated clubhouse. Fresh paint. Updated lighting. A beautiful space for residents to gather.

Six months later, they discovered their roofs were nearing the end of their useful life—without adequate reserves to replace them.

What went wrong?

They had a strong short-term budget. What they lacked was a long-term financial strategy.

For community associations, financial health depends on balancing both.

Whether you’re a board member trying to protect property values, a homeowner concerned about rising dues, or a developer establishing a new community, understanding how short-term and long-term budgets work together is essential

The Short-Term Budget: Your Annual Operating Plan

The short-term budget—typically annual—is what keeps the lights on and the grass cut.

It covers:

• Landscaping and routine maintenance

• Utilities

• Insurance premiums

• Management fees

• Administrative costs

• Minor repairs

This is where many boards focus most of their energy. And understandably so. Homeowners feel the impact of this budget immediately through their assessments.

But strong annual budgeting isn’t just about controlling costs—it’s about thoughtful forecasting.

Best Practices for Short-Term Budgeting

Review historical data carefully. Compare projected expenses to actual spending from prior years. Patterns matter.

Plan for inflation and vendor increases. Contracts rarely stay flat year over year.

Build in contingencies. Unexpected repairs are inevitable.

Prioritize transparent communication. Clear financial reporting builds trust, especially if assessments need to increase.

Boards often face pressure to “keep dues low.” But artificially low dues can quietly undermine long-term stability. In our experience working with Carolina communities, thoughtful budget optimization paired with transparent financial reporting reduces friction and builds homeowner confidence.

A strong management partner supports this process with vendor oversight and accountability—helping ensure communities receive value for every dollar spent.

The Long-Term Budget: Planning Beyond This Year

If the annual budget handles daily operations, the long-term budget protects the community’s future.

This is your reserve funding strategy.

Reserve funds prepare your association for major capital repairs and replacements, including:

• Roof replacements

• Road resurfacing

• Pool renovations

• Elevator modernization

• Structural repairs

These projects are not surprises. They are predictable events with measurable life cycles.

The challenge is timing and funding.

Why Reserve Studies Matter

A professional reserve study evaluates common area components, estimates remaining useful life, and recommends funding levels.

Reserve planning requirements vary significantly by state law and governing documents, so boards should always consult qualified professionals and legal counsel when needed. Organizations like the Community Associations Institute (CAI) provide valuable educational resources for board members seeking best practices.

Without accurate reserve planning, associations often face:

• Special assessments

• Deferred maintenance

• Declining property values

• Increased homeowner frustration

We’ve seen communities that delayed contributions for years to avoid raising dues. When a major project finally arrived, the financial impact was severe. The result wasn’t just higher costs—it was lost trust.

Proactive maintenance planning and properly funded reserves protect both property values and community harmony.

Bridging the Gap: Short-Term and Long-Term Working Together

One common mistake boards make is treating operating budgets and reserve planning as separate conversations.

They’re not.

Maintenance decisions today affect capital expenses tomorrow. Choosing lower-cost repairs without long-term planning can accelerate deterioration.

Strong communities use multi-year forecasting to connect:

• Operating expenses

• Reserve contributions

• Vendor contracts

• Inflation trends

• Insurance adjustments

Insurance and risk coordination deserve special attention. Premiums across the country have fluctuated dramatically in recent years. Working with qualified insurance professionals and building those projections into both annual and long-term plans is critical.

And it’s important to clarify: while associations manage common areas, safety and criminal matters belong with law enforcement. HOAs and management companies cannot guarantee security. Budgeting should support responsible risk mitigation—not unrealistic promises.

The Human Side of Budget Planning

Behind every spreadsheet is a person.

The board treasurer who loses sleep over balancing numbers.

The homeowner on a fixed income worried about assessment increases.

The real estate agent reviewing reserve funding before advising a buyer.

Financial planning is not just about math—it’s about communication and leadership.

Board training and education make a measurable difference. When leaders understand reserve studies, funding models, and forecasting tools, decisions become less reactive and more strategic.

A dedicated board liaison and consistent manager longevity also matter. Communities benefit when experienced professionals guide conversations year after year, rather than restarting the learning curve with constant turnover.

Special Considerations for New Developments

Developers and newly transitioned communities face unique challenges.

Initial budgets are sometimes set artificially low to attract buyers. While understandable from a marketing perspective, this approach can create long-term instability once the association transitions to homeowner control.

A seamless transition process includes:

• Realistic operating projections

• Early reserve planning

• Clear documentation

• Education for incoming board members

Establishing financial discipline from day one prevents painful corrections later.

Financial Planning Is Community Planning

Healthy associations don’t happen by accident.

They happen when boards take a balanced approach—meeting today’s needs while preparing for tomorrow’s responsibilities.

Short-term budgeting keeps operations running smoothly.

Long-term planning protects property values and prevents financial shocks.

Communities that embrace proactive maintenance planning, transparent financial reporting, and consistent professional guidance position themselves for stability—not surprises.

