Let me get this out of the way before i begin. Given some having the burning desire to see everything from a left/right point of view, this commentary has nothing to do with politics, NOTHING! I've long been a proponent for the body of work by Morris Massey. His theory was pretty simple to understand: "What you are now is where you were when.” We ultimately become who we are based on when and where we grew up. It's not a perfect science but fascinating to see how closely it works out. There was a bump in the road over the course of the generational behavior he traced: "Significant Emotional Events," (SEE's) could and often did change entire population's perspectives. To be clear, we are talking major societal upheavals not singular events in a persons life. There is no question in my mind, the pandemic was a SEE of epic proportions. The size, scope and impact on the world had nothing to do with political parties or individual leaders. While many have played the blame game, the reality is COVID19 cut across generations and populations irrespective of who was president or in charge of any given country. All of which begs the question; what did it do to Sun City and ultimately all of us? I know some would say, nothing. If that's true, good on you. I know it made a difference in my life. I know it has impacted many of the folks i know living here. If you pay attention, you can see it across much of the community's way of life. I have no interest in delving into the minutia of each of us and what it meant. I am looking at it from more a historical perspective and then relating it to our future. Forecasting the bigger picture is about recognizing and ultimately reacting in ways that make sense and help us succeed. I seriously question whether we are ready or even capable of doing that, and here's why: We moved to Sun City on a permanent basis in May of 2003. From my first days, i got involved with our concept of self-governance. I was a 100% believer in the structure and its effectiveness. It had a proven and sustainable track record. There were chinks in the armor as i paid more attention. My first exposure was when i awoke one morning and saw a headline we would be remodeling the Bell Rec Center pool and fitness area. It needed it, but having been paying attention to the long range planning committees direction of rebuilding Fairway, i had to ask a board member; where the hell did this Bell remodel come from. It was simple answer; because they were doing it right away, it wasn't part of a long range plan. Okay, i guess. The good news was Bell took about a year and almost immediately upon its completion, they started the 5 year, 2 phase Fairway project. It did cause me to assess Sun City in this manner: Short term planning was what we were doing this week, long range planning was what we were doing next month. A bit of a stretch, but my guess is you get the point. Some 20 years later, we have not evolved much have we? We're now at least talking about a long term strategic plan. I love the idea, but having had my butt in chairs where it has been bantered about, i don't sense any true commitment to it. Lip service is easy, actually doing it is way harder. Let me take this whole discussion up a notch and argue; following the pandemic and the impact across both our country and our community, we need a comprehensive and strategic plan more than ever in our history. Our future depends on it. I'll step away, get a cup of coffee and we can talk more about exactly why this is such a critical point for Sun City. Back in a few minutes.
I wrote a column on a blog i used to do a dozen years ago entitled; "Life is good when the coffee is hot." Dang still as true today as it was back then. Sometimes the simplest pleasures in life are some of the best. Always take time to smell the coffee, or the roses. We are all caught up in a fascinating place in time. Again, not political, just reality. The one largest and most impactful situation that will be driving change across the country is what is happening in the home owners insurance markets. While different areas of the country are seeing larger hikes than areas that don't have as many major weather events, everyone will feel the pinch. I read several articles every week on California, Florida and parts of Texas being the hardest hit, but they aren't alone. Last seasons tropical storms traveled far into areas that used to be deemed safe from any impact. This has nothing to do with believing in climate change or not, anyone with an honest bone in their body understands these tragic storms are going to get worse. Sun City is a pretty darn safe place to be, sadly Arizona is not immune to fire seasons and lots of damage during them. The net affect is premiums spiking. It hits not only us as home owners, but the RCSC with massive building spaces and golf courses are subject to severe weather and those related insurance costs. Imagine if we were located in California or Florida with 300,000 square feet of buildings and 8 golf courses and what those coverage costs would explode to. I keep seeing figures for private home coverage in high risk areas running around $1000 a month. And another phenomena directly related to, but clearly different, is the number of dual home owners in Sun City. We have long been the haven of seniors of decent means who had a home both here and back where they came from. Costs were so reasonable it was easily doable. Shut one down for the summer and get out of the heat. Reversing it to be here in the winter months and leave the frozen tundra behind. Is selling that second home a trend? It would be interesting to take a deeper dive into the sudden spurt of homes on the market and see how many of them were a result of exploding costs following the pandemic. We know the argument was "supply chain" issues, and now it appears while many of those have been solved, we find corporations have loved the higher profits and have no interest in walking away from them. It is the new normal and my wife knows several people, as do i, that have decided to walk away from dual home ownership. The cost for multiple dwelling is spurring them on. The other oddity i have seen is more owners are moving away to try and get closer to family. Was it the pandemic? No idea, but it is reality that will change the landscape for Sun City. In another thread, we talked about golf and the red ink last year (2024). It's long been understood every time golf rates were increased, rounds played dropped. Mostly correlating to how big the increase was. This time it's a bigger deal, because with the high inflation across the board, lots of folks have less disposable income. Cheap golf drove the number of rounds played, but it also beat the snot out of the courses, made tee times tough to get (in the high season) and meant the RCSC was subsidizing the costs with non-golfers lot assessments. It was simply not a sustainable structure. And as we look long term, over 10, 15 and 20 years, what does that mean for the community? And if you really want to throw a monkey wrench into the discussion; what is the trending forecast for golf over that same period of time? Will Gen X and Gen Y be avid golfers? Or, will they be more like we are seeing in the lawn bowling community, causal now and again players just looking for something to do; along with everything else they do...or more likely, new members who will continue working and just want something to do in between work hours? As long are we are going down that path, what about clubs? We brag about having 125 of them and well we should. I think. Because the answer is more founded in or better yet can be measured. It would be simple and hopefully the RCSC/Committee On Clubs (COC) has been doing an analysis comparing membership numbers before the pandemic (2019) and the end of 2024. Are they growing? Shrinking? Staying the same? All of which begs the question, is there something/anything the RCSC can do to help them survive and flourish? Does it make sense to add club space for those needing it by converting existing and mostly unused flat space? There's more, for sure. Organizations, are they on a path to survive. The empty store fronts, is there a future for brick and mortar? Condo owners associations, can we do anything to consolidate and help them weather the storm of issues they are facing? How about those 31 churches and their shrinking membership and exploding costs? It's almost endless and if we were a city, we would have more resources to deal with the challenges. We're not and i am not advocating we become one. What we know from a historical perspective was this: Every time Sun City faced a problem, those living here found solutions. They rolled up their sleeves and pulled together. My concern is there may no longer be the resolve to work together as far too many are simply fixated on their wants and needs. Hopefully, i'm wrong and in this case, would be delighted if i was.
Bill, Quite a few issues to ponder. I always appreciate the breadth of knowledge you provide and the ability to parse the information in a way that is useful. In my opinion, every single issue has significant implications for Sun City, both short and long term. Those with the ability to forecast trends and take advisement need to be empowered to make decisions based on what can be done today to keep Sun City vibrant, attractive to buyers, and attract new active adults to want to be a part of the community. My thoughts are around the need to greatly expand and improve the technology used by and within the community. Trends indicate more people are interested in classes that are available either in person or online. Cooking demonstrations, lectures on books, readings by authors are just a few examples of what I am reading is what is happening in the market for the active adult audience. So much is available online and so many more people have adjusted their daily lives to expect the experience to come to them, rather than the other way around. Tangibles such as travel, live music and interactive entertainment will get people to come to you rather than wait for it to be delivered electronically. Social media has transformed the landscape forever, good or bad, and communities like ours need to grow the outreach. We make no efforts to actively reach out to the members and engage them in real time via social media or online networking. The longer it takes to make the requisite changes in how we choose to communicate with current and prospective audiences, is going to make the difference between a vibrant, engaging community or a community wondering how it all got away from us so fast. The technology is here, RCSC needs to place an urgency on getting the conversation going forward to make the needed improvements to bring us closer to the future of what is going to be salient for the short term. These changes affect those living here now as well as future generations. Instead of spending money on a brick and mortar approach to a performance venue, we need media of every kind to be able to reach out when wanted and be accessed when needed. Those in the workplace today are media savvy and will require the ability to stay connected with others using electronic formats. In order to affect our community in a way that engages and promotes we have got to meet people where they are comfortable. The rec centers are a great resource to invite and connect with others. How do we promote the community and demonstrate the value of the recreation centers now? Is there any actual promotion of this community stressing the importance of the centers and the value that they provide? Any projected offerings of educational programs that will entice adults to engage with each other in a positive way? I am always interested in what you have to say. It’s thoughtful, timely, and on point. Thank for the references as well as the various topics to ponder.
Well said SCG and on point for sure. We all knew the technology side of the RCSC equation was inadequate and with each passing year it grew worse. Clawing our way back has been slow and painful. In 2018 the long range planning committee made a modest proposal to review every aspect of our technology and the GM insured it died in committee. It was also the point i abruptly quit, realizing we were little more than show ponies. I posted a link to this thread on Sun City Chat Facebook group yesterday. which is why it has more than 500 views in less than 24 hours. One poster commented that she had been longing to buy in Sun City; it was her mother's dream but she died before she got the chance. When she arrived, during the pandemic with everything closed, the only thing she could do was pay her fees. Many of us know the importance of timing, and hers wasn't good (not her fault by the way), but the other half of the failed equation was and still is on the RCSC side of the field. They did nothing then to make her feel welcome, they've still done nothing to make her feel at home and welcome. Some would argue it's not their job; i would argue that is exactly their job. In fact, nothing might be more important than how we welcome new buyers. Yesterday i was putting together the materials for the "Selling Sun City" class we are doing for the Life Long Learning club on Feb 20. It was staggering to list the extent DEVCO went to insuring new home buyers felt welcome and appreciated. There were full time employees dedicated to that end. Sure they were there to help sell homes, but Meeker's driving motivation was for Sun City to survive and flourish. Would it surprise anyone if i told you when we bought a home here in 1990 we received a full color welcome guide with the locations of every rec center. The magazine took the opportunity to welcome us and help reinforce the idea we made a great choice. And, in that we were not 55 and could not live here, they also gave us each a punch card to use when we visited. What a novel freaking idea; treat new home owners like you actually wanted them as a part of the community. Of course at some point someone looked at the printing costs and said "that's too expensive," or, "too much work." What's the saying? "Penny wise and pound foolish." We do this all the time, save a nickle that costs us a fortune in good will. Let's recap point of sale: $5000 dollars PIF. $1ooo dollars CIF. $300 dollars transfer fee. $650 lot assessment. A boatload of money and the best we can do is a half-hearted bag of information and an invite to Experience Sun City; held yearly with no program and 100 plus tables to overwhelm them. Can't we do better than that? The funny thing is, one poster here loves to insult me for suggesting a marketing program. I've done little to lay out my views, as every aspect of our marketing would start within and spider-web out using the membership. Unfortunately over the years we pushed members away, rather than nurturing the relationship and growing the numbers who would and could promote us for next to nothing. The pandemic changed most of us. The question is, do we as a community and the RCSC as an organization have the where-with-all and the resolve to help change us back to a better time and place?
There always exists the possibility for change. What is the hard part is the willingness to do so. Would it be plausible for the RCSC to create a position dedicated solely to ensuring member outreach? I think it would be a catalyst for some fabulous new ideas and methods to be implemented to do just that. Not just a “Rah-Rah, let’s tell you how much of a good time you are having “ but creating neighborhood fun packs, as an example. Sounds corny, the RCSC could offer a prepackaged bundle of information as to how to arrange your local neighborhood get together for you and your neighbors to share some casual conversation, food, and catching up. Include some plates, napkins, RCSC designed name tags and small cards to collect the neighbors information so to share the information with each other for future visits and contact. Have a “How to host your neighbors” fun event at your house with ideas of how to make something happen for you and your neighbors. Have this fun pack prepared and ready to go with the invitation ideas already available for use. Being in a social setting with your local neighborhood residents can be challenging so have ideas for creating a safe environment for everyone to enjoy each other’s company for a short period and build your own local community. Have ways to share your gathering with pictures of the event and put them on the website for all to enjoy the fun you created with your neighbors. As others view these photos and realize they, too, want to share in what their neighbors are experiencing, a sense of community spirit can be grown. Yes, cheesy I know, but it’s the idea that counts. A stretch, but have a representative of the RCSC attend your neighborhood gathering and this trained and informed representative can offer more information about the great community you live in. Start having club events on evenings and weekends. So many people are still working, so are not available to participate in gatherings that could serve to attract people to seek opportunities for club inclusion. Get the ice cream social organized again and have them at the local rec centers to make them more inclusive of the local members within each area. Have knowledgeable RCSC members there to thank the attendees for coming out and for being a part of the community. Got long with the ideas, but the simple answer is outreach. Community is built with the people living here. Go to them, don’t expect them to come to you.
As I read these comments it takes me back to 2000 - way too many planning sessions/committee meetings - how do we engage our members, encourage community involvement, and bring visitors to our community - Chamber 101/Marketing & Communication. What were we missing? What resources did we have that were being under utilized? What resources were we missing that needed upgrading? This went on for months with no decisions or conclusions. The Board decided it was time to roll up our sleeves and get serious instead of just continuing to talk in circles. The Board decided to use a third party to assist us with a two day stragegic planning session that allowed us to take a deep dive in to the culture of our orgnanization. This process allowed us to perform an honest SWOT analysis (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats). In addition to current board and committee members, we called on past board members/past Presidents, members from different sectors and sizes, key supporters, and community leaders to participate in various sessions. We wanted to hear the good, the bad and the ugly so we could chart a new course. From that planning sessions we made several major decisions: staff reorganization, numerous programming changes including events, relocation of our offices to increase visibility and access, developed a new Leadership program, established a Young Professionals organization, created a cohesive marketing plan includng the City and County, created a tourism division, increased our regional tri-county presence. The biggest takeaway from the effort - the Chamber of Commerce had not been taking a community leadership role but had been playing a background role. I see a lot of similarities. As an unincorporated community, RCSC has a larger role to play. In our case, RCSC is typically the default organization for almost eveything - when in doubt, contact RCSC. We are missimg the biggest opportunity to be the Ambassadors of good will. Which takes me to the Chamber Ambassador program. Ambassadors serve as greeters/hosts and hosteses at most events. Yes, I know it's hard to get volunteers. But, these are "fun" volunteers - they greet attendees, hand out programs, help with seating and/or serve refreshments. RCSC needs a welcome event at least once a month for new residents - an invitation to attend a 1-2 hour "reception" event with refreshments, with profressionally prepared materials, a video presentation and/or a tour of facilities. We should constantly showcase who we are presented by someone that is enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Our Ambassadors (at the time) wore blazers with an Ambassor logo so they were always easily recognized at every event. Today, it could be something more current - as long as they are easy to identify. We are missing the "basics" of member engagement. Creating an atmosphere that every person is a valued member. We are investing millions of dollars in facilities - we need to invest in people. We need our members/residents - to feel (and believe) they are welcome, valued and appreciated and there is a reason for them to be here and stay here. This shouldn't be that hard. We can do better. After all, it seems it was the DEVCO model. We decided it would take money to make money. It's ROI - and it worked. Our membership increased substantially. Our Leadership Program was a sellout the first year and every year thereafter. Our event participation increased and the associated sponsorships increased (value added). The Tourism progam flourised and for the first time we were allocated roomtax dollars; today the Chamber receives four times what we initially received. Its my hope several planning efforts take place beginning in 2025-2026. The 2026 Budget process starts in about one week. Ideas welcome.
