Two hundred and fifty years ago, the Declaration of Independence established the nation’s founding principles of liberty, self-governance, and civic participation. As communities across the country celebrate this historic milestone, CAI reflects on what these principles mean for the millions of Americans who call community associations home. From electing volunteer board members, participating in association meetings, and contributing to the well-being of a shared community, the core principles of participation, responsibility, and respect remain at the heart of community association living.
In today’s guest blog post, Minnesota advocate Matthew Hardinger shares his perspective on a major legislative effort affecting community associations statewide. Two years ago, Minnesota lawmakers created a task force to examine community associations and recommend changes.
Over the past two years, CAI’s Minnesota Legislative Action Committee spent countless hours reviewing amendments, meeting with legislators, and providing testimony on the real-world impacts of this legislation. These efforts resulted in many substantive changes to the bill, and while the final version of the bill contains provisions CAI opposes, CAI’s collective advocacy successfully prevented some of the most detrimental proposals from becoming law.
This story is one example of the important and often challenging advocacy work CAI members do every day to protect and strengthen community associations. As we commemorate this important anniversary, we are grateful for members who continue to engage in the democratic process, advocate for their communities, and uphold the principles of self-governance. When Matt delivered his thoughtful letter and sentiments to chapter and LAC leadership, he also presented a 250th American Independence Semiquincentennial challenge coin to each member of leadership, inviting them to join him in carrying on his message.
From all of us at CAI, thank you for your continued dedication to community associations and to Matt for your impactful message. We wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.
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Contributed by Matthew Hardinger
Dear Colleagues,
Two hundred fifty years ago, George Washington called the fight for this nation “the glorious cause.” He did not have to take it up. He had wealth, land, and a comfortable life at Mount Vernon. He put all of it at risk to serve people he would never meet. That is the standard I keep coming back to.
The past two legislative sessions tested us. Whether we agree with it or not, perception became reality for the people we serve, and the fallout has been real. I am not asking anyone to fall on a sword. I am asking all of us to be willing to change, and to be willing to accept that change needs to happen.
Here is what I believe. An HOA is the smallest version of a representative democracy in America. Little Americas inside of America. The homeowners we serve are simply trying to live well next to their neighbors. The managers who serve them carry one of the most thankless jobs I have ever witnessed. The business partners, the attorneys, the staff, every one of us exists for the same reason: to help these communities thrive. When we serve each other, we serve them.
Dawn Bauman, CAI’s chief executive officer, said it plainly when she took the helm: together “we have an extraordinary opportunity to shape what’s next for our industry.” I believe that opportunity starts right here in Minnesota, in this room, with the people reading this letter.
The coin I am handing you today is a challenge coin marking America’s 250th anniversary. Challenge coins are an old tradition carried by those who commit to something larger than themselves. This one is from me personally as a thank you and as a charge: sacrifice, service, and commitment to the people we represent.
May we endeavor to serve like Washington.
Your humble servant,
Matthew Hardinger is the outside director of business development for Connell’s Custom Exteriors in Hastings, Minn., and serves on CAI’s Minnesota Chapter’s Board of Directors.
