How to turn HOAs into climate action superheroes: “HOAs have immense power”

Over 75 million Americans live in communities managed by Homeowners Associations, or HOAs – so what if those communities could be activated to take positive climate action??

That’s exactly what has happened in one community, creating a model that could benefit neighborhoods, individuals, and the planet.??

In a presentation at the Mountain Towns 2030 conference in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a group of leaders from Big Sky, Montana shared their success “turning HOAs into climate action superheroes” with hundreds of leaders from mountain towns.??

HOAs govern critical areas like waste collection, water usage, landscaping, and energy infrastructure—all of which have substantial implications for greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, HOAs are often overlooked in climate strategies.

“HOAs have immense power within their domains,” said Jerry Tinianow , founder of WestUrb and former Chief Sustainability Officer for Denver, Colorado. “The challenge is helping them see that power as an opportunity for climate action.”

In Big Sky, Montana, over 100 HOAs came together to align with the region’s climate action plan. The Big Sky Owners Association, represented in the panel by Emma Lawler, CMCA , manages over 8,000 acres and 2,400 properties, and rolled out a series of sustainability initiatives, including:

• Sustainability Committees: Dedicated groups that identify and advocate for green policies within the community.
• Wildlife Conservation: Pilot projects, such as installing game cameras, helped protect sensitive migration corridors.
• Educational Resources: Guidebooks outline best practices for sustainable living, from wildfire preparedness to renewable energy adoption.

“By bringing HOAs together, we created a shared sense of purpose. Now, they’re not just part of the community—they’re leaders in its sustainability journey,” said. Lizzie Peyton ,? Executive Director, Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization.

Peyton emphasized that HOAs need to see themselves as integral to the broader community’s climate goals. Collaboration and education are the foundation of this transformation.

But it’s not always easy to make change within an HOA. Some of the challenges include:

• Complex Governance: Volunteer board members frequently lack the expertise to make informed sustainability decisions, and bylaws can often be outdated. Panelists recommended engaging lawyers and committees to navigate the complex process of updating governing documents.
• High Turnover: Regular changes in HOA leadership disrupt long-term planning.
• Deferred Maintenance: A focus on short-term financial priorities often delays upgrades?

• Resistance from Affluent Communities: Framing sustainability as a way to protect resources and enhance property values has proven effective in gaining support.
• Labor Shortages: Expanding contractor networks regionally can help address shortages in skilled labor for green projects.

The panelists said financial incentives and education are keys to success.?

“Education is key. Once board members understand that sustainability can save money and build community, their resistance starts to fade,” said Gabrielle Fuerst , Chief Sustainability Officer, CAP Management.?

Lawler also emphasized the value of incentives, such as waiving fees for homeowners who implement sustainable upgrades.

The panelists provided a playbook for making HOAs powerful allies in climate solutions, including:?

• Educate & Empower: Educating homeowners and board members about the financial and environmental benefits of sustainability projects. Demonstrate how sustainability measures can reduce costs and improve property values over time.
• Create Champions: Establishing dedicated sustainability committees to drive initiatives and alleviate pressure on board members.
• Build a Process: Creating certification processes, like those developed by CAP Management, that incentivizes HOAs to adopt sustainability measures in areas like waste, water, energy, and transportation. Embed sustainability into HOA governing documents to ensure continuity across leadership transitions.
• Celebrate Wins & Collaboration: Pilot easy-to-implement projects like energy audits or waste diversion to build trust and momentum, and collaborate with governments, utilities, and nonprofits to access funding and expertise.

The Big Sky model demonstrates that HOAs are not just regulators—they can be leaders in building sustainable communities. With education, collaboration, and targeted initiatives, HOAs can transform from passive stakeholders to proactive partners in climate action.

“HOAs don’t have to be obstacles. They can be our greatest allies in building a sustainable future,” Tinianow said.

Watch the panel