A new special report, Safety First: Evaluating Risks and Developing Practical Solutions, offers valuable support to community associations navigating safety, security, and conflict prevention. The report is published by Community Associations Institute, the leading international association for community association education, governance, and management. Community associations, also known as condominium communities, homeowners associations, and housing cooperatives, represent nearly 30% of all U.S. housing.
According to CAI, community association board members, managers, and business partners are regularly faced with challenging and complex issues that can spark strong emotions. However, few are prepared for violent attacks; few know how to handle aggressive behavior; and few know how to respond when their lives are on the line. Many recognize it's time to change that mindset, prepare for the worst-case scenario, and take steps to protect themselves, their colleagues, neighbors, and residents.
Readers will find ideas, tips, and resources on community safety, conflict prevention, security options, and results from a survey of CAI members. The guide was adapted from several Common Ground TM magazine articles, a survey of more than 200 CAI members in January 2023, discussions in CAI's members-only Exchange groups, and resources previously developed by CAI.
“Communication and education are critical elements of successful homeowner-community association relations—and the best way to minimize misunderstanding and uncertainty," says Thomas M. Skiba, CAE, CAI's chief executive officer. “Education involves making every effort to convey timely, understandable information about codes, policies, and procedures to all homeowners and nonowner residents. Our new report supports communities and is another valued resource to identify and resolve issues before they become open conflicts."
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