Perhaps you've considered becoming more involved with BPOA but aren't quite sure what serving on the Board would entail. Or maybe you've never given it a second thought!

Either way, let's take a closer look at what our Board does, how it works, and why you might want to consider becoming part of it.

What Does BPOA's Board of Directors Actually Do?

A nonprofit board of directors is the governing body responsible for overseeing an organization's direction, financial health, and long-term sustainability.

At BPOA, our staff handles the association's day-to-day operations, while the Board of Directors provides oversight and helps establish the organization's broader direction and priorities.

Our Executive Director, Krista Gulbransen, also keeps directors informed about legislative, regulatory, and legal developments affecting rental housing providers at both the local and state levels. While Krista handles the ongoing advocacy work and brings emerging issues to the Board's attention, directors help determine how BPOA should respond.

Should the association take a formal position on proposed legislation? Is a particular issue significant enough to warrant legal action? Should BPOA commit resources to a legal initiative or consider placing a measure on the ballot?

These are among the consequential decisions the Board may be called upon to make.

Board members also oversee the association's financial health, establish organizational priorities, and help ensure that BPOA has the resources necessary to continue serving its members.

Serving on the Board doesn't mean you need to become an expert on every proposed regulation or attend every City Council meeting. It means bringing your experience, perspective, and judgment to the table, asking thoughtful questions, and participating in decisions about the organization's direction.

Who Makes Up BPOA's Board?

BPOA's Board includes four officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Our bylaws allow for up to 13 voting directors, providing room for a range of voices and perspectives.

You don't need previous board experience or an interest in serving as an officer to make a meaningful contribution. Each director brings a unique perspective, helping BPOA better understand and respond to the diverse needs of Berkeley's rental housing providers.

Why Does Your Experience Matter?

Whether you've been a rental housing provider for decades, have served on another organization's board, or are brand-new to this crazy business, you have something valuable to contribute!

An on-site owner who shares a building with residents may encounter challenges that differ significantly from those faced by someone who owns a larger rental property. A long-time housing provider may recognize the broader implications of a proposed regulation, while someone who recently purchased their first rental property may bring fresh questions and perspectives to the discussion.

You don't need to know everything about Berkeley's rental housing regulations or have previous board experience to serve. What matters is your willingness to participate, ask thoughtful questions, consider different perspectives, and contribute to decisions that affect the rental housing community.

Serving on BPOA's Board allows you to put your experience to work beyond your own property, learn from fellow housing providers, and help shape the direction of an organization that represents your interests.

How Much Time Does Board Service Require?

If you've ever considered serving on a board but assumed it would require a substantial time commitment, you may be pleasantly surprised!

BPOA's Board of Directors typically meets on the third Tuesday of each month, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM. Meetings are held at the BPOA office, with the option to participate via Zoom. Occasionally, meetings are rescheduled to accommodate scheduling conflicts.

That's just 90 minutes of scheduled meeting time each month! Directors may also spend some time reviewing meeting materials and considering matters before the Board.

And for those who join us in person, we provide snacks and beverages. We even treat our directors to dinner at least once a year. Who says board meetings can't have their perks?

Of course, we'd love for our directors to be involved beyond the boardroom, too! Attending BPOA's in-person educational meetings, joining us at social mixers, and getting to know fellow members are all wonderful ways to stay connected to the community we serve.

After all, the more opportunities you have to hear directly from other rental housing providers, the better equipped you'll be to bring their experiences and concerns to the Board.

And who better to commiserate with about the joys of providing rental housing in Berkeley than people who know exactly what you're going through?

Not Quite Ready for the Board? Let's Talk Committees!

Maybe you're reading this and thinking, This actually sounds interesting, but I'm not quite ready to throw my hat in the ring. That's okay! There may be other ways to become more involved.

BPOA doesn't currently have any standing committees, but perhaps we should. If there's an area where you think a member committee could benefit the organization, we'd love to hear your ideas.

Depending on member interest and the organization's needs, we may consider establishing one or two committees. It could be an opportunity to work with fellow members on a specific project or issue, get a closer look at how BPOA operates, and get your feet wet before deciding whether board service might be right for you down the road.

Your Association. Your Opportunity to Get Involved.

BPOA is a membership organization, guided by people who understand the responsibilities and challenges of providing rental housing in Berkeley.

Our directors bring their time, experience, and perspectives to decisions that help shape the organization's future. And there's always room for members who want to become more involved.

BPOA members elect the Board of Directors at the Annual Membership Meeting each October, with the newly elected Board beginning its term in January.

Whether you're interested in serving on the Board, exploring the possibility of joining a committee, or simply learning more about how BPOA operates, we encourage you to start the conversation.

Interested in getting involved? Email us at BPOA@BPOA.org. We'd love to hear from you!

Board Member Role Description

Want a closer look at the responsibilities and expectations of serving on BPOA's Board of Directors? Read our Board Member Role Description for additional details.

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