COMMUNICATIONS:

“STATE OF THE RANCH”

by Chad Turner

To understand where Dobson Ranch is headed, we must reflect on where we’ve been and where we stand today. This thought inspired me to contribute to what is termed as the “State of the Ranch.” There is a quote from a well-known pop culture movie, and it captures this thought perfectly: “The intent here is to gain a clearer perception, where we’ve been, where we’re going, the pitfalls and the possibilities, the perils and the promise.”

What is the state of Dobson Ranch now? That’s a complex question, but not an impossible one. As you will see in this issue of the Ranchers’ RoundUp, we will hear from different areas of the HOA in hopes to answer this question. Every homeowner deserves an understanding of our association’s current status and its future. The challenge isn’t explaining how we got here, but painting a clear picture of where we are today, and what is in store for Dobson Ranch tomorrow.

When I joined Dobson Ranch as Communications Administrator, the job was presented as an opportunity to rebuild. The Communications department needed strengthening, and my focus was to rebuild it with a strong foundation and breathe new life into how the HOA connects with homeowners. The first task was designing a new website. It officially launched at the end of 2024 and the response has been positive. In addition, early in January of 2025, each resident will receive in their mailbox a 4-page quarterly newsletter with important information and events from the Dobson Ranch HOA. This is a step forward to reaching every homeowner. It will be a great addition to the variety of platforms residents can already see HOA information.

As a resident and an HOA staff member, I see the challenges and the possibilities of how to connect to homeowners, and I’ve also come to believe that every homeowner has the power to be part of the solution to advance Dobson Ranch to its full potential.

In preparation for this “State of the Ranch” issue, it has helped me understand why the recent 5% assessment increase was necessary for the 2025 budget. If I may be so blunt... Dobson Ranch is worth the investment. Just as we upgrade and maintain our homes, our community deserves the same care.

In an article a several pages forward, I encourage every homeowner to become an active member in the Dobson Ranch community. When homeowners remain silent, decisions are left to a dedicated few who do their best on behalf of everyone. Yet these decision-makers often face criticism from those who weren’t engaged in the process. By speaking up and sharing your perspective, you can help shape the future of Dobson Ranch. All homeowners contribute financially by way of assessments, so why not contribute our voices and ideas as well? Let’s be active in our community.

I am hopeful about the possibilities the coming year holds. Communications will continue to grow and improve, but this will take time. I am looking intently on every method I can to reach as many homeowners as possible. I still hear at every event from a resident passer by, that they had no idea an event was happening. This pains me that I wasn’t able to reach them. I’ll take that as my new found mission. I look forward to December next year when we can reflect on how far we’ve come with the improvement of communications.

If anyone knows me well enough, then they know that I love motion pictures, storytelling and great quotes from them. With that said, let me end with another pop culture movie quote that is quite over dramatic, but still resonates: “We cannot be consumed by our petty differences anymore. We will be united in our common interests. We will not go quietly into the night. We will not vanish without a fight. We’re going to live on. We are going to survive.”