Research Agenda
The Foundation for Community Association Research has taken innovative, forward-looking strides to address industry trends that require an investment in substantial research. In the coming year, you can expect to see resources on the following topics, which are part of our Research Agenda.
Technology Use and Data Security
In today’s world, cybersecurity and data protection are of the utmost importance–especially for community associations. We are exploring the topic of common technology practices throughout associations and have retained Strategic Research Partners and Research Now to administer a national survey. This research project is spear-headed by the Foundation’s Think Tank and is of great interest to CAI volunteer homeowner leaders who are navigating emerging technology trends in their own lines of business. The Foundation’s goal is to develop guidelines that will help community association leaders evaluate and shape the decision-making process around technology issues.
On behalf of the Foundation board of directors, leadership, and staff, thanks to everyone who participated in our survey and tested your technology IQ! We received an overwhelming response and are pleased to share the results of our research.
Community Association Manager Compensation and Salary Survey
In 2017, we published the new edition of the Community Association Manager Compensation and Salary Survey, which includes detailed information on various management positions. This valuable resource informs salary bench marking and other employee benefits.
The Community Association Fact Book
The 2017 Community Association Fact Book (published in August 2018), documents the history, current status, trends, and future issues of U.S. community association housing as well as providing community association information on a state-by-state basis. This updated version includes a look at 55+ Condominium Unit Owner Data and Large Scale Association Survey. The Fact Book is a valuable resource, not only for community and association leaders, but also for contacts with government regulators, elected officials, and the media.
Smart Water Project
The Foundation’s Smart Water Project is investigating community water use and conservation practices in areas experiencing water restrictions. We are evaluating prospects for using new technology, retrofitting existing systems and increasing use of non-potable water. The initial study focuses on California, with opportunities to replicate it in other areas experiencing water restrictions. Review our Smart Water Project Report.
Best Practice Reports
We continue to expand our popular series of Best Practice Reports. In early 2018 we published a brand new report – the eleventh in the series – on Natural Disasters. The Foundation also plans to make significant improvements to the existing reports on Reserve Studies, Developer Transition, and Community Security.
Benchmarking Survey
The Foundation’s Benchmarking Survey is collecting a baseline of data, which will enable community associations to determine if what they are doing is “normal” or “typical” of the way comparable associations work. To date, over 220 respondents have participated in the survey. Review the survey findings.
Aging in Place (AIP) Research Initiative
The Aging in Place (AIP) research initiative, which is entering the second phase of research, is exploring the needs of elders in common interest communities and the impact of adopting AIP policies on associations. Our focus in the next phase is to collect data from community managers and board leaders on rising trends and issues around aging-in-place.
Virginia Tech Research Project on Residential Property Values
The Foundation has partnered with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in Blacksburg, Va., to study how community associations affect property and home values in planned communities. This project is underway and led by Erin Hopkins, visiting assistant professor of property management for Virginia Tech. Read the project findings.
Supporting Graduate Research
Read about the latest industry research being conducted by graduate students through the Foundation’s Byron Hanke Fellowship program.
Our ambitious research agenda is made possible through strong volunteer leaders and staff support, but it requires an investment from everyone working and living in community associations. Please consider making a donation and ensure that we continue to accomplish more now than at any time in our 40+year history.