Community Associations Institute Commemorates Anniversary of Champlain Towers South Condominium Collapse
24 June 2024 - 6:13PM
To mark the third anniversary of the Champlain Towers South tragedy
in Surfside, Fla., Community Associations Institute, the leading
international authority on community association governance,
education, and management, continues to emphasize the vital
importance of proactive maintenance measures and financial
sustainability in condominiums, cooperatives, and homeowners
associations.
Reflecting on the
enduring lessons from this devastating event and the lives lost,
CAI remains dedicated to ensuring the continued safety and
resilience of community associations nationwide.
The collapse of Champlain
Towers South on this day three years ago highlighted the need for
preventive maintenance, financial stability, and structural
integrity. In response to this event, CAI led a comprehensive
effort to supply community association leaders with the necessary
knowledge and tools to safeguard their communities and residents
while providing legislators with sensible policy
recommendations.
"We honor the memory of
the victims and reiterate our commitment to promoting safety and
resilience within community associations," says Thomas M.
Skiba, CAE, CAI's chief executive officer. "The lessons learned
from this devastating event underscore the critical importance of
proactive measures, including regular inspections, regular
maintenance, and knowledge and planning for adequate reserve
funding.”
In the aftermath of the
Surfside collapse, CAI has been directing initiatives to prevent
similar tragedies. These efforts focus on promoting safety
standards, advocating for robust legislative measures, and
providing community association boards with the knowledge and tools
they need to prioritize structural integrity, maintenance, and
financial stability.
The Surfside collapse
stressed the essential need for regular, thorough building
inspections and preventative maintenance. Community association
boards must prioritize structural integrity assessments and
promptly address potential risks. Effective communication with
residents regarding maintenance needs and safety protocols is
essential to foster a culture of vigilance and
responsibility.
CAI has been at the
forefront of advocating for legislative changes to enhance building
safety standards. The organization has worked with lawmakers to
introduce and pass legislation that mandates regular inspections,
transparency in maintenance records, and adequate reserve funding
for necessary repairs. These measures are designed to ensure all
community associations adhere to best practices in building safety
and maintenance.
CAI remains dedicated to
its mission of providing education, resources, and support to
community associations. The organization offers a range of programs
and services to help boards and managers implement best practices
and stay informed about the latest safety standards and regulatory
requirements. By fostering a proactive approach to building
maintenance and safety, CAI aims to protect the lives and
well-being of all community residents.
Blaine Tobin
Community Associations Institute
703-970-9235
btobin@caionline.org