If you want to learn more about HOAs and related topics, I’ve got a few books in my library I’d recommend. I also highly recommend joining the Community Association Institute (CAI), which has a lot of free material to download, as well as a large number of specific guides for purchase.
HOAs In General
“The Homeowners Association Manual”, fifth edition; Peter & Marc Dunbar, 2010. My most recent acquisition – and I highly recommend this as having thorough and informative guidance across a broad spectrum of important topics.
“Neighbors at War!”, Ward Lucas, 2013. I’ve just started reading this – but it’s pretty interesting. Info about “HOAs gone bad” and “boards gone rogue”, with some pointers on how to deal with them.
“How to Successfully Transition to a New Condo or Homeowner Association Management Company, ” Joseph F. Kushuba, 2016. If you’re making a change of management companies, this book will help – but I think it misses some of the detailed things you should look for. Buy this book, then contact me to help fill in the gaps!
Finances, Including Reserves
“Reserve Fund Essentials”, Jonathan H. Juffs, Graham D. Oliver, 3rd Edition, 2013. Every HOA should have tightly controlled Reserve Funds; every homeowner should have an understanding of what they are and how they operate. This is the book you need.
“Don’t Sign That Check”, Al Goldberg, 2016. A very readable guide to HOA finances, making it easy enough for almost anyone to understand the financial reports most often seen in HOAs.
Governance & Parliamentary Procedure
“Bylaws Workbook”, compiled by Marcia S. Lindley, revised by Roberta “Bobbi” King, 2nd Edition, 2012. While intended for a specific type of organization (chapters of the Federation of Genealogical Societies), it’s a very good general book on the establishment of an HOAs bylaws as well. The workbook format really helps you step through the process piece by piece.
“Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised”, often referred to as RONR. 11th Edition, 2011. THE ultimate reference for parliamentary procedure in any organization. Not for the faint of heart – but good material if you want to know how corporate and government meetings ought to be run.
“Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised In Brief”, 2nd Edition, 2011. Smaller, easier to read companion guide to the full RONR. Someone on your board should have a copy of both of these.
“American Institute of Parliamentarians Standard Code of Parliamentary Procedure”, 2012. An alternative set of rules for “how to conduct meetings,” less technical than the aforementioned RONR. While less widely used, it is somewhat less technical and is presented in a more readable tone. The differences can be quite subtle, but I like the more friendly way this guide prescribes for meeting processes.
Traffic Issues, Traffic Calming (Slowing Down Speeders)
“U. S. Traffic Calming Manual”, Reid Ewing and Steven J. Brown, 2009. A little bit on the technical side, as traffic goes… but has real evidence-based suggestions on how to control traffic in a variety of situations.