Not every organization gets to celebrate 50 years. Those that do drive transformation, integrate new technology, ignite passion, and instill pride. Whether you’ve been with us since the early days or you’re a new member, you know that CAI is the collective place for community association information, education, and resources.
Founded in 1973, CAI was organized through the joint efforts of the Urban Land Institute, National Association of Homebuilders, the U.S. League of Savings and Loan Associations, the Veterans Administration, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 23 builder/developers, and several leading community association professionals.
Thanks to our countless dedicated, selfless, and inspired member leaders, 50 years later, CAI is the international center for community association best practices, learning, and advocacy. We’re proud of our international impact too. With nearly 44,000 members and 64 chapters worldwide, including Canada, the Middle East, and South Africa, and relationships with housing leaders in Australia, the United Kingdom, and a number of other countries, our members inspire professionalism, effective leadership, and responsible citizenship, ideals that are reflected in these communities that are preferred places to call home.
CAI provides information, education, and resources to the homeowner volunteers who govern communities and the professionals who support them. CAI members include association board members and other homeowner leaders, community managers, association management firms, and other professionals who provide products and services to associations. CAI serves community associations and homeowners by:
- Advancing excellence through seminars, workshops, conferences, and education programs, most of which lead to professional designations for community managers and other industry professionals.
- Publishing the largest collection of resources available on community association management and governance, including website content, books, guides, Common Ground magazine, and specialized newsletters.
- Advocating on behalf of common interest communities and industry professionals before legislatures, regulatory bodies, and the courts.
- Conducting research and serving as an international clearinghouse for information, innovations, and best practices in community association development, governance, and management.
We have long believed that homeowners and condominium associations should strive to exceed the expectations of their residents. Our mission remains true today. We work toward this goal by identifying and meeting the evolving needs of the professionals and volunteers who serve associations, by being a trusted forum for the collaborative exchange of knowledge and information, and by helping our members learn, achieve, and excel. Throughout the years, our members have helped CAI create a special place to connect, learn, and grow—making each and every member feel welcome.
Cheers to you and to CAI! Your creativity, collaboration, and commitment supports CAI as the international center for community associations. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, we are Committed to Community.
>>Read more about CAI’s first 50 years and what may lie ahead in “Back to the Future” from the January/February 2023 Common Ground magazine.
>>Access details about CAI history and impact.
>>Share your favorite CAI memories by emailing media@caionline.org.
