Welcome to CAI’s e-newsletter!
___________________________________________________________
DISASTER AND THE DEBRIS
DON'T COUNT ON FEMA REIMBURSEMENT.
In most cases, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will not offer relief to private, residential communities, leaving them to organize and fund debris removal on their own. That’s why Hilton Head Island’s several municipal and community association leaders formed a recovery task force to get the help they needed in advance of a disaster. The task force accomplished these steps:
- Formed agreements with Hilton Head community associations for disaster preparedness and crafted a recovery plan
- Researched and met FEMA requirements to receive support prior to the disaster, which included: indemnification; proof that the community owned their roads; and information that private insurance would not cover areas in need of disaster relief
CAI’s Government and Public Affairs team has created guidelines for communities to follow before and after presidentially-declared disasters here.
__________________________________________________________
see you later, summer!
time to exchange swimsuits for sweaters.
Encourage your residents to check off these tips—or use them for shared spaces throughout your community:
Update window treatments. Summer’s sheer curtain panels won’t keep the frigid air from creeping in on a cold night. Consider switching to a denser curtain fabric to keep spaces cozy and the heating bill low. - Schedule appliance checkups. The HVAC system, air ducts, and hot water heater should be checked by a licensed professional to ensure all elements are in good shape for the change in weather—especially if any appliances worked overtime during summer months.
- Examine your building envelope. Check for leaks in the roof, possible cracks in attic windows, and insufficient insulation. With the help of a licensed professional or advice from your local home improvement store staff, you can shield your home from harsh weather.
- Replace weather stripping. Doors and windows need extra help to hold heat. Inspect all door and window perimeters for cracks or tears in your current weather stripping. You also can add a second layer of protection with temporary weather stripping over existing seals.
- Deep clean and declutter. Thoroughly clean nooks and crannies inside and out. Ensure electrical cords, outlets, and air vents are dust- and clutter-free; tidy up garages and storage areas; and clear any debris from the exterior, especially around vents and drains.
And, hello fall!
___________________________________________________________
not so fast
GIVE SAFETY THE GREENLIGHT
The number of accidents caused by speeding can be exacerbated by poorly maintained, wet, or slippery pavement. However, even with the best road and weather conditions, driving too fast exponentially reduces a driver’s control over steering and increases the time it takes to stop a vehicle.
Dunes West Property Owners Association in Mount Pleasant, S.C., started using radar to gather information on community speeding trends. This data “guided police deployment” by indicating to local law enforcement when and where drivers are most likely to exceed the posted speed limit within or near the community. The association encourages local law enforcement to identify speed offenders and issue tickets as necessary on the community’s private roads.
Armed with the awareness of driving behavior, communities can work toward protecting their streets and everyone who uses them.
>>For more insights on how communities are tackling real issues this one, subscribe to HOAresources.com.
___________________________________________________________
CONDO BUYING GETS EASIER
FEDERAL HOUSING ADMINISTRATION RELEASES UPDATED APPROVAL RULES.
“FHA-insured mortgages are critical to helping creditworthy first-time, minority, and underserved households achieve the American dream of homeownership," says Thomas M. Skiba, CAE, CAI's chief executive officer. “FHA's bureaucratic process meant many of these households were shut out of condominium homeownership."
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development data shows condominium unit mortgages currently account for fewer than 2% of all FHA-insured mortgages, exposing a critical failure of federal housing policy. The changes announced by FHA are intended to allow the agency to expand homeownership for many Americans.
Millions of homebuyers could benefit from the changes. The Foundation for Community Association Research (FCAR) estimates 40% of the nation's 27 million community association households call a condominium home, accounting for approximately 10% of the nation's housing stock.
_____________________________________________________
GO BACK TO SCHOOL WITH CAI PRESS
EDUCATION ISN'T JUST FOR THE KIDS AT YOUR BUS STOP.
Whether you're a community association novice or a seasoned veteran looking for a refresher, CAI Press has everything you need to excel in your volunteer or professional role. From A-B-C's and 1-2-3's to AP, we can bring you the basics or dive deep into a specific subject.
Still shopping?
Add our top-selling tote bags, which sold out AGAIN, to your wish list to be first in line when they’re available again:
1. Sign in to your caionline.org account with your username and password.
2. Go to CAI Press.
3. Select the "I Love My HOA" tote bag and "It's a Challenge But I Manage" tote bag, then click "Add to Wish List."
4. Check your wish list anytime by clicking the yellow "View Wish List" button in the bookstore.
By adding these items to your CAI wish list, you will be the first to know as soon as they're available again, which will be tote-ally soon!
>>SHOP CAI PRESS TODAY!
2019 CAI PRESS SPONSOR
____________________________________________________________
WEBINAR | OCT. 30 | 2–3 P.M. ET
Good reputation: media and your association
Negative headlines impact current and potential residents, management, business partners, and staff. Learn how to anticipate and ward off public relations problems before it's too late.
[Register here]
EVENT | OCT. 23 | WASHINGTON, D.C.
cai 2019 advocacy summit
Let your voice be heard on Capitol Hill. Attend the Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 23. Meet with your members of Congress and their staff to advocate for the 70 million+ Americans living and working in community associations. [Register here]
EVENT | JAN. 15 | LAS VEGAS
2020 community association law seminar
This unique opportunity to discuss emerging trends and legislative issues important to the practice of community association law is presented annually by CAI's College of Community Association Lawyers. [Register here]