HOA systems vary pretty dramatically in the US, in terms of how they operate exactly.
Some HOAs operate by pretty weak by-laws, and can only decide trivial things. Others have obnoxious levels of control.
Typically an HOA board consists of community members or home owners (if that's the type of development), and sometimes a company that either developed (and owns) the neighborhood or one that manages it will have seats.
Some HOA boards are easy to toss out, others are not.
The vast potential variances make it important to try to get to know more about the HOA ahead of time if you're thinking about moving into a development with such.
Some HOAs operate by pretty weak by-laws, and can only decide trivial things. Others have obnoxious levels of control.
Typically an HOA board consists of community members or home owners (if that's the type of development), and sometimes a company that either developed (and owns) the neighborhood or one that manages it will have seats.
Some HOA boards are easy to toss out, others are not.
The vast potential variances make it important to try to get to know more about the HOA ahead of time if you're thinking about moving into a development with such.