How to Build a Connected Community Through Resident Engagement

Community engagement is at the heart of thriving, well-managed associations. It reflects how connected residents feel to their neighbors, how informed they are about community affairs, and how involved they are in shaping their shared environment. But how can you encourage residents to become more engaged and invested in their community? Keep reading to discover practical strategies that can help build a stronger, more connected neighborhood. 

Why Resident Engagement Matters 

Resident engagement goes far beyond attendance at community events. While social gatherings and activities are important, true engagement is about creating a sense of connection, belonging, and shared responsibility. It’s reflected in how informed residents feel, how often they communicate with one another and with the association, and how willing they are to contribute their time, ideas, or feedback.    

Communities with strong engagement tend to experience: 

• Greater resident satisfaction 

• Stronger support for board decisions 

• Higher retention and participation 

• A shared commitment to long-term success 

By creating an environment where people feel seen and heard, boards help transform neighborhoods into connected communities. 

Measuring Resident Engagement 

Measuring engagement provides insight beyond financials and maintenance,it reveals the human side of community living. It helps associations track trends, identify gaps, and uncover new opportunities for connection.A combination of quantitative and qualitative tools offers a fuller picture of resident involvement: 

• Participation Metrics: Attendance at events, volunteer roles, and committee membership are tangible indicators 

• Digital Analytics: Email open rates, portal logins, and social media engagement show how residents interact with the association 

• Surveys: A powerful tool for gauging resident sentiment about communication, events, services, and their sense of community 

Best Practices for Resident Engagement Surveys 

A well-designed survey can uncover valuable insights while encouraging future participation. Consider the following tips: 

1. Set Clear Objectives

Focus on what you want to learn. Trying to measure too many things at once can dilute results. Common goals include: 

• Awareness of services and events 

• Satisfaction with communication and management 

• Sense of belonging 

• Willingness to volunteer or offer feedback 

2. Keep It Short and Focused

Surveys should take 5 minutes or less, with 10–15 well-structured questions. Include: 

• Multiple-choice questions 

• A Net Promoter Score (NPS) question for benchmarking 

• A few open-ended prompts for deeper feedback 

3. Ensure Anonymity and Accessibility

Anonymous surveys encourage honesty. Offer both digital and paper formats, and provide translations when needed to ensure all residents can participate. 

4. Time the Survey Strategically

Distribute surveys consistently, such as after a major event season or at the close of the fiscal year. Include survey links or QR codes in annual meeting invitations and display them during the meeting for easy access. 

5. Communicate Follow-Up

Let residents know how their input will be used. Share results and highlight any changes or initiatives that follow. This transparency builds trust and encourages future engagement. 

Sample Survey Topics and Questions 

Surveys should explore four key areas: 

Optional Demographics 

Helps tailor engagement strategies 

• How long have you lived in the community? 

• What age group are you in? (e.g., 18–34, 35–54, 55+) 

• What is your preferred method of communication? 

1. Connection to Community

• I feel a sense of belonging in my community 

• I know my neighbors by name 

• How often do you interact socially with neighbors? 

2. Participation and Involvement

• Have you attended a community event in the past year? 

• What types of events interest you? (e.g., social, educational, youth-focused, fitness, volunteer opportunities) 

• Are you interested in volunteering for a committee or event? 

3. Communication

• I feel informed about what’s happening in the community 

• Which communication channels do you prefer? (Email, newsletter, website, social media, bulletin board, text alerts) 

• How would you rate the quality of communication from the association? 

4. Satisfaction and Feedback

• Overall, how satisfied are you with the services provided by the association? 

• What improvements would enhance your community experience? 

• Do you have suggestions for new events or initiatives? 

Turning Insight Into Action 

Once you’ve gathered feedback, the real work begins. Resident input provides a roadmap for improvement, revealing what’s working, what’s missing, and where to grow. 

Start by identifying common themes. Then, involve residents in the solution. Engagement is stronger when people feel they have a role in shaping the community. 

Ideas to Support Ongoing Engagement 

Host Inclusive Events 
Offer a variety of activities to reach all ages and interests: block parties, wellness classes, youth activities, or seasonal festivals. 

Improve Communication 
Use a mix of communication tools, from text alerts and emails to bulletin boards and social media. Clear, timely updates help residents feel informed and included. 

Create Volunteer Opportunities 
Offer flexible, low-commitment options like welcome committees, pet waste station monitors, or event assistants to make involvement easier. 

Celebrate Contributions 
Recognize volunteers publicly, highlight helpful neighbors in newsletters, and showcase success stories to build a culture of appreciation. 

Make Participation Simple 
Make it easy for residents to join events or committees with clear instructions and streamlined sign-up processes. 

Gather Feedback Regularly 
Use quick polls or annual surveys to keep a pulse on what residents care about. Most importantly, always share how you’re acting on what they said. 

Engagement Is a Long-Term Commitment 

Resident engagement isn’t a one-time campaign; it’s a continuous effort to build trust, connection, and community spirit. Associations that prioritize engagement foster stronger relationships, improve satisfaction, and create places where people feel they truly belong. 

Whether you're just starting to measure engagement or refining a mature program, every step forward strengthens your community’s foundation. 

Ready to Elevate Engagement in Your Community? 

Partner with RealManage, a trusted and innovative leader in bespoke community association management We provide full transparency and personalized engagement solutions that empower boards to strengthen resident connections and build vibrant, cohesive communities. Our best-in-class technology and hands-on support enable seamless communication and collaboration, helping your association achieve lasting success and an enhanced living experience for all residents. 

Contact us today to design a customized resident engagement strategy that strengthens relationships, encourages participation, and drives community success.