State and Local Reporter - 07/01/2008 (Plain Text Version)

Bob Frost, Chair
Blue Springs, Missouri

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In this issue:
Green Building Legislation Includes NYSBA Amendments
Iowa HBA Swings Into Action After Flooding
Members Equal Voters and Voters Equal Power
Increase Effectiveness with NAHB Ordinance Reviews and Technical Assistance
NAHB State & Local Issues Fund Provides Direct Assistance to State and Local HBAs
South Carolina Passes One of the Nation’s Strongest Immigration Reform Bills
New Toolkit Spells out NAHB Green Options for HBAs
BUILD-PAC Across the Country
Mayors, Senators Call for Infrastructure Plan, Financing
Storm Water Toolkit Available to Members

NAHB State & Local Issues Fund Provides Direct Assistance to State and Local HBAs

As of printing, the State & Local Issues Fund had provided $150,000 to seven state or local HBAs to address legislative, regulatory or ballot issues. In 2008, these funds were awarded at State & Local Government Affairs Committee meetings at IBS, Spring Board, and/or through the emergency funding process. Here are some examples of those projects that have received funding as a result of committee action:

No-Growth Ballot initiative – The Volusia HBA received funding to fight six growth-control measures that, if passed, would seriously hinder project approvals in Volusia County, Fla.
Inclusionary Zoning – The Building Industry Association of Philadelphia applied for and received funding to work with the city’s new administration in amending inclusionary zoning legislation.
Land-Transfer Tax – The North Carolina Home Builders Association received funding to battle a host of local land-transfer campaigns.
Endangered Species Listing – The Southern Arizona Home Builders Association was awarded funds to dispute the proposed listing of Arizona’s Pygmy-Owl population as an endangered species.

$147,500 in funds remains this year for qualifying applications. The deadline for submitting applications for consideration at this year’s Fall Board of Directors committee meeting is August 21.

The purpose of the State & Local Issues Fund is to provide support to HBAs in order to successfully deal with a legislative, regulatory or ballot issue that has national significance (i.e. national implications beyond the HBA’s jurisdiction) or that is a common industry problem whose resolution could be precedent setting and might not succeed without financial support from NAHB.

If you would like more information or a copy of the State & Local Issues Fund application, please contact Alex Strong in NAHB’s State & Local Government Affairs department at 800-368-5242 x8279.