A Missouri judge's recent ruling now permits HOAs and local authorities to regulate backyard chickens, overturning a 2024 state law that previously allowed homeowners to keep up to six chickens on their private properties. The lawsuit, which was brought by an HOA after the state said it could not ban chickens, argued that it was a misuse of resources and time to manage properties with chickens. The judge's decision is "a major win for community associations and their right to self-govern," said CAI spokesperson Blaine Tobin.

California HOAs are navigating complex rental policies, which prohibit outright rental bans, instead imposing rental caps of at least 25%. These state regulations are designed to stabilize communities by maintaining a balance between owner-occupied and rental units and are crucial for complying with FannieMae and FHA/VA loan eligibility. However, the process is hindered by existing owners being grandfathered, leading to challenges in reducing rental percentages and affecting property sales and community needs, according to Kelly Richardson, a Fellow of the College of Community Association Lawyers.

In Hawaii, condo boards often struggle with dysfunctional majority-rule decisions that defer necessary repairs, with CAI and government officials acknowledging a prevalent backlog of deferred maintenance. To address this issue and fulfill their fiduciary duties, board members need to ensure their decisions are made within legal and financial boundaries and with proper knowledge. Advocates are pushing for 2026 legislation to mandate board training, enforce reserve studies and protect directors from retaliation in order to improve board accountability.

Effective governance hinges on transparency, which is crucial for trust and community relations, and clear communication between residents, boards and managers, but discretion is necessary for handling sensitive matters like fines and personal information. Utilizing technology, such as secure online portals, can improve information accessibility while protecting confidential data and ensuring residents are informed in a timely manner. Legal requirements around transparency and responsiveness vary by state, with Illinois, for example, mandating open board meetings.

As AI continues to usurp the intelligence and optimization roles, a leader must become a gardener who nurtures adaptable, sustainable ecosystems, says leadership advisor Mark Beliczky. He explains that a gardener-leader uses the wisdom and context that AI lacks to balance structure with flexibility, prune when necessary and build resilience.

Patience is an important leadership quality, and true leadership involves focusing on what truly matters and allowing time for ideas to develop. As a best practice, leaders are encouraged to embrace discomfort and uncertainty, using patience as a strength to gain clarity and insight. To cultivate patience, navigate change and make informed decisions, leaders can take practical steps like reflecting on personal feelings and questioning their narratives.

Effective December 31, 2025, CAMICB will no longer accept the Florida CAM licensure as a waiver for the 16 hours of continuing education to renew the CMCA. Managers in Florida must complete 16 hours of continuing education to renew their CMCA.

Education completed with the Florida DBPR is still accepted for CMCA renewal, so if you have completed 15 hours to renew your FL CAM, you will only need one additional hour to renew your CMCA. The AMS and PCAM remain accepted as waivers for the 16-hour renewal requirement. For any questions, please contact CAMICB at 703-970-9300 or info@camicb.org.