As 2026 begins, community association managers and board members have a valuable opportunity to reset expectations and strengthen the foundation of their communities. The most successful associations are not defined solely by budgets or amenities, but by trust, professionalism, and ethical leadership. A new year is an ideal time to adopt resolutions that reinforce those values.
Resolution #1: Commit to Ethical Governance
Clear expectations and shared standards play a significant role in the day-to-day success of any community association. When leadership decisions are guided by consistency, professionalism, and respect, communities tend to operate more smoothly and with fewer misunderstandings. Establishing common principles for conduct and decision-making helps keep the focus on the collective needs of the community and supports a more positive, productive environment for managers, board members, and homeowners alike.
Resolution #2: Encourage Respectful and Productive Dialogue
Disagreements are inevitable in volunteer leadership, and they can be healthy when handled correctly. Boards function best when differing opinions are expressed professionally, debated openly during meetings, and respected afterward. Ethical guidelines help ensure that disagreements remain constructive and that board members present a unified, professional front outside of board meetings.
Resolution #3: Safeguard Confidentiality and Transparency
Trust is strengthened when homeowners are confident that sensitive information is handled with care and discretion. Confidential discussions, personal data, and executive-session matters should always remain protected. Consistent, responsible handling of information helps avoid misunderstandings, reduces risk of potential legal problems, and preserves confidence within the community.
Resolution #4: Respect Roles, Responsibilities, and Boundaries
Healthy communities depend on clear boundaries between governance and management. Boards are responsible for decisions, while community association managers handle daily operations and carry out the board’s decisions. Ethical standards discourage micromanagement and interference, fostering a more effective and respectful working relationship that benefits the entire community.
Resolution #5: Make Ethics an Ongoing Practice
Adopting a Code of Ethics should be an intentional step taken after each annual meeting, when new and returning board members begin their service. Associations should adopt the Code by obtaining written acknowledgment from all board members and revisit it regularly to keep expectations clear. Associations that utilize committees may also wish to extend these standards to committee members to promote consistency and professionalism across all leadership roles.
Starting the year with clear ethical expectations promotes harmony, strengthens leadership, and supports long-term community success. For associations ready to make ethical governance a meaningful part of their 2026 resolutions, a comprehensive Code of Ethics is available to all board members and community association managers on Kaman & Cusimano’s ATLAS website under the samples and forms section.
If your association is not currently a Kaman and Cusimano client and is interested in learning more about our services and how we can help, please click the following link: Request for Proposal and type “Code of Ethics” in the subject field.
