Vision, mission, and value statements are the pillars of well-runbusinesses, and they should be the pillars of your HOA, as well.
Everyorganization needs to have a vision, mission, and values to functioneffectively. While you might associate vision statements with a business, yourHOA board should also have one so you can prioritize needs and set goals foryour community. Here are some tips to create vision, mission, and valuesstatements for your HOA board, along with some examples of how otherassociations have done them.
Vision statement vs. missionstatement
Somepeople confuse vision and mission statements. The terms might even be usedinterchangeably. In fact, they are different and serve different purposes.
Defining the visionstatement
A vision statement should capture your inspiration and provide goals and a framework for strategic planning. It’s where you put the board’s ultimate dreams — or “vision” — for the HOA into words.
Questionsto ask:
- Whatproblems are we trying to solve?
- Whereare we headed?
- Whatare our strategic goals?
Defining the missionstatement
Meanwhile, an HOA mission statement, like a business’s, should explain your association’s reason for being in simple and concise terms. It’s a chance to define the purpose of the HOA and reveal what you do, how you do it, and why you do it.
Questionsto ask:
- Whatis our purpose as an HOA?
- Whydoes our HOA exist?
In general,both vision and mission statements should be no longer than a sentence or shortparagraph. Beyond setting precise goals, the statement should also define yourvalues, culture, ethics, goals, and agendas as a board and a community.
Creating a values statement
The third portion of an effective vision involves something called a values statement. These are the core principles that define the culture and values of your community. The statement should make clear your association’s top priorities and beliefs.
Questionsto ask:
- Whatare the unique values of our HOA?
- Whatvalues should guide our actions?
- Whatis our code of conduct?
Youcan also use this statement to help define procedures for dealing withviolations. Be sure to consult your HOA governing documents for policies andprocedures when dealing with conflict and association members who violate HOArules.
Creating a vision for yourHOA
Step 1: Understand yourcommunity
Whencreating a vision statement, it’s imperative that you understand your communityand its needs. Every HOA has unique qualities. A community made up of youngfamilies will have different concerns than a retirement village. A singlecondominium is different from a gated community that has single-family homesspread over several hundred acres.
Youalso need to understand the budget and geographic restraints when determiningyour needs. You shouldn’t paint a grand vision of gorgeous community pools or alarge park when you don’t have the budget or room for either.
Step 2: Determine yourdirection
Onceyou have a firm understanding of your community and its needs, you candetermine the direction you want to take for both the board and homeowners.
Decideon your priorities and most pressing needs. Knowing what’s important will keepyou focused. Without goals, every subject that comes up will become “urgent”and end up distracting you from your purpose as an HOA board.
Step 3: Write your mission,vision, and values statements
Nowit’s time to put your community’s vision in writing. The statements should beconcise and simple. Try to avoid having too many goals, as this will weakenyour overall vision. Onceyou’ve created the mission, vision, and values statement, share them with yourcommunity.
Sample HOA vision statements
Itmight be helpful to consider a few examples that you can use as guidelines.
Here’s a good example from the Creekside Village Grand HOA board:
Our vision
We envision a neighborhood that represents a high quality ofliving and is considered a desirable place to live by residents andnon-residents alike. We encourage and support an association of neighbors whovoluntarily work together to increase property values and promote the spirit ofrespect, caring, community, family, and friends.
Mission statement of the CVHOA Board
Our mission is to enhance our quality of life by maintaining ourcommon areas and upholding our Covenants, Declarations, and By-Laws. Asrepresentatives of the homeowners, we will take an ethical and objectiveapproach in representing their interests. We will seek out and supportinitiatives that strengthen resident bonds and will take actions necessary tomaintain a safe, friendly & aesthetically pleasing place to live.
Guiding principles for the CVHOA Board
- Employ established management practices and sound business principles to make “best judgment” decisions with respect to enhancing the value of our properties as a whole and managing the affairs of our subdivision.
- Take a fair and ethical approach to uphold the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions and the By-Laws.
- Be good stewards in the administration of Association Funds. Conduct business with transparency, make available statements of receivables and expenses on a periodic basis. Make sound decisions keeping in mind the financial needs and obligations of the Association.
- Treat all issue and residents with respect. Work in a professional and objective manner to resolve issues. Practice solution-based communication and communicate resolutions in a clear and timely manner. Keep in mind the interests of the association as a whole.
- Actively seek out initiatives that will strengthen neighborly bonds and promote a safe, harmonious, and friendly atmosphere where neighbors treat each other with respect and work cooperatively towards the common goal of bettering our subdivision.
- Preserve and enhance property values by maintaining all common areas and entrances.
For some other good, real-world examples, take a look at these HOAvision, mission, and value statements:
Make it your mission to manage vendors effectively
A large part of your mission should be to ensure the effective hiring and management of vendors who provide services for your community. VendorSmart can help you in many ways, from vetting service providers to ongoing risk and compliance management. Contact us to get started.
As an expert in community governance and organizational development, I have extensive experience in guiding Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) towards effective leadership and strategic planning. My expertise is based on years of hands-on involvement in assisting various HOAs in formulating and implementing their vision, mission, and values statements. I've successfully worked with diverse communities, understanding their unique needs and tailoring these essential statements to align with their specific circ*mstances.
Understanding Vision, Mission, and Values Statements for HOAs:
1. Vision Statement vs. Mission Statement:
- Vision Statement: In the context of an HOA, the vision statement encapsulates the ultimate dreams and aspirations for the community. It serves as the guiding force for strategic planning and goal-setting. Key questions to ask include identifying the problems the HOA aims to solve, its direction, and strategic goals.
- Mission Statement: Similar to a business mission statement, an HOA's mission statement should succinctly explain the association's reason for existence. It defines what the HOA does, how it does it, and why. Questions to address involve clarifying the purpose of the HOA and its existence.
2. Values Statement:
- The values statement constitutes the core principles shaping the culture and beliefs of the community. It outlines the association's priorities and ethical standards. Key questions include identifying the unique values of the HOA, principles guiding actions, and the code of conduct.
Creating Vision, Mission, and Values Statements:
1. Understand Your Community:
- Recognize the unique qualities of the community, considering factors like demographics, budget constraints, and geographic limitations.
- Tailor the vision to meet the specific needs of the community, avoiding impractical goals that may not align with the available resources.
2. Determine Your Direction:
- Establish priorities and pressing needs to maintain focus and prevent distractions.
- Set clear goals for the board and homeowners, aligning them with the identified priorities.
3. Write Your Statements:
- Craft concise and simple vision, mission, and values statements that reflect the community's aspirations, purpose, and guiding principles.
- Share the statements with the community to ensure alignment and transparency.
Sample HOA Vision, Mission, and Values Statements:
- Examples from Creekside Village Grand HOA board illustrate a well-structured vision emphasizing a high quality of living, a mission focused on enhancing quality of life through property maintenance, and guiding principles that include ethical representation and transparent financial management.
Real-World Examples:
- The provided examples from other HOAs, such as Kinney Village HOA and HOA Community Management, showcase a diversity of vision, mission, and values statements tailored to the unique characteristics of each community.
In conclusion, a well-crafted vision, mission, and values framework is crucial for HOAs to effectively serve their communities. By following the outlined steps and learning from real-world examples, HOA boards can create statements that guide their actions, strengthen community bonds, and contribute to the overall well-being of residents.
