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Cracks continue to deepen in Miami-Dade County’s seemingly never ending Condo Crises - not just in aging infrastructure but in the leadership entrusted to safeguard our buildings and, subsequently, numerous residents of our communities.
Skyrocketing assessments, rising insurance premiums and mandated safety recertifications are pricing out long-time residents, leaving many asking: is anyone truly looking out for us?
As the Representative for District 106, I have witnessed firsthand how these challenges impact our residents in numerous ways.
While recent statewide safety reforms following the Surfside tragedy are necessary, the financial and emotional burdens they impose are unsustainable. This crisis demands bold leadership, transparency, and a commitment to putting people above politics.
Some immediately Actionable Solutions for Our Communities
The time for backroom deals and lobbyist-driven policies is over. Elected officials must prioritize the needs of their constituents and answer for their actions—or lack thereof—at the ballot box. Here are some ideas:
1. Tax Relief and Financial Support, as our
Residents are overburdened by high property taxes, millage rates, and costly repairs. Local governments must provide relief through tax breaks, subsidies for safety measures and accessible financing options for condominium associations.
2. Incentivizing Developers to Maintain Housing Stock…
rather than prioritizing luxury developments - municipalities should encourage developers to invest in maintaining and upgrading existing buildings, which will help to stabilize neighborhoods and preserve affordable housing options.
3. Streamlining Permits and Preventing Exploitation
A regional task force must ensure fairness and transparency in the permitting process, protecting residents from exploitation and making critical repairs easily accessible. Expediting is essential to this slow and outdated process
4. Resolving Disputes
Offering mediation services to resolve conflicts between condominium associations and residents can ease tensions and prevent costly legal battles.
5. Ending Media Sensationalism
Irresponsible media coverage amplifies fear and destabilizes our housing market. We need balanced reporting that empowers residents, rather that causing fear and spreading panic.
6. Accountability and Transparency in Government
Career establishment politicians—the “forever politicians”—have had two years grace period provided the State legislature to address the challenges facing our communities, including the condo crisis. Yet here we are, two years later, with property taxes higher than ever and millage rates continuing to rise. The truth is, they don’t have the capacity to solve these problems. All they seem to know how to do is provoke emotion on divisive social issues, pander to their bases, get reelected, and look after themselves. This is why real leadership and a focus on substantive solutions—not self-serving politics—are more critical than ever.
Civic Engagement and a Call to Action
This year is an opportunity for all to educate themselves about exactly who is making decisions in our communities and to hold them accountable.
Remember that local elections and locally elected officials, often overlooked, affect our everyday lives more than any other.
So, I encourage everyone reading this to act and spread the word:
REGISTER TO VOTE, talk to your neighbors and ensure that your friends and family are prepared to participate in upcoming elections. When new candidates file for office, let’s demand a focus on solutions—not fear tactics or political games.
This is not just about fixing a crisis; it’s about reclaiming our communities and building momentum for real change. The condominium crisis is a test of leadership, but it’s also an opportunity for renewal.
Together, we can ensure a future where transparency, safety and fairness take priority in our decision-making process.
To the people of Miami-Dade County and District 106: I hear you, I see you, and I am committed to fighting for you and with you every step of the way.
Fabián Basabe
State Representative, District 106
