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Bob Frost, Chair
Blue Springs, Missouri
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Housing Issues Dominate NACo Annual Conference
The National Association of Home Builder’s (NAHB) Vice President and Treasurer Bob Jones took center stage this July at the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Meeting in Kansas City, MO. Addressing the Community & Economic Steering Committee, Jones spoke about the current housing crisis, federal legislation and the role local governments can play to help elevate the issues.
Jones underscored the importance of the long-standing working relationship between NAHB and NACo before going on to address economic factors and housing issues existing in America. He highlighted the positive components of HR 3221, The Housing and Economic Recovery Act, which was signed into law by President Bush on June 30th, after Jones spoke.
NACo’s annual meeting also showcased the power of an integrated advocacy approach. With several significant and far reaching policy resolutions under consideration, the NAHB in conjunction with many State & Local Associations played a pivotal role in insuring a positive outcome for our members.
The conference also addressed the Federal Clean Water Act (CWA), which would alter the balance between federal and state jurisdiction and would preempt tradition that state and local government have authority over land and water use decisions. Through heavy lobbying on both the national and state & local levels, the policy resolutions supported by NAHB passed, keeping NACo’s policy in-line with NAHB’s. This win was most significant to our federal lobbyists, as it allows the two organizations to continue working together on this very important issue.
In addition to all the efforts, David Crowe, Senior Staff Vice President for Regulatory and Housing Policy, addressed a half-day housing symposium. Stressing that homeownership is the most vital component in creating and maintaining America’s middle class, he focused his remarks on current economic factors and how local elected officials can address the problem.
NACo represents 2,256 counties nationwide out of 3,066 or 74% of counties and 82% of the population. NAHB is a member of NACo’s Economic & Development Committee as well as has an agreement to host a NAHB/NACo Leadership Summit yearly that allows for a discussion of the issues affecting state leaders and home builders.
For more information contact Brooke Ransom, Director of Industry Relations, Government Affairs at 800-368-5242 x8584.
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