Because at the end of the day, budgeting isn’t just about dollars.

It’s about protecting the place people call home.

About the Author

Paul Mengert is President and CEO of Association Management Group (AMG), a community association management firm serving communities throughout the Carolinas. With more than four decades of experience, Paul has worked alongside volunteer boards, developers, and homeowners to strengthen financial stability, operational performance, and long-term planning.

Under his leadership, AMG has built a reputation for responsiveness, manager longevity, and customized HOA and condo solutions tailored to each community’s needs. The firm emphasizes CAI-accredited management practices, dedicated board support, proactive maintenance planning, and transparent financial reporting designed to protect property values and reduce financial surprises.

Paul believes strong communities are built on collaboration, education, and responsible financial stewardship—principles that continue to guide AMG’s work with associations across the region.

To learn more, visit amgworld.com.

Why Boards Should Rely on Professionals For Major Projects — and How AMG Helps to Supports the Process

Even the most experienced community association boards can find themselves on uncertain ground when major repairs, capital projects, or construction needs arise. Whether it’s a roof replacement, a structural repair, or a large-scale renovation, these projects demand more than common sense and good intentions.

They demand qualified professionals — and the wisdom to know when to bring them in.

Boards Bring Dedication. Professionals Bring Specialization.

Community association boards vary widely in their background. Some include engineers or real estate professionals. Others are made up of retirees, teachers, or volunteers who simply care about their neighborhood.

But regardless of who’s sitting around the table, the law doesn’t expect you to be an expert in everything.

What it does expect is sound, informed decision-making — the kind described under the Business Judgment Rule. That means relying on appropriate experts, particularly when dealing with high-cost or high-risk issues.

• Engineers help define the scope of work, ensure structural integrity, and develop specifications for bidding and performance.

• Attorneys help interpret the association’s governing documents and applicable laws. They fine-tune contracts and ensure performance terms are enforceable and compliant.

Even highly capable board members should think of these professionals as partners in protection — not because they can’t do the job, but because the job deserves a higher level of precision.

The Real Cost of Going It Alone

Consider a mid-sized condo community that attempted to manage a full siding replacement project through a volunteer-led committee. The board chose the lowest bidder without consulting an engineer, hoping to save money.

Within two years, water intrusion and mold became a problem due to improper installation. By year three, the association faced litigation and had to repeat the project entirely — at double the cost.

This isn’t rare. Projects involving infrastructure, building systems, or legal obligations simply carry too much risk to approach without professional guidance.

AMG’s Role: Facilitating, Not Directing

It’s important to be clear: Association Management Group (AMG) is not an engineering firm, nor a provider of legal services. Our role is to support and facilitate a board’s work — not replace it or override it.

What does that look like in practice?

• Helping boards coordinate meetings and correspondence with attorneys, engineers, or other professionals

• Assisting with communications between the board and its advisors, so that questions, feedback, and decisions are documented and shared clearly

• Maintaining project records, including proposals, contracts, and updates

• Tracking contract deliverables based on board direction, and following up with vendors or professionals when needed

AMG does not direct legal or engineering professionals. We do not offer legal or technical advice. Instead, we help make the process more organized, more transparent, and easier for the board to manage.

Our job is to keep the logistics moving — so the board has what it needs to make informed decisions.

From Chaos to Confidence: What It Looks Like in Real Life

From a board member’s perspective, the hardest part of a major project often isn’t the cost — it’s the complexity.

• How do you compare bids?

• What contract terms protect the association?

• Who’s tracking progress and reporting back?

With a professional manager facilitating communication, tracking deliverables, and helping maintain records, board members are freed up to focus on governance — not chasing paperwork or sorting through email threads.

From a homeowner’s perspective, projects can bring disruption: blocked parking, noise, dust, and confusion. Clear communication — coordinated through the management team and approved by the board — keeps expectations realistic and builds trust during inconvenient phases.

From the manager’s perspective, major projects are a natural part of the community’s lifecycle. That’s why we focus on proactive maintenance planning, reserve funding, and clear project timelines — not just reacting when things break.

The AMG Approach: Organized. Professional. Board-Led.

At AMG, we’ve spent 40+ years supporting boards across the Carolinas through major community projects. Our managers have the training, vendor relationships, and systems to help boards work effectively — without crossing the line into areas that require legal or technical licensing.

Boards retain full control. Our job is to help keep things on track.

With local Carolina expertise, CAI-accredited management, and a deep respect for board authority, AMG delivers structure and support — while keeping governance where it belongs: with the board.

Disclaimer: Association Management Group is not a law firm or engineering firm and does not provide legal or technical advice. Boards should consult qualified professionals for all legal, structural, or contractual matters.

Learn more at amgworld.com or contact us to explore how AMG can support your next capital project or repair initiative.

Navigating Winter Weather Together: Snow, Ice, and Your Community

Winter storms are unpredictable. When extreme weather strikes, our shared goal is to navigate the season safely and efficiently. While we cannot control the severity of the elements, understanding how cold weather events and snow management work in your community can help set expectations and keep everyone safer.

