State and Local Reporter - 12/21/2007 (Plain Text Version)

Thomas Woods, Chair
Independence, Missouri

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In this issue:
Austin hosts 2007 SLGA Conference
NAHB President Brian Catalde Addresses Republican Governors
New Report looks at Economic Effects of Restrictive Immigration Laws
It May be too Cold to Door-knock, But it’s Not too Cold to Raise Money!
All Eyes on Arizona
Critical Issues Survey Results
States Take Lead to Fix Housing Crisis
Presidential Candidates Address NAHB Board of Directors
National League of Cities Releases Two Important Research Reports

Critical Issues Survey Results

The development approval and permitting process once again ranked as the top issue according to the preliminary results of NAHB’s most recent Critical Issues Survey. Development costs, up from 3rd in last year’s survey, moved up to the second position. Availability of affordable housing and impact fees/development exactions ranked number 3 and 4, respectively. Rounding out the top five was public attitudes towards growth.

The annual survey asks executive officers at state and local builders associations across the country to rate emerging and existing industry issues, such as “growth policy” and “environmental regulations.” Issues are ranked on a scale of one to five, with one being not at all critical and five being very critical.

Perhaps not surprisingly, mortgage financing was this year’s biggest gainer, moving to number ten after being ranked just 51st in the last survey.

For more information on the Critical Issues Survey, or to receive the full survey results contact Alex Strong at 800-368-5242 x8279.