CAI-NJ Dec.2017_1

Effectively Utilizing MOBILE

TECHNOLOGY to Enhance Community Engagement and Safety By Raymond Sobieski, reportit.com

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(Community Watch), Common area Maintenance, Rules Violations or other safety issues. Residents and visitors are often the first to identify such issues or concerns. Traditionally, residents have presented with a variety of ways to communicate, including visiting the office (if one exists), calling the management group or emailing the appropriate person or organization. Often times smaller communities do not have onsite management or have lim- ited office hours which may not correspond to schedules of residents, thus making in-person communication imprac- tical. Without an efficient and easy way to communicate many issues and concerns are not reported creating the potential for unhappy residents and even liability issues. As we move more and more towards a digital society phone calls are becoming a less attractive to communicate. Millennials prefer electronic communication and instant

Advancements in Mobile Technology combined with the significant increase in smartphone ownership and shift toward digital commu- nication mediums creates an opportunity to substantially enhance the way we connect with the members of our community E fforts to improve the quality of life in our communities are most effective when they involve strong collabo- ration between management or leadership and the residents they serve. A major aspect of this partnership is the ability for residents (and visitors) to efficiently and effec- tively communicate their comments, questions or concerns directly Community Managers, Property Owners or HOA Associations. Information may include Security Concerns

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