HBACA News
Life after Prop. 201
Led by the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona (HBACA), with help from the southern and northern Arizona HBAs, opponents of Prop. 201 trounced this devastating initiative by a vote of 78 percent to 22 percent on Election Day. It was clear from the resounding defeat that Arizona voters saw through the "Homeowners Bill of Rights" facade and understood the real motivation behind Prop. 201-lawsuit abuse.
In a typical year, homebuilders and trade contractors could take a breather after the defeat of Prop. 201. However, with the prolonged downturn in the housing market, it is more important than ever for all participants in Arizona's homebuilding community to continue working together to ensure we pull through these tough economic times. One of the ways to do this is through membership in HBACA.
Established in 1951, HBACA is the official affiliate of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and represents homebuilders and trade contractors throughout central Arizona. Its mission is to promote a healthy environment for homebuilding and continued economic development.
HBACA provides a forum through which businesses can work together to remain informed regarding new and proposed policies advanced by the local, state and federal governments that affect the housing industry. The association acts as a source of timely and reliable information concerning the state of the local building industry, and works to eliminate overly restrictive and costly building laws and regulations that drive up the cost of housing.
Although networking opportunities and educational programs are an integral part of the association, the organization's primary goal is to negotiate with state, county and local governments to ensure homebuilders are not unduly regulated or charged more than a fair share to fund infrastructure. For example, Phoenix is proposing an impact fee increase of $8,000 to $13,000 per home depending on location-a huge burden that the housing market cannot afford to absorb at this time. Many other cities are proposing similar increases.
Networking opportunities at HBACA include the monthly meet the builder breakfast featuring local builders who share information on the past, present and future of their companies; two annual golf tournaments; the annual turn the tables event, a reverse trade show where 20 to 30 builders are seated around the room to give trades an opportunity to network; and general membership luncheons.
HBACA also produces the Southwest Builders Show, one of the largest expositions for homebuilders and related trades in the southwest region. Taking place in the fall, the show features HBACA's biggest luncheon of the year-the annual forecast luncheon featuring Tim Sullivan, who provides attendees with a housing forecast. Also featured at the luncheon are complimentary seminars and a show floor with nearly 150 exhibitors displaying the latest products and services available for residential construction.
New this year is Arizona Green Builder (AZGB), a voluntary program developed by HBACA to encourage the construction of home subdivisions that exceed building code requirements for energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor air quality and the efficient use of resources. This regionally specific green building program allows builders to differentiate themselves from their competitors and enhance sales to home buyers looking to improve the environment and reduce energy and water costs.
Home buyers seeking homes built to a green standard will appreciate that AZGB provides a consistent set of minimum requirements that are incorporated into the construction drawings and verified by field inspection during construction of the home. Upon approval by the field inspector, an Arizona Green Builder certificate is awarded to the completed home.
HBACA also provides members with many educational opportunities including dust coordinator certification classes, ADOSH classes addressing construction safety, electric safety, scaffold safety, heat stress, blueprint reading for sales associates and OSHA 10-hour safety classes.
As you can imagine, it takes a great deal of time and resources to keep HBACA working on behalf of the homebuilding community. HBACA needs the financial support and participation of all homebuilders and related trade contractors and suppliers to continue fighting for our industry, and providing the educational and networking opportunities members have come to expect throughout the years.
HBACA recognizes that all companies are being forced to make tough choices due to budget restrictions, but an organization that promotes and fights for the homebuilding community is something our industry cannot survive without. We hope you will choose to be a member of HBACA. If you are already a member of the association, your continued support is sincerely appreciated.
HBACA board and staff would like to wish all members and friends a healthy and prosperous New Year!
