I’m Jad Chami, and I’m writing to express my intent to run for a spot on the HOA Board. As a 32-year-old homeowner in Treyburn, I bring a fresh perspective and new ideas, and I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to the community. I truly believe that every generation has valuable input to offer, and I hope to be a part of fostering a balanced, collaborative environment where everyone’s voice is heard.

I’ve been working in architecture for six years (currently working on my Architecture License), and throughout my time at architecture firms, I’ve worked with teams to put all the little pieces of a project together to make sure everything functions as one cohesive whole. It’s all about teamwork, and I’m a big believer in collaboration. I know how to work with different people, listen to different perspectives, and find solutions that work for everyone—skills I want to bring to the HOA Board.

I’m excited about the chance to serve, bring some new energy to the board, and help create a community where everyone feels involved. Thanks for considering me for the role, and I look forward to the opportunity to work with you all!

What would be your primary goals and priorities if elected to the HOA board?

If I'm elected, one of my biggest priorities will be helping our neighborhood feel more connected and informed. I think Treyburn is a great community, but sometimes it feels like things are happening that are not fully explained to the community. I'd love to help change that. Whether it's through informal Q&A sessions—virtual or in-person—or just sharing more information on Front Steps, I think we can bridge any communication gap.

Another area I care about is the modification request process. I know how confusing and slow that can feel. I'd like to look into ways we can make it easier to understand the modification guidelines, process, and faster to navigate. A possible model is the City of Durham public requests website, I believe our modification requests should be made public, redacting the important personal information, but allowing other residents to see what is possible and what is not possible, and why. This model encourages communication, compliance and collaboration.

Everything I'd do on the board would come from a resident-first perspective. Outside consultants and legal input are helpful at times, but I believe it's our neighbors who should have the loudest voice in what's best for our community. That means listening, not assuming.

Also, I think my age and background bring something a little different to the table. I'm part of the next generation of homeowners, and I see where we can evolve and modernize in ways that still respect what’s already been built here. Whether it's small improvements or bigger-picture planning, I'd bring a fresh and thoughtful viewpoint to board discussions.

Overall, my goal is simple: to be someone you feel comfortable approaching and confident in trusting with the decisions that shape where we live.

How would you ensure the HOA's financial health and stability?

Keeping our HOA financially strong is really important. My goal would be to make sure every dollar is spent wisely, while also keeping dues reasonable and predictable. No one likes surprise assessments, and if one ever became necessary, I'd make sure the reason was clearly explained and easy to understand.

I also bring professional experience in budgeting and cost tracking from my work in architecture. I've had to manage project budgets, keep costs in mind, and adjust plans when things got off track. That kind of careful planning and foresight would definitely carry over into how I approach our HOA's finances.

How much time can you realistically commit to the HOA board duties each month?

While the time commitment may vary depending on the time of year and what's going on, l'm confident I can consistently devote 20-30 hours or more each month to board duties. I understand that this role requires time and follow-through, and I'm prepared to stay on top of meetings, communication, and anything else that comes up. I take that responsibility seriously and will make sure l'm available and engaged when needed.

Can you assume the responsibility of enforcing the covenants, even if it makes you unpopular?

I know that enforcing covenants isn't always the most popular job, but I do believe it's a necessary one for keeping Treyburn looking its best and protecting our property values. That said, I think there's a right way to go about it.

My goal would never be to call people out or make anyone feel targeted. Instead, I'd focus on communication, understanding, and working toward solutions. If someone isn't aware of a rule, or if life just got busy, l'd rather have a respectful conversation and try to find a path forward that works for everyone.

I've read through the covenants, and while I'll stick to them, I'll also bring empathy to every situation. If I were on the other side of an issue, l'd want someone to treat me with patience and a willingness to listen— and that's exactly how I'd approach it with neighbors. At the end of the day, I care about our community and want to help it thrive. That means being fair and consistent, even when it's hard, but also being kind and neighborly through the process.