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CLEAR. KIND. RELIABLE. COMMUNICATIONS PLAN MOVES FORWARD

Aug 7
3 min read

MountainBrook Village (MBV) residents got a first look at the Clear, Kind, Reliable Communications Plan during the Board of Directors’ April workshop presentation—and the conversation was just getting started. Presentations were made on April 21 at Coffee and News, and a Town Hall meeting took place on April 22.


The Board approved the recommendations plan at its regular meeting on April 28 with an Action Plan to be implemented over the coming months.


An AdHoc Communications Committee of MBV residents with expertise in Research, Statistics, Communications, Accounting, Procurement and Information Technologies worked for several months on conducting the research and developing the recommendations.


Built from resident survey feedback, research from peer communities, and a review of national best practices for 55+ communities, the plan outlines a more coordinated, consistent, and reliable approach to how MBV communicates.


Key Highlights from the Research


Resident response indicates residents value communication

  • Outstanding participation in the survey: 95 percent confidence level. People obviously care about communications: it’s the bridge that keeps us connected and engaged whether seasonal or full-time.

  • Residents prefer a combination of communication methods: they like regular updates via email, enjoy the electronic newsletter but miss the print newsletter, engage in social media for highlights but want to go to a website that is easy to use when they need important information.


Peer communities in the Valley use layered communications systems

  • They use all forms of communication to reach residents: newsletters (print and electronic), website, frequent email updates and social media, as well as texting for urgent messages.

  • Responsibility for implementation resides with paid staff. None of the six communities in the Valley that were contacted rely on volunteers to do communications work better left to professionals.

  • Budgets for communications and activities are enhanced through structured advertising and business sponsorship programs.


National best practices for 55+ communities reinforce research preferences

  • Modern communications processes require consistency, ease of use and professionalism—scannable, clearly written, gets to the point.

  • Urgent communication primarily takes place via electronic messaging such as emails and texts.

  • Style and design of communication should be easy to read with larger text and clean designs.


Key Highlights from the Recommendations

  • More regular and consistent email updates. Monday email highlighting upcoming events; Friday email sharing the news of the past week.

  • Enhanced print and electronic monthly newsletter (full-color, more engaging and easier to navigate).

  • Improved website experience with better usability and calendar integration.

  • Text messaging for urgent updates when timely information matters most.

  • Dedicated Communications Coordinator to ensure consistency and quality.

  • Sponsorship program to fund and sustain communications efforts and resident experiences as well as build better relationships with business partners.


Stay Informed. Stay Connected.

The Clear (coordinated by a professional), Kind (no one is left behind—no matter their communications preferences), Reliable (funded by support from our business partners) Communications Plan represents an important step toward a more connected MountainBrook Village—making it easier for everyone to stay informed, involved, and engaged with minimal budget impact.


MAKING THE SYSTEM WORK


Consistent Communication Requires Leadership


A COORDINATED COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM ENSURES:

  • Clear messaging across all channels

  • Timely updates and accurate information

  • Photography, video, and event coverage

  • Coordination between website, email, newsletter, and social media


COMMUNICATIONS LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Newsletter Production

  • Website Management

  • Weekly Email Updates

  • Social Media Management

  • Photography

  • Advertising Coordination

  • Message Coordination


ADVERTISING & SPONSORSHIP SUPPORT

Community partners help sustain communications by providing:

  • Newsletter Advertising

  • Website Support

  • Event Sponsorship


FOCUS ON MAJOR COMMUNITY PARTNERS:

  • Realtors

  • Service Contractors

  • Local Businesses



 
 
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