At the March 25, 2026 Board Workshop, board members gathered at Typhoon Texas in Katy for an engaging session on landscaping sustainability and water conservation—two issues impacting communities across the region.

The workshop featured insights from Rudis Rivera of Texan Landscaping Rivera, John O’Donnell of WaterLogic, Rick Ellis of AWBD, and Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter McCoy. Attendees gained actionable strategies on water-saving solutions, sustainable practices, key updates affecting Texas MUDs, and insights into how Fort Bend County is supporting a sustainable future for its residents.

More than just a presentation, the event equipped attendees with real tools they can take back to their communities—while also strengthening connections with peers and trusted industry experts.

For a full recap of the event, including the full presentation deck, visit this page. You will need to be registered for access. To register for a free HOA account, click here.

Texas Drought, HOA Lawn Rules, and HB 517: What Homeowners Need to Know for Spring and Summer 2026

With more than 80% of Texas in drought and new forecasts showing continued dry conditions, here’s what HB 517 means for HOA rules, lawn care, and homeowners this spring and summer.

There’s More to Your Neighborhood Than Meets the Eye: The Everyday Role of MUDs in Communities Across Greater Houston

What’s really keeping your neighborhood running behind the scenes? Learn more about how the systems that protect, support, and shape neighborhoods across the Greater Houston Area work year-round, often out of sight, through local Municipal Utility Districts.

Connect Online with HOA Board Members

Be among the first to join our brand-new HOA Connect Houston Facebook group—created exclusively for HOA Board members. Connect in real time, ask questions, share insights, and stay up to date on everything happening across our HOA community. Click the link below to join today.

Visit the Facebook Group

Become a Member        Register for Workshop

April HOA Checklist: 5 Overlooked Tasks That Can Save You Headaches

April is when communities start to come alive again—and behind the scenes, it’s a key time for Boards and management teams to stay aligned before the busy summer season. Most of the work is already in motion, but a few easy check-ins can make a big difference in how smoothly things run in the months ahead.

• 1. Are Seasonal Services Being Proactively Managed?
  • Landscaping, irrigation adjustments, and spring cleanups should already be underway—but not all vendors stay ahead without direction. With summer approaching, water usage will climb quickly, making now the ideal time to catch inefficiencies early.
  • Quick check-in: Ask your management team what’s already been scheduled and completed this month, and request a quick update or report from your landscaping vendor to confirm everything is on track. It’s also a good time to ask whether a water usage or irrigation audit has been completed to identify leaks, misaligned heads, or opportunities for system upgrades that could improve efficiency and reduce costs heading into peak season.
• 2. Pool & Amenity Prep: Is Everything Truly Ready—or Just “Opened”?
  • Landscaping, irrigation adjustments, and spring cleanups should already be underway—but not all vendors stay ahead without direction. With summer approaching, water usage will climb quickly, making now the ideal time to catch inefficiencies early.
  • Quick check-in: Ask your management team what’s already been scheduled and completed this month, and request a quick update or report from your landscaping vendor to confirm everything is on track. It’s also a good time to ask whether a water usage or irrigation audit has been completed to identify leaks, misaligned heads, or opportunities for system upgrades that could improve efficiency and reduce costs heading into peak season.
• 3. Communication Flow: Are Residents Getting Ahead of Changes?
  • Projects, maintenance, and seasonal rule reminders are happening—but residents often feel left in the dark if communication is reactive instead of proactive. This is when frustration—and unnecessary complaints—can start to build.
  • Quick check-in: Ask what communications have gone out recently and what’s planned next. A simple, forward-looking update that outlines what residents can expect over the next 30–60 days can significantly reduce confusion and improve overall community sentiment.
• 4. Vendor Oversight: Who’s Verifying the Work?
  • Most contracts are in place—but April is when activity increases, and with it, the opportunity for missed details or inconsistent execution. Even strong vendors need consistent oversight to maintain quality.
  • Quick check-in: Clarify how your management company is monitoring vendor performance. Are there regular inspections, reports, or walkthroughs being shared with the Board? If not, now is a good time to establish simple accountability measures before peak season demand.
• 5. Financial Pulse Check: Are We Still Tracking to Plan?
  • With early-year projects wrapping and seasonal expenses ramping up, now is a natural moment to ensure everything is still aligned financially. Small variances now can become larger issues by mid-year if they go unaddressed.
  • Quick check-in: Request a brief budget-to-actual update and ask if there are any emerging variances the Board should be aware of heading into summer. It can also be helpful to confirm whether upcoming seasonal expenses have been properly forecasted.

Strong communities aren’t built on Boards doing everything themselves—they’re built on clear expectations, consistent communication, and trusted partnerships. A few thoughtful questions now can help ensure your management team and vendors are fully aligned and delivering the level of service your residents expect.

Need help? Explore trusted local providers—from landscaping and irrigation specialists to communication support and water-saving technology—through the HOA Connect Houston Partner Directory.

Vendor Partner: Ellie Zloty with Blue Stream Fiber

Across Greater Houston—from Cypress and Katy to Spring and surrounding communities—HOA boards are facing a new kind of pressure: how to keep up with rising expectations around internet reliability, smart home technology, and overall resident experience. For many, those decisions... Read the full story on our blog.

Looking for a trusted vendor for your community? Check out our vendor partner directory at hoaconnecthouston.org for a listing of vendors who serve HOAs across the Greater Houston Area.

View the Partner Directory

We are very grateful for our valued Vendor Partners, whose support helps to make HOA Connect Houston possible.