Community Associations Institute, the leading international authority in community association education, governance, and management, is proud to announce the formation of our 64th chapter. Known officially as CAI Louisiana, the chapter is the state's first and only professional association representing community associations, commonly referred to as homeowners associations (HOAs), condominiums, and housing cooperatives.
Today, there are approximately 158,000 Louisianians living in nearly 2,000 community associations, according to the Foundation for Community Association Research. The CAI Louisiana Chapter will benefit homeowners, community association managers, industry partners, and the local business community through CAI resources, including comprehensive education and credentialing programs. CAI Louisiana will offer members the opportunity to attend educational sessions, an annual conference, and a range of networking and state and federal legislative initiatives.
“The Louisiana Legislature had an unprecedented year for legislation impacting the community association housing model," says Crystal Wallace, CAE, CAI's senior vice president of membership and chapter relations. “More than a handful of bills were introduced directly affecting community associations—ranging from restrictive covenants issues to association lien processes. While there was no established CAI chapter within the state, many CAI members and advocates led efforts to ensure the best public policy possible was adapted for the industry. The work of our members proved invaluable, and we're proud to announce the formation of the CAI Louisiana Chapter-In-Organization."
On June 23, CAI headquarters staff and CAI Louisiana members held their first chapter event, including a legislative update on the incredible efforts of CAI's advocates in 2022; more than 70 industry representatives attended. CAI's advocacy team looks forward to continuing to work with CAI Louisiana members and advancing the best public policy possible for the community association housing model in future legislative sessions.
“CAI has been a valuable resource for my career and education," says Leanne Phillips, CMCA, AMS, PCAM, a community association manager in Louisiana. “I have been a part of the broader CAI family through the Exchange, conferences, workshops, and educational classes, but a state chapter allows me those home networks. As someone who has been in this industry, I'm now opening the door for and am excited about being a mentor to new community managers. I am thrilled to see there are so many Louisianians interested in growing their expertise and knowledge in this industry."