Maintenance, Capital Planning, and Sustainability
• Deferred-maintenance awareness: Older communities have increased focus on capital replacement plans (roofs, decks, parking surfaces) and funding for long- term repairs.
• Sustainability and energy issues: Solar arrays, energy-efficient upgrades, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure have raised questions about architectural control, easements, and allocation of costs.
Litigation and Enforcement Environment
• More owner-initiated litigation: Disputes over rule enforcement, special assessments, access to records, and elections have led to more court and administrative cases.
• Fair housing and accessibility claims: Increased enforcement of federal and state fair housing laws and ADA/accessibility issues have required associations to adopt policies and reasonable-accommodation procedures.
• Regulatory scrutiny: State agencies and consumer protection offices occasionally intervene in association matters, shaping enforcement expectations.
Pandemic Impacts (Short and Medium Term)
• Virtual operations: Emergency rules and convenience led to virtual meetings, electronic voting, and remote board functioning — several of which remain in practice.
• Collections and assessments: Temporary delays, moratoria in some jurisdictions, and changed collection practices affected association cash flow and budgeting for deferred maintenance.
• Health and common-area rules: Policies on amenity closures, cleaning protocols, and owner conduct were created or updated and remain part of operational playbooks.
Practical Takeaways for Owners and Boards
• Adopt clear, written policies on budgeting, reserves, collections, rentals, and alternative dispute resolution.
• Invest in training and professional support: Use certified managers, accountants, and legal counsel appropriately.
• Use technology carefully: Implement owner portals and virtual meeting tools while addressing privacy/ cybersecurity risks.
• Plan capital and insurance needs: Regular reserve studies and insurance reviews protect long-term community value.
• Stay current with law and best practices: Monitor statutory changes and court decisions affecting association governance and owner rights.
In summary, community association living in Illinois over the past half century has become more regulated,
42 | COMMON INTEREST®
Professional Certifications and Formal Education
• CAI’s Certified Manager of Community Associations (CMCA®
) — industry-specific credential for condominium and homeowner association managers.
• Project Management Professional (PMP) — widely recognized for project, budget and stakeholder management.
• Certified Association Executive (CAE) — tailored to association and nonprofit management.
• Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM- CP / SHRM-SCP) — HR skills, compliance, talent management.
• Chartered Management Institute (CMI) / Certified Manager (CM) — leadership and management capabilities.
• Executive Education (top business schools) — short programs in strategy, finance, negotiation, digital transformation (e.g., Harvard, Wharton, INSEAD executive courses).
Online Learning Platforms and Course Series
• Coursera / edX / FutureLearn — scalable, university- level courses in leadership, finance, negotiation, data analytics, and digital skills.
• LinkedIn Learning — short practical courses in communication, coaching, time management, and software tools.
• Winter 2025 • A Publication of CAI-Illinois Chapter
professional, and tech-driven, with greater emphasis on financial planning, transparency, risk management, and formal governance. Boards that adopt clear policies, modern tools, and professional support are better positioned to manage the evolving legal, financial, and social challenges of association living.
Resources Available to Keep Current
Below is a concise, organized catalog of high-value resources community association managers can use for education, professional development, operational support, and well- being. Resources are grouped by purpose and include certifications, associations, training, templates/tools, legal and financial support, communities, conferences, and well-being resources.
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