So… you’re thinking about running for the HOA board.
Or maybe someone generously nominated you when you weren’t paying attention.
Or perhaps you were elected and now you’re sitting there thinking:
“Wait… what did I just agree to?” Don’t worry — you’re not alone.
Serving on a homeowners’ association board can be a rewarding way to get involved in your community. But it also comes with responsibilities, legal requirements, financial oversight, and the occasional meeting that goes longer than anyone planned.
The good news? You don’t have to figure it all out the hard way.
A Great Resource from Colorado DORA
The Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) has put together an excellent series of short educational videos specifically for HOA board members.
As DORA explains:
The Colorado HOA Information and Resource Center has assembled a series of educational training videos for HOA board members to help with understanding the basics of a board member’s role and the many aspects of overseeing a homeowners’ association, as well as assisting board members in understanding the rights and responsibilities of those living in an HOA. These videos cover some basic learning principles.
In other words: these videos are designed to help board members understand what they’re doing, what they should be doing, and how to avoid common mistakes.
Why We Recommend These Videos
We highly recommend this training course for anyone running for the board or newly elected.
Here’s why:
- They’re short** — most are only **5–10 minutes**
- They’re easy to understand**
- They cover the fundamentals every board member should know**
- They help set expectations before you jump in too deep**
Think of them as the HOA version of Cliff Notes: quick, practical, and full of highlights that actually matter.
Topics These Videos Cover (Actual DORA Training Topics)
Here are the instructional videos available through the Colorado HOA Information and Resource Center that every board member should consider watching:
- HOA Information & Resource Center Overview — An introduction to the state’s HOA Resource Center and what tools and guidance are available for associations.
- HOA Registration — Explains how and why HOAs must register with the state — an important compliance requirement.
- Board Member’s Role and Responsibilities — Breaks down what being a board member actually means, including fiduciary duties and expectations.
- Board Member Duties – Know Your Community — Covers the importance of understanding the unique structure, needs, and priorities of your own community.
- Association Documents — Walks through governing documents such as covenants, bylaws, and rules — and why they matter.
- Association Meetings — Introduces the basics of conducting HOA meetings, including agendas, notices, and homeowner participation.
- Meeting Procedures & Requirements — A deeper dive into how meetings must be run, including legal requirements and best practices.
- Association Elections — Explains election processes and what rules govern fair and transparent voting.
- Budgeting, Assessments, and Collections — Reviews how HOAs create budgets, levy assessments, and manage delinquent accounts responsibly.
- Association Reserves & Audit — Explores long-term planning, reserve funding, and the importance of financial oversight.
- Association Records — Covers what records HOAs must keep and how owners can access association information.
- Mandatory Disclosures and Prohibitions — Explains what associations are required by law to disclose — and what actions they cannot take.
- Responsible Governance Policies — Describes policies that promote transparency, ethics, and fairness in board decision-making.
- Handling HOA Disputes — Offers guidance on resolving disputes within the community respectfully and lawfully.
- Maintenance and Insurance — Looks at responsibilities for common-area upkeep and ensuring proper insurance coverage.
- Managing the Community – Covenants, Bylaws, Rules & Regulations — Explains how governing documents work together to shape community standards and enforcement.
Perfect for Candidates and New Board Members
If you’re considering running for the board, watching these videos ahead of time can help you feel prepared and confident. If you’ve already been elected, they can help answer the questions every new board member has.
- What exactly is my role?
- What decisions do we have authority over?
- What are homeowners entitled to?
- How do we stay compliant with Colorado law?
A few minutes of training now can save hours of confusion later.
Where to Watch
You can access the full DORA HOA Board Member Education Video Series here:
https://dre.colorado.gov/hoa-board-member-education
We recommend bookmarking the page and watching one or two videos at a time. It’s a simple way to build confidence and become a more effective board member right from the start.
Final Thoughts
Being on the HOA board doesn’t require you to be an expert on day one. But a little education goes a long way — and these short videos are one of the best starting points available for Colorado communities.
So whether you volunteered, were recruited, or accidentally made eye contact at the wrong meeting…