Who typically elects the first board of directors in a community association?

In a community association, the first board of directors is typically elected by the developer. This initial board is crucial for establishing the foundational governance of the community, as they are responsible for setting the rules and structure of the association.

The developer often retains control over the association during this early phase, which allows them to efficiently manage the development process and ensure that the community is set up according to their vision. They usually hold the authority to appoint members to the board until a certain percentage of the properties have been sold or because of other conditions outlined in the association's governing documents.

Understanding the role of the developer in this context is essential for grasping how community associations are formed and governed initially. Once the development reaches a specified stage, the control generally shifts to the residents, who can then elect their own board members. This transition is an important aspect of community governance, marking a shift from developer control to resident-led management.