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
Additional Resources
Financial Operations
Section One: Overview and Introduction
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
Section One: Overview and Introduction
Community Harmony & Spirit
Section Two: Ways to Promote Community Spirit
Case Studies of Community Harmony & Spirit
Case Study #1: The Landfall Council of Associations, Inc.
Case Study #2: Riverwoods Plantation RV Resort Condominium Association
Case Study #3: Chicago Homes of Dearborn Park Homeowners Association
Case Study #4: Pelican Cove Condominium Association, Inc.
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 One: Introduction
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
Introduction
Section 1: Your Association's Obligation to Undertake Security Measures
Section 2: Impact of Crime on the Community
Section 3: Developer Considerations
Section 4: Security Services
Section 5: Video Surveillance Systems
Section 6: Alarm Systems
Section 7: Access Control Systems
Section 8: Vehicular Access Control
Section 9: Pedestrian Access Control
Section 10: Automated Vehicular Gate Systems
Case Studies
Case Study #1: The Polo Club
Case Study #2: Laurel Oak Community Association
Attachments
Attachment 1: Checklist—Tips on Securing Your Community
Attachment 2: Survey—Security Services
Security Acronyms and Key Terms
Additional Resources
