The 3 Goals Every HOA Board Should Set for 2026
Every January, the world sets bold resolutions… and by February, most of them have quietly left the chat.
But community associations should be different.
The goals you set today will directly shape the strength, stability, and success of your entire community for tomorrow and years to come.
HOA Boards that want to help their community thrive should set foundational, future-proofing goals that protect their property values and reduce conflict.
So, as you look toward 2026, here are three high-impact goals your HOA should be prioritizing.
1. Complete or Update Your Reserve Study
A reserve study is a financial document, but it’s also your community’s long-term roadmap.
Think of it as the crystal ball that tells you exactly what major expenses are coming, how soon they'll hit, and what it will truly take to be prepared.
Why It Matters
An updated and current study prevents those sudden, painful special assessments that financially strain homeowners and cause friction.
It’s the ultimate way to protect property values, because it allows your Board to budget with genuine confidence. When you plan ahead, you drastically reduce surprises, stress, and last-minute scrambling for everyone.
Your 2026 Action Plan
Start by checking the date. If your last reserve study is older than three years or missing entirely, it’s time for an update!
In today’s world of sudden storms and rising costs, Boards simply cannot treat financial funding as an afterthought. Instead, they should build reserve contributions directly into their annual financial strategy.
Then, they should clearly communicate those upcoming projects early!
Boards that prioritize planning trade stress for stability, creating a reliable community that homeowners trust and believe in.
RowCal Resource: 5 Things Your Reserve Preparer Needs for a Reliable HOA Reserve Study
2. Understand & Communicate HO-6 Coverage
HO-6 coverage continues to be one of the most misunderstood and stressful topics in community associations.
When there's confusion about who covers the leaky toilet or the damaged drywall, guess who gets the angry calls? The Board.
Why It Matters
Homeowners often fail to recognize what isn't covered by the master policy, leading to painful disputes and delays during a claim.
When clarity is missing, emergency response slows down, frustration rises for everyone involved, and homeowners often face unnecessary financial strain.
Your 2026 Action Plan
You don't need to become an insurance expert, but you do need to understand the basics.
Start by asking your insurance professional for an easy breakdown that clearly shows what's covered versus what's excluded in your specific policy.
Once you have that, share it!
Host a quick virtual Q&A or share a simple, visual HOA vs. HO-6 comparison sheet so your community members understand.
When every community member truly understands their coverage, you'll eliminate confusion and drastically reduce preventable homeowner disputes.
RowCal Resource: HO-6 Policy vs. HOA Master Policy: What Condo Owners Need to Know
3. Cultivate Community Involvement
A strong HOA doesn’t just rely on its board. It thrives on an engaged community. When neighbors feel connected and invested, everything works better.
Why It Matters
Participation matters because it lightens the load on board members, strengthens relationships across the community, and builds a natural pipeline of incoming leaders for the future.
It also creates shared responsibility, helping everyone stay more aware, more informed, and more willing to contribute.
Your 2026 Action Plan
Looking ahead to 2026, the most successful communities will be the ones that make involvement simple and inviting.
Breaking responsibilities into small, manageable micro-volunteer roles can remove the intimidation factor and give residents an easy first step to get involved.
Digital tools can create flexible ways to participate, whether someone has five minutes or an afternoon to give.
And when neighbors do step up, celebrating those contributions publicly goes a long way. After all, people are far more likely to engage in places where they feel appreciated.
At the end of the day, homeowners want to be part of something positive, purposeful, and well-run. When participation becomes part of the culture, the entire community rises together.
RowCal Resource: How Multi-Generational HOA Boards Shape Vibrant Communities
This year, skip the resolutions that don’t stick and instead, choose smart strategies that last.
A solid reserve plan, clear HO6 insurance education, and a culture of involvement can change the entire trajectory of your community - not just in 2026, but for years to come.
A strong community begins with setting the right goals. And partnering with an experienced management company can help you achieve them! Contact us to learn more.