Good morning!

As Q1 wraps up today, I’ve been taking time to reflect on everything we’ve built and the momentum we’ve gained. It’s been a quarter of meaningful progress across the board. Now, with Q2 on the horizon, I’m focused on sharpening priorities and setting us up for even stronger results ahead. Let’s finish Q1 strong and step into the next chapter with clarity and purpose.

— Lucas Robinson, Founder & CEO at BudgetMailboxes.com

🎯 This Week’s Strategy:

• Community-Led Tactical Urbanism Projects

🌐 Boardroom Brief:

• Rising HOA Fees Are Discouraging Boomers from Downsizing
  

Strategy

🎯 Empowering Communities Through Tactical Urbanism

This week, we’re exploring a highly actionable strategy that can enhance livability, strengthen community ties, and spark resident engagement: Community-Led Tactical Urbanism Projects. Tactical urbanism refers to low-cost, temporary changes to public spaces aimed at improving neighborhood life. When led by residents within an HOA framework, these projects can drive meaningful improvements without large capital investments or long approval timelines.

Understanding Tactical Urbanism and Its HOA Applications

Tactical urbanism projects are often grassroots initiatives—think pop-up parks, painted crosswalks, temporary bike lanes, or community bulletin boards—that serve as pilot tests for larger infrastructure or beautification ideas. For HOAs, this approach can be a smart way to trial improvements that enhance walkability, safety, and communal pride before committing to long-term investments. It also creates opportunities for residents to directly shape their environment, fostering a deeper sense of ownership.

How to Launch Tactical Urbanism Projects in Your HOA

✅ Identify Opportunities with Resident Input
Start by gathering ideas from homeowners through surveys or meetings. Look for areas with underused spaces, safety concerns, or aesthetic opportunities—like an empty lot, faded sidewalk, or unused parking area.

✅ Start Small and Test Ideas
Choose one or two manageable projects. Examples include installing temporary planters to define pedestrian areas, painting pavement murals, or setting up movable seating in a common space. These pilot efforts can be executed with modest budgets and volunteer help.

✅ Secure HOA Board Approval and Permits if Needed
Even small changes may require board approval or city permits, especially if projects impact sidewalks, roads, or shared spaces. Prepare a simple proposal outlining the purpose, cost, materials, and duration of the project.

✅ Engage Volunteers and Local Partners
Encourage resident involvement through volunteer days or partnerships with local artists, schools, or civic groups. Community-led implementation reinforces ownership and pride.

✅ Measure Impact and Gather Feedback
After implementation, gather feedback from residents on the effectiveness of the change. Did it improve usability, safety, or social engagement? Use that insight to refine or expand future efforts.

Why It Matters

In a time where large capital projects are often delayed by budget constraints or bureaucracy, tactical urbanism empowers HOAs to be agile, creative, and community-driven. These small-scale initiatives can lead to big results—improving public spaces, boosting property values, and cultivating a more connected neighborhood. Most importantly, they signal to residents that their voices matter and their ideas can shape the place they call home.

By embracing tactical urbanism, HOAs can foster vibrant, people-centered communities - one small project at a time.

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Boardroom Brief

Rising HOA Fees Are Discouraging Boomers from Downsizing

Baby Boomers are hesitant to downsize due to rising and often unpredictable HOA fees. Many aging homeowners, seeking to simplify their living situations, are surprised to find smaller properties - especially condos and townhomes - come with significantly higher monthly dues. In some cases, these fees exceed $2,000 per month, creating financial roadblocks that discourage moves. For HOA leaders, this signals the need for greater transparency in budgeting, more predictable assessments, and clear communication about the value delivered through those fees. Communities that fail to address these concerns may face slower home turnover, reduced buyer interest, and long-term financial strain as aging populations delay or abandon downsizing plans.

Game

🎉 Fun Finale: Play & Poll

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