Open Forums Are A Time For Association Members To Be Heard

An often under utilized method for members of associations that govern common interest developments to be heard is the “open forum” time period that is provided for at all open board meetings and membership meetings. Such periods, which are required by state laws and by the governing documents of the associations, provide association members an opportunity to voice their opinion about issues within their community.

Open forums enable association members to raise any topic of concern in order to call the issues of concern to the attention of the association’s board of directors and other members, but they are not a time for extended discussion and action by the board of directors. Absent the need to address an emergency situation, after the matter is brought up by a member during the open forum period of a meeting, the board may elect to add the matter to the agenda for a future meeting so that appropriate notice is given to all members of the item to be considered. Concerned owners who are seeking action by their board of directors on issues they raise during an open forum need to manage their expectations as to what will be accomplished when they raise an issue during the open forum portion of a meeting. Knowing what to expect in advance of the meeting will reduce member frustration levels and limit potential conflicts at the meeting.

While open forums offer members an opportunity to address their concerns to the association’s board of directors, they do not give members a right to: