Insights from local experts and executives The Region this issue: [30] Massachusetts [32] Maine [34] New Hampshire [36] Rhode Island MASSACHUSETTS Planning for a Pandemic Powers and Authority, Roles and Responsibility [by Jennifer L. Barnett, Esq.] Community associations throughout New England have been grappling with how to continue to operate and manage their respective communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, in spite of the seemingly endless number of difficulties and challenges arising therefrom. While it is true that the governing documents for some associations may provide for circumstances under which board 30 CONDOMEDIA July 2020 members are bestowed additional powers and authority to act in response to a crisis or emergency - i.e., in the case of a global pandemic - that is oftentimes not the case. As a direct result of the pandemic, the boards for many associations have only recently come to realize that their vested powers and authority to act, as provided for under their association's governing documents, are inadequate for purposes of responding to the myriad issues and unique challenges that have arisen out of the COVID-19 pandemic. They have also just learned that their ability to act in the best interests of their associations in the face of the current pandemic has been directly frustrated and impeded as a consequence of the same. EMERGENCY MEASURES In light of this harsh new reality, an increasing number of boards have elected to act beyond their