State and Local Reporter - 04/01/2009 (Plain Text Version)

Ernie Platt, Chair
Portland, OR

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In this issue:
NAHB Recognizes Officials and HBAs for Pro-Housing Initiatives
Builders Urge Congress to Remedy AD&C Lending Crisis
U.S. Department of Energy Issues Guidance on State Stimulus Funds
State and Local Housing Stimulus Spotlight: Utah
State & Local Issues Fund Deadline Draws Near
Legislative Efforts to Fight Fire Sprinkler Mandates
Free Webinar: Top Trends in Impact Fees
Seeing Green in a Red Market

NAHB Recognizes Officials and HBAs for Pro-Housing Initiatives

Outstanding federal, state and local government efforts on behalf of the home building industry were recognized at the 2009 Government Affairs Recognition Awards breakfast on Monday March 23th. The event launched NAHB’s 2009 Legislative Conference.

NAHB First Vice Chairman Bob Jones served as Master of Ceremonies, joined by Chairman Joe Robson, Immediate Past Chairwoman Sandy Dunn and Joe Stanton, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. Crystal awards adorned with the brand new NAHB logo were presented to HBA’s and elected officials from all levels of government who, over the past year, have put housing first.

The following officials and HBA’s were honored:

Minnesota State Representative Al Juhnke and Senator Thomas Bakk for their tireless and ultimately successful pursuit of a statewide building code.
County Commissioner Steve White from Gallatin County, Montana for his efforts in conjunction with the Southwest Montana Building Industry Association to minimize impact fees, fight fire sprinkler requirements, and work on transferable development rights/county-wide zoning.
Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon for his work in cooperation with the Master Builders Association of King & Snohomish Counties to pass a joint resolution for a local economic stimulus plan focused on housing.
The Texas Association of Builders working for collaboration with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) resulting in the signing, on July 31, 2008, of a historic agreement under which the organizations will work together to further educate, inform and assist home builders in meeting federal and state storm water requirements.
Master Builders Association of King and Snohomish Counties for work to enact resolutions and code changes at the local level that would help their member companies get through the economic troubles facing the home building industry in the Puget Sound Region…..and all by the end of the year.

This year’s complete list of honorees and award titles are listed below. For more information on the Government Affairs Recognition Awards program, contact Alex Strong or Elizabeth Ambrose.

2009 Local Official of the Year
The Honorable Steve White
Gallatin County Commissioner, Montana

2009 Local Official of the Year
The Honorable Aaron Reardon
Snohomish County Executive, Washington

2009 State Official of the Year
The Honorable Al Juhnke
Minnesota House of Representatives

2009 State Official of the Year
The Honorable Thomas M. Bakk
Minnesota Senate

2009 Federal Official of the Year
The Honorable Kent Conrad
United States Senate

2009 Government Affairs Program
Regional Stimulus Package
MBA of King and Snohomish Counties, Washington

2009 Government Affairs Program
Storm Water Compliance Self-Certification Program
Texas Association of Builders

2009 BUILD-PAC Champion of the Year
Alicia Huey
Alabama

2009 BUILD-PAC Event of the Year
Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City

2009 BUILD-PAC Associate of the Year
Monica Sommerfeldt Lewis
Wisconsin

2009 BuilderLink Ambassador of the Year Award
Vince DeLuca
Pennsylvania

2009 BuilderLink Staff Advisor of the Year Award
Earl McLeod
Home Builders Association of Greater Columbia

2009 State Call to Action Award
Kentucky

2009 Government Affairs Member of the Year
Kevin P. Kelly
Home Builders Association of Delaware

2009 Government Affairs Member of the Year
Thomas E. Woods
Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City