Developers typically run HOA. Minimal maintenance. For lots of people it's a plus. (Not for me anywhere or anyhow) I'm a Building Inspector and I've never known any Community Development Director. Building Department. Planning or Zoning Department to ever require an HOA for new plats, developments, or subdivisions. Doesn't mean it doesn't happen. Just that there's no money in it for anyone but the people that run it. I can (maybe) see an advantage if you're a City and leave the street lighting, maintenance, and other small upkeep to the individual Community but it doesn't typically end well.
Plus, if you've known Developers, you know that their egos match their over reach often times. It's a power thing for some. Especially if the biggest house in that neighborhood happens to belong to the owner of the builder or a close relative.
The HOAs I've been involved with - which is, of course, a small sample (4), were only run by the developers for a short time until all the properties were sold. Then they pass it over to the Karens.