Dawn M. Bauman takes helm at CAI amid surge in community association growth
Dawn M. Bauman, CAE, has commenced her tenure as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Community Associations Institute (CAI), the foremost international authority supporting condominiums, homeowners associations, and housing cooperatives. Bauman assumes leadership at a pivotal time, as the sector experiences substantial growth, with projections indicating the establishment of up to 4,000 new communities this year. The CAI-affiliated Foundation for Community Association Research estimates there are now over 373,000 community associations housing approximately 77 million people, roughly one-third of American households.
The community association model remains a resilient and preferred housing option, credited with delivering shared amenities, professional management, and fostering neighbourly cohesion. According to the 2024 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey by the Foundation, a significant majority of residents express a positive or neutral experience living in such associations. Bauman’s appointment follows a lengthy predecessor tenure and reflects CAI’s intent to build on its established foundation by addressing future challenges and opportunities.
Bauman outlined her leadership priorities to include amplifying the role of community associations in housing policy discussions at various levels, advancing education and practical tools for community leaders and managers, and driving innovation within CAI’s member support framework. She also emphasised uniting CAI’s chapters, members, industry experts, and allied organisations to provide cohesive leadership and expand the Institute’s influence globally. These ambitions come alongside her extensive CAI experience, including serving as Chief Strategy Officer and Executive Director of the Foundation for Community Association Research.
However, the community association sector is not without its challenges. Despite the positive outlook, rising U.S. home prices and mortgage rates continue to dampen the broader housing market, affecting affordability and creating regional disparities, particularly in states like Florida and Texas. Bauman’s predecessor and peers have acknowledged that while community associations remain attractive to a range of buyers—from first-time homeowners to seniors and working-class families—market conditions will require careful navigation.
The sector also continues to focus on governance and resident satisfaction as key factors in maintaining its appeal. Surveys reveal that most residents have a favourable view of their associations and governing boards, with an emphasis on how rules contribute to property value protection. Concurrently, CAI actively engages in advocating for legislative reforms to address discriminatory restrictions affecting community associations, signalling its broader commitment beyond housing management to social equity and inclusion.
Furthermore, the Foundation for Community Association Research has developed tools such as an interactive dashboard, offering detailed insights into governance, resident engagement, and overall satisfaction trends across the U.S. These resources aim to aid residents, policymakers, and industry stakeholders in understanding and enhancing the community association experience.
Bauman’s leadership arrives amid these dynamics, positioning her to steer CAI through a period of growth tempered by external economic pressures and evolving regulatory landscapes. Her stated vision of fostering thriving, resilient neighbourhoods highlights a commitment to sustaining community associations as integral components of the American housing fabric.