The very mission of the HOA Leadership Network is education, and our advocacy is now budding out to the legislative level.  Given that the Minnesota Legislative Work Group on CICs and HOAs recently published their recommendations for improving HOA conditions, the network is recommending that education for board leaders be added to the docket.

We have issued a news release on the matter and have it included below.  The White Paper is available to members via the e-blast that is sent out each week.

EDUCATION NETWORK ADVOCATES FOR HOA BOARD LEADER TRAINING PROGRAM

LAKEVILLE, MN – February 14, 2025 – The largest education association for homeowner association (HOA) board members in Minnesota has released a White Paper advocating for standardized education for volunteer Minnesota’s HOA board leaders.

Lynn Boergerhoff, president and founder of the HOA Leadership Network, LLC (www.hoalnet.com), said his network is recommending that the state develop educational standards for HOA board leaders resulting in an accredited education course and course providers. Their White Paper, titled “The HOA Board Leader Certificate Course: Foundational Education for HOA Board Leaders” is being circulated among legislators, association managers, HOA law firms, realtors, and other stakeholders.

Boergerhoff estimates there are more than 3,800 HOAs in the seven-county Minneapolis – St. Paul metro area, with 197,000 housing units and more than 15,000 volunteer HOA board leaders. Volunteer HOA board leaders are elected by fellow homeowners and accept significant authority and fiduciary duties, often without foundational knowledge and skills needed for success.

“HOA board leaders are ultimately responsible for protecting and maintaining their HOA’s property values by governing their HOA, administering a nonprofit business corporation, and promoting a beneficial community of homeowners,” Boergerhoff said. “A standardized online certificate course will help board leaders better understand their roles, make informed decisions, and become successful leaders.”

Board leader training is recommended by the Community Associations Institute (CAI), a leading national organization for HOAs, and is required by the state of Florida. The Minnesota Common Interest Ownership Act (515B), the primary state law governing HOAs, and typical HOA governing documents do not require board leader education. “Currently in Minnesota, HOA board leader education is fragmented, primarily offered by law firms and HOA management companies, and inaccessible to most HOA board leaders”, Boergerhoff added.

Mark Foster, network vice president and Boergerhoff’s business partner, said their HOA Leadership Network will fulfill the identified and unmet need for HOA board leader education through the development of a HOA Board Leader Certificate Course, designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills HOA board leaders in three main areas: governance, business administration, and promoting community. Boergerhoff also recommends that all new HOA board leaders should complete an orientation course and incumbent board leaders should receive continuing education.

“HOA homeowners, their cities, and the state of Minnesota will benefit from well-educated and effective HOA board leaders,” Foster said. “The State of Minnesota should encourage educational standards and promote HOA board leader education toward the goal of well-run HOA properties.”

Boergerhoff founded the HOA Leadership Network in 2018. Their mission is to connect and support HOA board leaders through education, collaboration and research. The HOA Leadership Network offers free monthly educational meetings at chapter locations in Eagan, Bloomington, Maple Grove, and Oakdale.

###