Why CAMs Are the Unsung Heroes of Community Living
Every community needs a cornerstone—a steady presence that keeps things moving, solves problems, and makes sure everyone feels at home. In HOAs and condo associations across the country, that cornerstone is the Community Association Manager (CAM).
Despite their vital role, CAMs are too often unsung heroes. That’s why International CAM Day (June 13) is a dedicated moment to recognize the professionals who hold our communities together.
We’re shining a light on why CAMs matter, the unique challenges they face, and how the right technology can make their jobs a little easier and their impact even greater.
The Real Work Behind a CAM’s Job
Being a CAM means wearing many hats:
- Preparing budgets and association finances
- Scheduling and overseeing maintenance
- Mediating resident disputes and handling requests
- Enforcing governing documents
- Managing inspections, meetings, and violations
In short, CAMs are administrators, problem-solvers, community builders, and often emotional anchors—all rolled into one. A single CAM might oversee multiple HOA and condo communities, managing thousands of tasks each week.
According to the 2024 Homeowner Satisfaction Survey by the Foundation for Community Association Research*:
The Challenges CAMs Face Every Day
Being a CAM in 2025 is harder than ever.
- High Expectations, Low Margin for Error
CAMs are expected to respond quickly to residents, keep budgets in check, and satisfy board directives—all with limited hours in the day.
- Outdated Tools and Manual Work
Too many CAMs still rely on spreadsheets, emails, and paperwork to manage communications, payments, and compliance. This creates busy work that prevents strategic thinking.
- Fragmented Technology
Jugging different platforms for accounting, communications, and maintenance drains time and increases the likelihood of errors.
- Burnout is Real
Long hours, late-night emergencies, and increasing demand from boards and residents can take a toll, especially when the right tools and support aren’t in place.
How Technology Can Help CAMs Thrive
The good news: it doesn’t have to be this hard.
Modern SaaS tools, like Enumerate, built specifically for CAMs and property management firms are changing the game by simplifying the day-to-day, improving visibility, and creating better experiences for residents and boards.
How the right software can support CAMs:
- Automation of repetitive tasks like dues collection, violations, and board packet preparation saves hours each week.
- Centralized platforms for accounting, communications, and maintenance reduced tool overload.
- Mobile access like Enumerate FieldOps allow on-the-go updates and responses.
- Resident portals like Enumerate Engage can help CAMs stay connected to their residents in one place.
- Data and reporting give CAMs real-time insight to guide better board decisions and show value.
At Enumerate, we’ve seen firsthand how giving CAMs the right tools not only improve efficiency—it restores work-life balance and reduces burnout. That’s a win for everyone involved.
Explore how Enumerate supports CAMS:
CAM Day is About More Than Just Recognition
On International CAM Day, we hope HOAs, management companies, and vendors take a moment to appreciate the incredible work CAMs do. But let’s not stop there.
CAMs deserve:
- More support from boards and leadership
- More visibility into their impact
- More tools that make their lives easier, not harder
How You Can Celebrate CAMs:
- Send a personal thank-you note. Use this thank you template as a starting point.
- Give a small gift or public recognition
- Post your appreciation using #ThankACAM and #IntlCAMDay. Download our social template to highlight them on your social platforms.
- For more ideas, read our article on 5 ways to Celebrate International Community Association Managers Day
A thank-you note, a recognition post, a small gift—these gestures matter. So does investing in technology that respects their time and amplifies their impact. Learn more about the Enumerate Advantage.
Download the social and email template below to celebrate your community association manager!
*Zogby Analytics for the Foundation for Community Association Research, 2022
