It's shocking that the average American only has around five hours of leisure time per day, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
This means that anyone who's trying to run a successful HOA has to work hard to get homeowners to spend their free time attending HOA meetings. The great news is that there are tricks to entice homeowners.
How can your community get everyone more involved? Here are some simple tips for encouraging homeowner involvement in Des Moines, IA.
Use Clear and Early Communication
Send reminders about the meeting dates and times early. Use emails, text messages, and flyers to spread the word. Include the meeting agenda, so homeowners know what will be discussed.
Transparency helps build trust and shows the value of their attendance.
Choose Convenient Meeting Times
Select meeting times that work well for most people. In Des Moines, many homeowners may have work or family commitments. Evening meetings after work hours or weekend sessions can help.
Consider running a quick survey to find the best time for your neighborhood.
Create a Friendly Atmosphere
Meetings should feel welcoming, not stressful. Greet attendees warmly and provide refreshments if possible. A friendly environment encourages people to return and participate.
Offer Virtual Attendance Options
Technology can make meetings more accessible. Offering a virtual option, such as Zoom or Google Meet, allows homeowners who cannot attend in person to participate. This is a great strategy for boosting meeting turnout, especially for busy individuals.
Highlight the Importance of Attending HOA Meetings
Many homeowners may not understand why attending meetings matters. Share examples of past decisions made during HOA meetings, like improvements to parks, roads, or facilities. Emphasize how their input can shape the neighborhood's future.
Use Fun and Engaging Activities
Add a social or fun element to meetings. For example, you could host a short community quiz, raffle, or icebreaker activity before starting the formal agenda. Fun activities make the meeting enjoyable and promote effective community engagement.
Recognize Attendees Publicly
Acknowledging those who attend is an excellent meeting participation strategy. Thank them during the meeting and mention their contributions in follow-up emails or newsletters. This recognition makes people feel appreciated and encourages others to join.
Focus on Solving Issues
Address real problems that homeowners care about. Whether it's snow removal in winter or better security, focus on topics that impact everyone. When people see meetings leading to meaningful change, they are more likely to participate regularly.
Gather Feedback for Improvement
After each meeting, ask attendees for feedback. Did they feel the meeting was productive? Was it too long?
Use their suggestions to improve future meetings.
Rotate Leadership Roles
If possible, involve more homeowners in running the HOA. Allowing different people to lead meetings or organize events spreads the responsibility and generates fresh ideas. This participatory approach increases interest in HOA activities.
These Des Moines HOA Tips Are Sure to Boost Meeting Attendance
Getting more homeowners to attend HOA meetings in Des Moines requires consistent effort. Use these meeting participation strategies to make meetings enjoyable, accessible, and meaningful.
Does your Des Moines HOA need help? Contact PMI Central Iowa to see how our association management services can transform your community. Thanks to our access to national franchise tools paired with our local care, your community will flourish.
