The Benefits of “Umbrella Organizations” with Brickell Homeowners Association’s President, Ernesto Cuesta Artwork

Take It To The Board with Donna DiMaggio Berger

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Take It To The Board with Donna DiMaggio Berger

The Benefits of “Umbrella Organizations” with Brickell Homeowners Association’s President, Ernesto Cuesta

May 08, 2024 • Donna DiMaggio Berger

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When it comes to community associations, joining forces under a voluntary "umbrella organization" often proves more beneficial than going it alone. Members reap the rewards of shared knowledge, vendor connections, advocacy, and educational resources. In this week's episode of Take It To The Board, host Donna DiMaggio Berger sits down with Ernesto Cuesta, President of the Brickell Homeowners Association (BHA), to share his insights and experiences and hopefully empower other communities to grow stronger together.

From casual meetups to formal meetings, Donna and Ernesto dive into how to find and create umbrella groups and the benefits of becoming involved with one. Ernesto reflects on BHA’s modest beginnings and formative years, offering invaluable lessons on forging a strong and proactive neighborhood alliance.

Donna and Ernesto also spotlight the essential role of education and mentorship in cultivating the next generation of community advocates. To that degree, they discuss Florida's new mandate on board member education, specifically its impact on the dynamics of condominium governance. This episode is not just a look back but a forward-facing conversation about continuous improvement and active participation. Discover the blueprint for building community cohesion and how a collective commitment can shape the future of any area.

The BHA was founded in 1990 and represents condominium communities from Miami River to Rickenbacker Causeway and from Biscayne Bay on the East to SW 3rd Ave. on the West, representing thousands of residents and partnering with scores of businesses, corporations, public associations, stores, restaurants, and other amenities that share the common goal of improving the quality of life for the Brickell community.

Conversation highlights include:

Creation of the Brickell Homeowners Association
How to create an Umbrella Organization of HOAs and Condominiums
The financial model of an umbrella organization and how funds are raised, allocated, and managed
Challenges member communities face
Communication channels and resources used by BHA
Ernesto's Top Tips for community association advocacy