We need your support to update our bylaws
Why Update the Bylaws?
Our bylaws are the rulebook that guides how the neighborhood association operates. They’ve served us well but were last updated over 8 years ago in 2017. We on the Board found that the needs and operating reality of the Board has drifted from the bylaws as written. The truth is that we have a small, but mighty Board with many other commitments. The updates are meant to help our current Board members understand their duties and focus their contributions on doing work for the neighborhood over investing effort in processes that were built for a larger, more engaged Association. We also hope that making it easier to join the Board and clearly outlining expectations might help tip the scales for those on the fence. In the end this is about ensuring that the Board is able to efficiently and effectively carry out the mission of “maintaining and improving quality of life and a sense of community pride in our neighborhood”.
How We’re Doing It
The current bylaws outline an inclusive, transparent process to update the bylaws. The current Board has carefully reviewed the existing bylaws to evaluate was rings true to how we operate, what seems out of step, and where there’s confusion. Proposed changes have been compiled into a draft that is available to review here. In accordance with the current bylaws, we will hold an open meeting for any current current neighborhood association member to vote on the bylaws. This ensures everyone has a voice in the process and is in line with the rules set out by our current bylaws.
What’s Changing?
Here’s a quick summary of the key updates you’ll find in the revised bylaws:
Better reflect our mission and how we operate as board
Clarify Board membership and duties
Streamline elections, decision making, and meeting structure
This update is meant to keep the association healthy, responsive, and ready to support the neighborhood over time. In the end, the Neighborhood Association exists to serve our neighbors so we encourage active engagement to ensure that the next iteration of the bylaws serves our residents well. Together, we make West Towson a great place to live.
Please visit the Bylaws section of the website for further details on the updates.
Sincerely,
Your West Towson Neighborhood Association
