The Manufactured Housing Communities of Arizona (MHCA) and the Arizona Association Manufactured Home Owners (AAMHO) have developed a “Blue Ribbon Community” Program. The purpose of the “Blue Ribbon Community” designation is to give recognition and be known as a sign of achievement throughout the manufactured home industry. The “Blue Ribbon Community” designation offers assurance to the industry, the public, businesses, government authorities and lawmakers that a manufactured home community maintains high standards of excellence in three primary areas: physical property maintenance and management; resident satisfaction; and the educational training of property managers.

Since the “Blue Ribbon Community” designation is the only state distinction available to manufactured home communities, it can offer the communities significant benefits. The “Blue Ribbon Community” designation provides community owners with a unique tool for assessing customer satisfaction, attracting new residents, promoting the community lifestyle and a way to enhance the value of the community. Manufactured home owners and residents within a “Blue Ribbon Community” receive similar benefits of resident pride and home value. The “Blue Ribbon Community” designation is available to all manufactured home communities, regardless of age or size. Each community is evaluated on its own merits. Any owner that takes pride in their community and strives for excellence in property management, maintenance, training and resident satisfaction can be assured that the “Blue Ribbon Community”— designation could be theirs.

Program criteria includes:

1. Physical Property Inspection — evaluated on the physical appearance and condition of the exterior and interior of the common buildings and other structures, landscaping, streets and sidewalks. The evaluation is completed by representatives from MHCA and AAMHO;
2. Resident Satisfaction Survey — a confidential questionnaire designed to allow residents the opportunity to rate the community features, services and management. The Community is required to give each resident a copy of the survey and a postage-paid envelope to return the survey to AAMHO. Copies of the survey and return envelopes are provided, and the Community must provide the return postage;
3. Manager Education — managers are required to complete Arizona’s Management Training requirements.

The “Blue Ribbon Community” designation is valid for three years. Every three years a community must become redesignated to maintain its “Blue Ribbon Community” certificate or use the logo. Requirements for redesignation are the same as the initial designation. The “Blue Ribbon Community” designation is non-transferable. In the event that the community is sold or that controlling interest in the community is transferred, the “Blue Ribbon Community” designation becomes void. Owners who wish to achieve the “Blue Ribbon Community” designation are required to apply to MHCA, pay the application fee and complete the three part program procedures.

If you have any questions or would like to apply for the “Blue Ribbon Community” designation, contact MHCA at 480-345-4202, 800-351-3350 or e-mail us at info@mhcaz.com.