NAHB Invests $90K to Help State and Local HBA Advocacy Efforts
Home builders’ associations continue to advocate for pro-housing policies to improve housing attainability across the country. To help HBAs overcome local and state barriers to residential construction, NAHB's State and Local Government Affairs Committee approved $90,000 in financial assistance for associations through the State and Local Issues Fund (SLIF). The committee approved the funds during NAHB’s 2025 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.
Overcoming Legislative Hurdles
The Montana BIA is facing two challenges during its upcoming legislative session. First, the BIA plans to mount a strong defense against a bill that could force developments to join with municipal water systems that may cost over $1 million per mile of infrastructure, undergo the lengthy and expensive permitting process, or move even farther into rural areas. Second, a proposed contractor licensing bill would replace the existing contractor registration system, adding additional bureaucracy and fees and potentially shrinking the already limited contractor workforce. SLIF would help provide the BIA with support staff to help overcome these challenges.
Challenging Excessive Environmental Protections
The California Building Industry Association (CBIA) has invested substantial funding in campaigning against the western burrowing owl as a candidate to be listed as a threatened or endangered species under the California Endangered Species Act. The owl has adequate existing protection under the California Environmental Quality Act, which is why, among other reasons, it should not be listed. SLIF will assist CBIA with legal fees and expert input.
Combatting Anti-Growth Sentiment
Knoxville is experiencing growth and local governments are responding by implementing building permit moratoriums and restricting zoning. To effectively combat anti-growth policies, SLIF funding will help the HBA of Greater Knoxville (Tenn.) develop a local “Impact of Home Building” report and execute a public relations campaign to educate elected officials and citizens on the benefits of new housing.
Idaho has been one of the fastest-growing states for the past five years, and there has been a matching increase in anti-growth mentality. The city council has used school crowding and outdated facilities as reasoning to place an effective moratorium on all new development applications and building permits. The Snake River Valley Contractors Association (Nampa, Idaho) is working with a local school district to pass a $20 million school bond to build an elementary school. The association plans to raise money and has received a donation of land for the new school. SLIF will help the HBA launch an extensive campaign promoting the effort.
Implementing Right to Cure Legislation
The Arkansas State HBA has been working on the passage of right to cure legislation for several sessions and has made inroads with a dedicated bill sponsor for 2025. At no time should a home owner be allowed to sue a builder without giving them a chance to repair the issues they are having. Several states successfully added a right to cure bill, increasing the chances of the bill’s passage. In addition to the association’s investment, SLIF will help support a comprehensive public relations campaign.