NAHB Supports State and Local HBA Advocacy Issues

Home builders associations across the country are working to overcome the challenges their members face in the home-building process that jeopardize housing affordability for all. To help HBAs defeat these roadblocks, NAHB's State and Local Government Affairs Committee approved financial assistance for associations through the State and Local Issues Fund (SLIF). The funds were approved during NAHB’s 2024 International Builders’ Show Meeting in Las Vegas.

Fund recipients include:

• HBA of Illinois,
• Indiana Builders Association,
• Madison Area Builders Association,
• Home Builders and Remodelers Association of  Massachusetts,
• HBA of Mississippi,
• North Dakota Association of Builders, and
• HBA of Greater Portland.

In addition, one application for the Colorado HBA was funded before IBS, for a total of $135,000 distributed so far in 2024.

Combating Anti-growth Ballot Measures

The HBA of Greater Portland is partnering with a coalition of community leaders to combat a ballot referendum that would reverse the expansion of the Urban Growth Boundary (UGB) of the city of North Plains and the development of 800 acres into a new community of 1,000 homes. The initiative stemmed from a small group of anti-growth farmers and would systematically challenge the current land expansion decision-making. SLIF will support the HBA’s campaign to defeat the referendum.

Supporting Housing Supply Initiatives and Amending Tax Burdens

Last year, Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey submitted a $4.12 billion legislative proposal to increase housing in the state. The proposal has many elements that the HBA supports, including allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right. But there are also elements of the proposal that are counterintuitive to increasing housing supply, including allowing localities to implement new transfer taxes and making it easier for municipalities to require income-restricted units in new developments. Funding will help the Home Builders and Remodelers of Massachusetts support the positive aspects of the governor’s proposal and advocate for bill amendments.

Preventing Statewide Gas Bans

The HBA of Illinois (HBAI), with support from the BIA of Greater Chicago and Northern Illinois HBA, is pushing back on the Illinois gas ban and energy codes that will increase the cost of housing in the state. HBAI is part of a coalition group that has pledged around $100,000 towards the fight. SLIF will help the HBA invest in consulting, research and digital media to educate voters on consumer choice.

Streamlining Wetland Regulatory Clarifications

The Indiana legislature has proposed HB 1383 (Wetlands), legislation with wetland regulatory clarifications after the Sackett Supreme Court ruling. This legislation is the product of collaboration between builders and stakeholders, including the Department of Environmental Management, to streamline State Regulated Wetland law and clarify key definitions. SLIF will help the Indiana Builders Association work with subject matter experts and advocate on the issue.

Developing a Strategic Plan for Advocacy

The Madison Area Builders Association is strengthening its government affairs program by hiring policy advisors to develop a multiyear strategic plan and advocacy agenda. A strategic plan will improve the effectiveness of its advocacy efforts. SLIF will help the association create a model that can be replicated across the Federation.

Opposing a Property Tax Elimination

The North Dakota Association of Builders has joined a coalition to oppose a ballot petition and potential constitutional measure that would abolish property taxes and set debt limits on political subdivisions. SLIF will help the association invest in advocacy and coalition efforts to defeat the ballot measure.

Amending a Contractors Sales Tax Bill

An existing gray area in Mississippi’s sales tax law has caused trouble for builders in the state. A Department of Revenue bulletin states that for residential remodeling, the labor, overhead and profit are not taxable unless 50% of the job becomes taxable. The HBA of Mississippi (HBAM) hopes to set a precedent for other states that are charging sales tax on labor, overhead and contractor profit on remodels. HBAM is working with five other local associations, formed a task force to focus on amending the statute and hired a lobbyist. SLIF will help support their continued advocacy efforts.

To view previous SLIF awardees, visit the common state and local issues page on nahb.org.