HOA’s are non-profit private corporations. They are the ultimate in local government run by the people. Conservatives should love them.
...because who among us doesn’t want more people telling us what to do and enough red tape and fine print to choke a rhino, woohoo, good times ;)
Actually, that's not necessarily true. They are typically non-profit corporations at the state level, but very few HOAs qualify as non-profit corporations at the Federal level -- and this is subject to ongoing review by the IRS. In order to be a true non-profit corporation, an HOA has to demonstrate that its common elements offer a tangible benefit to the public at large (not just the owners). HOAs that meet this description will usually have public streets, sidewalks and even playgrounds. Usually this isn't a good idea because it pretty much eliminates the whole purpose of having an HOA in the first place.