[am10]

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Can an owner forum be via previous emails only? Where the owners are not able to ask questions, and not really given an opportunity to speak? And, the only agenda item clearly states it is via previously submitted questions as per the agenda: submitted questions answered

[faewin45]

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That doesn’t sound like a true forum to me. Owner forums are typically a chance for open dialogue. Restricting it to pre-submitted questions seems more like a Q&A session than a forum. Does your governing document specify how owner forums should be conducted?

[leon029]

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I’d check your HOA bylaws or state laws. In some states, owners must have an opportunity to speak during forums. Limiting it to email-only questions might not meet the legal requirements for transparency.

[melinda_s]

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This approach feels restrictive and counterproductive. Forums are meant for two-way communication. Even if they limit time per person, owners should still have the chance to ask live questions. Did the board give a reason for the email-only rule?

[ollieoxen]

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My HOA tried this once, and it caused a lot of backlash. Owners felt silenced because they couldn’t respond to the board’s answers or ask follow-ups. A forum without live interaction defeats the purpose of engagement.

[minhari19]

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If they’re using email for efficiency, I understand the intent, but they should still allow a portion of the forum for live questions. Otherwise, it just feels like they’re controlling the narrative.

[lolitaQ]

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You might want to check your state’s HOA meeting requirements. For example, in California, owners have a right to speak at open forums. If your board isn’t allowing that, it could be a violation.

[scottstots]

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There might be valid logistical reasons for this method (time constraints, avoiding repetitive questions, etc.), but they should explain why they chose it. Even so, a forum should have some live interaction, even if limited.

[shemco]

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This sounds like the board is trying to avoid accountability. Pre-screened questions let them cherry-pick what to answer. Owners deserve the chance to speak directly.

[timothadeus]

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This depends on how your HOA defines “forum.” If the agenda clearly stated the format upfront, they might be within their rights. That said, it’s not the best way to foster trust and transparency.

[enginecore]

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Why not ask the board to reconsider? Maybe they can keep the pre-submitted questions format but allow a 15-minute live Q&A after. It’s a compromise that ensures efficiency while giving owners a voice.

[am10]

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I agree, this is the reason I reached out to this group.

[am10]

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I have been searching for this information for the state of Illinois. And, I do not see anything that is clear about this. I have tried to reach out to an attorney about this, and it requires someone who specializes in HOA.

[am10]

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The president is unable to lead and cannot handle questions, and becomes extremely defensive and combative. This is her unprofessional way of control. This has resulted in a lack of trust.

[am10]

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I have stated they should allow us to say something, or at least ask whether anything was missed. This has gone unanswered, instead I received a response stating “the meeting was efficient”. And, now the board is all remote, and they have muted all of us on zoom, and no-one watches the chat, and therefore losing all possibility of speaking.

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