Phil-In-Mich. wrote:
Steve:

Don't know about Texas, but most places a HOA is not a Government
(like a city or township), but a contract freely entered into by
owners of the land and the association. HOAs cannot force you to
agree to the contract if you own the land before the association
comes into being. If the cost / benefits ratio of the HOA is not to
your liking, don't go for it. Don't matter what the others think or
say, only your local or county courts (Judges) can force you into
binding and attaching your land to a HOA against your will.

"Vee haf our vays!"

There is such a thing as a "Special Tax District," that can be implemented
by a significant percentage of property owners. We have several in Houston
and all - so far as I know - are commercial in nature. They tax the property
owners and use the not-unsubstantial funds for district improvements. These
district improvements - and a district is very small, maybe 50 square
blocks - include distinctive street lighting, fancy-schmancy traffic
signals, stainless steel arches over the main roads, illuminated street
signs, and other visible designations of the district. There may be
not-visible expenditures (street cleaning, extra traffic cops, et al).

This construct is not an HOA and I don't think it will apply to our friend
from Arlington, TX, but the point is one CAN be impressed into an
authoritarian institution against his will.