Association Members Should Utilize the “Open Forum” Session of  Board of Directors Meetings

The “open forum” session of a Homeowners Association (HOA) board of directors meeting is a designated time during the meeting when homeowners can address the board with concerns, questions, suggestions, or other comments. It provides an opportunity for community members to have their voices heard by the board and engage in dialogue about community issues. This session is an important aspect of transparency and community involvement in HOA governance.

Key characteristics of the open forum session of an association’s board of directors meetings include:

• Scheduled Time: It usually occurs at the beginning or end of a board meeting.
• Participation: Any homeowner in the association is allowed to speak, but there may be time limits for individual speakers to ensure that the meeting stays on schedule.
• Topics: Homeowners can bring up a range of issues, from maintenance concerns and neighborhood disputes to general feedback or questions about the board’s decisions.
• Board Response: While the board listens to homeowner input, they may or may not provide immediate answers or take action during the meeting, depending on the issue. Some matters may require further discussion in future meetings or follow-up after the session.
• Not Binding: While the open forum allows for homeowner input, the board isn’t obligated to act on the suggestions or requests made during this time.

When homeowners or members speak at HOA board meetings, there are typically specific rules or guidelines to ensure the meeting runs smoothly and efficiently. These rules may vary based on the HOA’s governing documents or local state laws, but the following are examples of provisions that are typically included in rules for members speaking at board of directors meetings: