By Aisha Khan for Phoenix Hoodline

Homeowners and board members in the City of Surprise can cool off with some summer learning thanks to free virtual classes on managing their associations. The City is offering the Virtual HOA/Condo Academy, featuring a slate of topics relevant to homeowners associations (HOAs) and condominium boards.

Attorney Beth Mulcahy, leading the charge, will conduct the informative sessions via Zoom and Facebook Live, starting this month and continuing through the end of the year, according to the City of Surprise website. Participants must register to join the online classes, which aim to decode the complexities of HOA and condo management.

The summer series kicks off with “Charting Your Course: A Comprehensive Guide to Board Roles & Responsibilities in HOAs/Condos” on May 21, promising a rundown of board member duties. It’s followed by June’s class on navigating the treacherous waters of HOA politics and frequent queries, aptly titled “Untangling the Web: Navigating Politics and FAQs in HOAs/Condos”.

The curriculum covers a range of pressing issues, from amending governing documents to enforcing community rules. Future classes will delve into fiscal matters, such as creating budgets and reading financials, and the realities of running a successful community association. Special sessions include a deep dive into new laws affecting HOAs and condos, and through an end-of-year session, homeowners can even bring their burning questions about holiday decorations.

Filling a niche for reliable and accessible homeownership education, Surprise’s Virtual HOA/Condo Academy aims to strengthen the savviness of its residents and community leaders. For further details or questions about the program, residents can get in touch by emailing surprisecares@surpriseaz.gov.