July 6, 2026 | Mark Luis Foster

I trust you had a wonderful 250th Birthday Celebration for America this past weekend. Despite the weird (and abrupt) weather that descended on the Twin Cities on Saturday night, I managed to take in some fireworks and eat too much food.

Our sights are now set on July chapters, which kick off tomorrow (July 7) in both Bloomington and New Brighton. These two chapters have decidedly different content, with the former focusing on association maintenance conditions, and the latter on HOA board communications. Our members are always encouraged to attend both if they have the time — and the fortitude.

The Bloomington chapter features Chris Gonzalez of Gonzo Bros, and he has an insightful presentation on landscaping — something over which all HOA board leaders struggle. He’ll take you through some great best practices, right down to the installation of natural grasses and pollinator beds, which are becoming more in vogue in HOAs as common areas get converted to more eco-friendly applications.  We’ll also hear from the very successful Elizabeth Wright, who owns Paragon Commercial Builders. They have a unique way in which they can assess an HOA property and determine the types of maintenance that needs to be conducted — much like a reserve study might do.

The New Brighton chapter is altogether different programming, as that new chapter has not seen the communications seminar that we have done in the past for other Metro chapters. The communications seminar spends time talking about how board communications can be improved through more reliable means, better frequency, use of other media channels and more. If you’re a board member who struggles with communications, this could be for you. The New Brighton chapter is held at the New Brighton Community Center, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.

Oakdale chapter is on Friday (7/10) and is similar to Bloomington, although we are wedging in Aaron Brooksby from SJJ Law for another popular Ask the HOA Attorney Segment.

I hope to see you at a July chapter. Visit our EVENTS Calendar to view the content this month and to RSVP.