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“Community Governance Fundamentals”
Training Programs

 

 

The Montgomery County Commission on Common Ownership Communities (“CCOC”) provides a training program, “Community Governance Fundamentals”, for common ownership community board members and residents. The CCOC developed this training to meet the requirements of Bill 45-14, which was passed by the County Council on February 3, 2015. The measure was signed into law by the County Executive on February 11, 2015 and took effect January 1, 2016.

The law is designed to promote knowledgeable and responsible management of common ownership communities. Such self-governing residential communities include condominiums, cooperatives and homeowners’ associations. There are more than 1,100 common ownership communities in Montgomery County, comprised of more than 139,000 common ownership units. More than 30% of Montgomery County residents live in common ownership communities. The training program addresses ethics, roles and responsibilities of board members and homeowners, governing documents, financial management, meeting rules, and general administration. The training is also available to members of the public interested in learning about common ownership community operations.

  • A member of the governing body of a common ownership community must successfully complete the training program within 90 days after being elected or appointed (on or after January 1, 2016) to the governing body for the first time.
  • The training is offered online or in a group or classroom setting, and is administered by the CCOC or an organization approved by the CCOC. Only the CCOC or a CCOC-approved organization can provide the required certification.
  • The curriculum, which takes approximately 3 hours, includes brief videos and quizzes to enhance understanding. Students do not receive a grade.
  • The governing body is required to retain a copy of the “certificate of completion” for inspection by the members of the association for the duration of the governing body member’s service.
  • The governing body is required to register, and pay a registration fee, annually with the Department of Housing and Community Affairs’ Licensing & Registration unit. The registration form reports membership data, including the name and address of each member of the board and the date each member completed the training.

Community Governance Fundamentals 

Should you wish to schedule a classroom presentation for your association, at your community’s facility or at the Commission’s Rockville offices, or to join another scheduled training group, please contact our staff by e-mail at CCOC@MontgomeryCountyMD.gov