Why HOA Advocacy Matters: Inside CAI, CLAC, and the Buck A Door Initiative

Most homeowners only hear about new HOA legislation after it becomes law. By then, boards and community managers are focused on understanding new requirements and determining how those changes affect their communities.

What many people don't see is the advocacy that takes place long before a bill reaches the governor's desk.

In this episode of The Uncommon Area, Matthew Holbrook sits down with Mike Perlof, Director of Client Services at Fenton Grant Law Group and President of the Community Associations Institute (CAI) Orange County Chapter, and Managing Partner at Fenton Grant Law Group, and Cory Neubauer, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Nextier Insurance Services and an active volunteer leader with CAI-CLAC. Together, they discuss how the HOA industry works to educate lawmakers, advocate for community associations, and help shape legislation that serves California's homeowners.

What Is CAI?

The Community Associations Institute (CAI) is an international organization dedicated to supporting community associations through education, professional development, and advocacy. CAI brings together volunteer board members, community managers, attorneys, insurance professionals, reserve specialists, and other industry experts to improve community association governance.

While many people recognize CAI for its educational resources and networking opportunities, its advocacy efforts are equally important.

The Role of CLAC

The California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC) serves as CAI's legislative advocacy arm in California. Its volunteers and legal professionals monitor proposed legislation, educate lawmakers about how homeowners associations operate, and advocate for policies that help communities function effectively.

As Mike and Cory explain during the episode, legislators often consider thousands of bills every year. Community associations represent a specialized area of law, making it essential that industry professionals provide practical insight into how proposed legislation may affect homeowners, volunteer boards, and community managers.

What Is Buck A Door?

One of the primary ways California associations support this advocacy work is through the Buck A Door (or More!) campaign.

The concept is intentionally simple. Associations are encouraged to budget $1 per home, per year to support CLAC's legislative efforts.

For an individual homeowner, that works out to less than nine cents per month. Collectively, however, those contributions help fund the legal expertise, research, and advocacy necessary to respond quickly when legislation affecting homeowners associations is introduced.

The episode highlights how quickly proposed legislation can evolve and why having experienced advocates prepared to respond can make a meaningful difference.

Advocacy Benefits Every Community

The discussion also explores how advocacy strengthens the HOA industry beyond legislation.

Board members gain access to educational resources that help them make informed decisions. Community managers stay current on evolving laws and best practices. Industry professionals collaborate to share knowledge and improve the services available to community associations throughout California.

Mike and Cory also encourage managers and volunteer board members to become involved with their local CAI chapters. Joining a committee, attending educational events, or participating in legislative discussions provides opportunities to learn from experienced professionals while helping shape the future of the industry.

A Small Investment with Lasting Impact

Strong communities don't happen by accident. They rely on informed leadership, ongoing education, and advocacy that represents the interests of homeowners associations throughout the legislative process.

Whether through volunteering, participating in CAI, or supporting the Buck A Door (or More!) initiative, there are meaningful ways for community leaders to contribute to the future of community associations.

Resources‍

• Buck A Door (or More!) campaign
• Community Associations Institute (CAI)
• California Legislative Action Committee (CLAC)
• Fenton Grant Law Group
• Nextier Insurance Services
• Watch the CAI-CLAC Explainer Video ‍

Legislative Update: SB 1007

• Check out this video update from Louie Brown Jr.
• SB 1007, which proposed capping assessment increases at 8%, down from the current 20%, failed to be heard in the Assembly Housing Committee.
• The bill’s author pulled it on the morning of the scheduled hearing, causing it to miss the deadline for policy committee review.
• While the bill is effectively stopped for the year, there is a slim possibility it could be revived in August, though that is considered unlikely.