Important Safety Warning: Proceed with Caution

Please be advised that winter weather creates inherently dangerous conditions. Regardless of whether snow removal or ice treatment has been performed, residents should assume that all driving and walking surfaces are slippery and potentially hazardous. Ice can reform quickly even after treatment. We urge you to exercise extreme caution and take appropriate personal precautions to ensure your safety, as the Association and AMG cannot guarantee the removal of ice, snow or other hazardous conditions.

Understanding the Process: Priorities & Costs

Effective snow removal relies on a pre-determined plan that weighs logistics, safety, and community funds.

• Public Roads: If your streets are public, the city or town controls the plowing, sanding, and ice-melt schedules. Your association does not have jurisdiction over municipal roadways.

• Private Communities: If your community has private roads, the Board of Directors establishes the snow removal policy. This policy dictates if and when contractors are deployed. This includes common areas like sidewalks, mailbox kiosks, etc.

• Budget Responsibility: Snow removal is a significant expense that impacts the Association's annual budget. The Board must carefully weigh the cost of heavy plowing against the forecast or putting down ice-melt. For example, if snow is expected to melt naturally within 24 hours, the Board may opt to conserve funds rather than deploy expensive heavy machinery or material/labor cost for ice-melt.

• Connectivity: It is important to note that even if your community clears private streets, travel may still be impossible if the connecting public roads have not yet been plowed by the city. Plowing private streets before public roads are clear can sometimes be an ineffective use of Association funds.

The Challenge of Extreme Conditions

Residents often wonder why plows haven't arrived or why surfaces remain slippery. In almost every case, unprecedented or extreme weather patterns are the culprit. Additionally, plowing can sometimes lead to unintended issues, such as blocked driveways. When a plow clears a street, the snow must go somewhere, and it is almost inevitable that "windrows" (lines of snow) will block the ends of private driveways.

Here are why weather conditions often dictate the schedule:

• Flash Freezing: Even after plowing or applying ice-melt, rapid temperature drops can cause wet pavement to turn into black ice. This is a weather phenomenon that is difficult to combat until temperatures rise.

• Storm Timing: If a storm hits during rush hour, vendors can get stuck in the same traffic as commuters, delaying their arrival.

• Refreezing Cycles: Plowing snow too early can result in melt-off that runs back onto the road and freezes overnight. Contractors often wait for the storm to conclude to avoid creating dangerous ice patches.

• Equipment and Material Limitations: During blizzard conditions, visibility may drop to zero, forcing crews to pause for safety. Additionally, extremely heavy, wet snow can slow down machinery significantly. Moreover, since the Carolinas receive relatively infrequent ice and snow events of any significance, there are fewer vendors available than in the northeast where such events are common. Ice-melt availability in home improvement stores may be very limited on quantity or have limitations on how much can be purchased.

Ice-melt, Sand, and Surfaces

When treating ice, the goal is traction and melting. However, extreme cold can render ice-melt ineffective (usually below 15°F-20°F).

• Concrete Care: Please be aware that many chemical de-icers can damage concrete or asphalt surfaces over time. You might consider using sand or kitty litter for traction on your personal walkways to minimize surface pitting.

• Pet Safety: If you are walking pets, consider wiping their paws after walks, as municipal salt and some chemical melts can be irritating.

Steps to Protect Your Home: Frozen Pipes

When the temperature drops significantly, the risk of frozen pipes increases. While the Association generally maintains common elements, the pipes inside your walls serving your unit are typically the owner's responsibility. If you lease your home, please ensure your tenant is aware of these requirements and takes the necessary precautions.

To help mitigate the risk of water damage, you might consider the following steps:

• Maintain Heat: It is highly recommended to keep your thermostat set to at least 55-60°F, even if you are away.

• Air Circulation: Consider leaving cabinet doors under sinks open to allow warm air to reach the pipes.

• Drip Faucets: During extreme cold snaps, allowing a faucet on an exterior wall to drip very slowly can help prevent pressure buildup and freezing.

• Vacation Check-ins: If you travel, consider asking a friend or neighbor to check your home periodically to ensure the heat is functioning.

How You Can Help

Winter safety is a community effort. We suggest the following to help operations run smoothly:

• Clear the Way: Please try to park in garages or assigned spots to keep travel lanes open for plows.

• Personal Safety: We recommend wearing footwear with heavy treads and using handrails on stairs.

• Patience: Please understand that during major regional storms, contractors are managing high volumes. They will arrive as soon as conditions allow.

A Note on Insurance

Now is a great time to review your insurance policy. We suggest you check with your insurance agent and verify that your policy includes coverage for water damage resulting from burst pipes, adequate "Loss Assessment" coverage should a large deductible apply to a claim, and other appropriate coverages.

Do you have questions about your specific community's snow policy?

Please email your community manager or log in to the resident portal for your association. Stay warm and safe!