Thanks Linda and SCG, all well made points and being able to assess where we are and better yet where we might go isn't hard; it does take a commitment to change. Which may well be a problem, because if the RCSC truly believes 2024 was a great year, there's virtually no chance to address our many shortcomings. I sat in on long range planning committee meeting several weeks back and heard the board president assure everyone in the room the board would be watching the GM's spending to insure he not miss targeted budgets. That's a good thing, but in my mind, it should never been a thing to start with. We went to a place last year with our spending that was far removed from the norms of this community. But alas, the budget shortfalls were minor in comparison to the number of ill-timed and poorly acted-out actions taken by the GM/board? Back in the "good old days," when our bylaws called for quarterly membership meetings and a quorum of 100 members, these kinds of foolish steps by the GM or the board were either quickly stopped, or better yet, never surfaced. So many of those changes were the guard rails that maintained the balance of power between the board, general manager and the membership. They were in fact the perfect set of documents, until the decision was made to remove the members voices and establish far more control by management. We had never functioned like that at any time in our history. Returning and restoring the community to those days is challenging; especially if those on the board aren't interested in doing so. Paying lip service to the value of the membership and then just trying to do what they (the board) wants or thinks is best, will always result in mistrust and frustrated members. You know the old adage, talk is cheap, still rings true. If we truly want to change this community with an eye to the future it begins with every new home buyer. That first point of purchase check they write to the RCSC is nearly $7000. Seven times what we paid in 1999 when we bought our first Sun City home. And, when we did buy, the RCSC went out of their way to make us feel like we had bought into a very special place...even though we couldn't live here for another 4 years. It begs the question: What changed? From my biased perspective, everything. The nurturing relationship built during the DEVCO era (1960-1979) was intentional and it carried on until 2006. We went from expecting the community at large to be responsible owners, to telling them to just move here and have fun...big brother would take care of it all. Pushing people away rather than drawing them in wasn't accidental. If no-one cares, just doing what they wanted/thought was best for us was their path to a better Sun City. In reflection, was it? I think not, but that's just one man's opinion. I just posted a picture on a social media site of the Ukulele concert held yesterday at the Sundial auditorium. It was held in support of SCHOA and the crowd had a rocking great time. Somewhere between 500-600 in attendance. How many of you even knew about it? Like i said on the post, everyone in leadership wants to put it on the backs of the members for failing to know, are they the ones to blame? Jean Totten has been vocal about how little the RCSC has been the annual membership meeting notice. They would argue, it's in the newsletter, will be on the electronic marques at the centers and will appear in the weekly email blasts. Fair enough, except the real question exists and persists, why should they go, why should they care? Our best single opportunity is at that point of sale; you know, when we take that nearly $7000 and tell them so very little. We invest almost nothing to make them feel welcome and why they can be the defining difference in Sun City's future. We set ourselves up for failure and then wonder why we fail, why members don't care? Both SCG and Linda's comments are about change, a better way of engaging. It is the tip of the iceberg, because if anyone in management or on the board truly believes the members are critical to Sun City's future, their first steps this year would begin with how to better include and educate the members. To be fair, there's been some positive efforts, have them been enough? I would encourage anyone reading this article that is a member of the RCSC, to attend the evening membership meeting. It is on Tuesday March 11 starting at 6 pm at the Sundial auditorium. The first order of business is to determine whether there is a quorum of 500 (butts in chairs and proxies). If so, then the business portion of the meeting will proceed. If the quorum isn't met, they typically open the mic and let members speak with no actions attached. I hope to see you there.
