General Manager’s Update

Dear Landings Association Members,

What a great turnout for the 50th Anniversary Celebration at Landings Harbor September 24! The weather was perfect, residents of all ages participated, and the community showed just what has made it so special since its beginning in 1972. Thank you to the volunteers on the 50th Anniversary Committee for planning all of this year’s events, to Communications Manager Lynn Lewis for overseeing the efforts, and to the Public Works and Security teams for ensuring smooth operations.

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the annual Large Scale Workshop sponsored by Community Associations Institute (CAI). This workshop brings together 125 managers of large communities, such as The Landings, so we can share best practices and learn what makes others successful, including lagoon maintenance, how to handle supply chain issues, overcoming insurance cost challenges, and more. It’s also an opportunity to meet potential vendors. A previous Large Scale Workshop is where I met the firm now developing our smartphone app, and I spent time with the CEO this year talking about our progress and how much our internal communications team has enjoyed getting ready for the app’s launch.

This year’s event toured four communities in Laguna, California, ranging in size from 10,000 to 25,000 homes. And I thought The Landings was large! One thing that struck me was the emphasis on open space, from ridgelines to canyons, for the residents to enjoy. That has been a major focus in The Landings’ history…greenspace, trees, lagoons, and other natural areas…that make our community so special.

I’ve spent the last few months talking about our detailed, annual budgeting process. We’re close to finalizing the budget for 2023, and we’re beginning to work on our next Annual Dues (Assessment) vote, which we plan for early 2023. For our newer owners, you may not know that we are required to have a vote to increase Annual Dues for a three-year period. Of those voting, two-thirds must approve, so this is a high threshold. I encourage all to attend in person, livestream, or view the recording of our upcoming Budget Information Session, to be held October 17, at 6 p.m., in our Administration Building (600 Landings Way South). We will cover specific drivers to changes in the budget, as well as projected Annual Dues increases, while allowing plenty of time for questions and answers.

Time is running out to vote for three candidates to The Landings Association’s Board of Directors. All owners should have received voting packets by now, that include instructions on how to vote online or via the included paper ballot. This is your chance to have a say in who helps lead our community into the future.

Please note that per Board Policy, Trick-or-Treating in The Landings always is October 31, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Please be on the lookout during those hours for our youngsters, and at all times for your fellow residents.

Finally, please email me (karls@landings.org) if I can be of assistance.