The Best Practices Reports include performance benchmarks for several key areas of community association governance and management. Each includes case studies that illustrate those benchmarks implemented in real communities.

All Best Practices Reports were developed from the recommendations of industry experts and standards published in various industry-related publications.

The Best Practices Reports are available as free PDF downloads from the Foundation for Community Association Research. However, for those who want printed versions, they are available here at cost.

Contents

Reserve Studies/Management

Governance

Strategic Planning

Financial Operations

Community Harmony & Spirit

Energy Efficiency

Community Security

Green Communities

Transition

Reserve Studies/Management

Overview
Definition of Reserve Studies
Types of Reserve Studies
Contents of a Reserve Study
Disclosure
Determining a Reserve Schedule
Establishing a Preventive Maintenance Schedule
Selecting a Funding Plan
Developing an Investment Policy
Financial Reporting
Case Studies
  Case Study #1: RR Community Association
  Case Study #2: ABC Community Association
  Case Study #3: The Woodlands at West Orange Condominium Association
Common Terms
Additional Resources

Governance

Section One. Governance and Resident Involvement

   The Policy Governance Model
   Transition from Developer Control
   Ways to Promote Resident Involvement

Case Studies of Governance and Resident Involvement

   Case Study #1: Braewood Heritage
   Case Study #2: Northgate Homeowners Association
   Case Study #3: Third Creek Homeowners Association
   Case Study #4: Tapatio II
   Case Study #5: Green Valley Ranch Association

Section Two: Conflict Resolution
   Ways to Resolve Conflict

   Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
   Ways to Minimize Violations

Case Studies of Conflict Resolution
   Case Study #1: Northgate Homeowners Association
   Case Study #2: Third Creek Homeowner’s Association
   Case Study #3: Tapatio II
   Case Study #4: Green Valley Ranch Community Association
   Case Study #5: Heron’s Cove Condominium

Appendices
   Appendix #1: Sample Dispute Resolution Policy
   Appendix #2: Sample Provision for Mediation
   Appendix #3: Sample Provision for Selection of Mediator—Large Community

Additional Resources

Strategic Planning

Section One: The Basics of Strategic Planning
  Strategic Planning Definition and Philosophy

Section Two: Strategic Planning Models

  Model 1: Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs)
  Model 2: Applied Strategic Planning
  Model 3: ICMA Strategic Development
Applying Strategies in Community Associations
Strategic Planning in Your Community

Section Three: Components of Strategic Planning
  Plan Development
  Plan Execution
  Plan Review
  Use of a Consultant

Case Studies of Strategic Planning
  Case Study #1: Village at Craig Ranch Homeowners Association
  Case Study #2: Desert Shores Community Association
  Case Study #3: Pelican Cove Condominium Association, Inc.
  Case Study #4: Crystal Lakes Road and Recreation Association
  Case Study #5: Siena Community Association
  Case Study #6: Tellico Village

Appendix A: Long Range Planning Process

Financial Operations

  Financial Operations
  Budgetary Responsibilities

Section Two: Accounting Practices & Financial Statements
  Accounting Practices
  Accounting Basis Used for Financial Statements
  Financial Statements and Reports

Section Three: Assessments, Taxes, and Investments
  Assessment Collection
  Federal Income Tax Filing Responsibilities
  Investments
  Bid Requests/Request for Proposals

Case Studies of Strategic Planning
  Case Study #1: The Oakridge Estates Community Association
  Case Study #2: Kiawah Island Community Association
  Case Study #3: Riverbend at Leisure World

Additional Resources

Community Harmony & Spirit

    Case Study #5: The Ford’s Colony at Williamsburg Homeowners’ Association, Inc. (FCHOA)

Additional Resources

Energy Efficiency

Introduction
Section One: Retrofitting Existing Homes
  Appliances
  Insulation and Weatherization
  Heating and Cooling
  Landscaping
  Lighting
  Windows

Section Two: Building Green
  Building America
  Civano, Arizona

Section Three: Case Studies
  Case Study #1: Castlegate Homeowners Association
  Case Study #2: Watergate at Landmark Condominium Unit Owners Association
  Case Study #3: Radisson Community Association, Inc.
  Case Study #4: Heron’s Cove Condominium
  Case Study #5: Mountain Park Home Owners Association

Transition

Section Two: What Is Transition?

Section Three: Case Studies
   Case Study #1: A Model for Developers
   Case Study #2: Ford’s Colony at Williamsburg
   Case Study #3:Tapatio II
   Case Study #4: Green Valley Ranch Community Association

Section Four: The Development Process

Section Five: The Challenges

   Construction
   Governance
   Preparation of the Documents
   Guidelines for Governance
   Communications
   Maintenance of Common Property by the Association
   Financial Control
   Budgets
   Litigation
   Engineering Reports and Punch Lists
   Insurance

Section Six: Who Are the Parties?
   The Association
   The Manager
   The Approving Authorities

Section Seven: Emerging Strategies to Discourage Litigation

Section Eight: Attachments
   Sample Transition Agreement
   Example List of Documents to Be Turned Over

Additional Resources

Community Security