Neighborhood College is a one-of-a-kind collaboration of workshops and hands-on learning experiences brought to you by multiple city of Phoenix departments. The intent of the program is to provide each participant with knowledge about the city’s programs, services and resources; the tools to access those resources; and the skills and ideas with which to build positive, sustainable communities.

North Central residents interested in learning more about how the city works and how to become active in their neighborhood can take advantage of free workshops offered by various city departments (submitted photo).

North Central residents interested in learning more about how the city works and how to become active in their neighborhood can take advantage of free workshops offered by various city departments (submitted photo).

Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned community leader or a new resident just looking to get to know your new home better, Neighborhood College is flexible enough to meet the needs of all Phoenix residents. Upcoming classes include:
• Collecting Delinquent Assessments and CC&R Enforcement and Dealing with Difficult People, 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave., auditorium. Two of the most difficult subjects for board members to deal with will be presented by a Mulcahy Law Firm, P.C. attorney. This class will offer a discussion of proactive approaches for collection of delinquent assessments. Learn five secrets to collecting assessments and discuss using the association’s available legal remedies as the most successful tools for the association to collect delinquencies. A discussion of the board’s fiduciary duty to enforce CC&Rs and legal aspects of enforcement such as demand letters, fines, self-help and when to turn to litigation will be included. Additionally, we will cover dealing with difficult people and the disgruntled homeowner or board member with a discussion of board member conflict, how to respond when dealing with a difficult situation, types of difficult people and the importance of communication and finally harassment.
• How to Select a Management Company and Legislative Update and Amending Association Documents, 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, Burton Barr Central Library, auditorium. Selecting and working with a management company is a major function of the board of directors. A clear step-by-step process will be presented to help the association determine if a change is necessary and if so, which management company is best for their association. The bidding process, questions to ask of the management company and how to determine the best candidate will be covered. Additionally, this class will discuss the 2015 legislative work. New laws may mean that association documents contain unclear or contradictory language and/or provisions that conflict with Arizona and federal law and might need to be amended. A Q&A session by a Mulcahy Law Firm, P.C. attorney will follow the presentation.
• Code Compliance 101, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 6, Devonshire Senior Center, 2802 E. Devonshire Ave. Are you concerned about trash, high weeds, dead trees, graffiti, deteriorated fences or open/vacant properties in your neighborhood? This workshop is for you! Attendees will learn the step-by-step code compliance process and timeline, how to use a free smartphone app to report blight, how to address code violations at vacant properties, what happens if a case goes to court, answers to questions about problem properties in your neighborhood, how to use the tool lending program, maintenance tips, resources and more.

All programs are free. There are three ways to register for a workshop: register online at www.phoenix.gov/nsd/neighborhoodcollege, e-mail neighborhood.college@phoenix.gov, or call 602-534-4444.

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