May 30, 2018
#1 Outcomes from Workforce Development Breakfast Could Lead to Win for Members
HBI CEO John Courson Will Meet With City, County Officials Friday
The recent Government Liaison Breakfast focused on the importance of workforce development and training for the construction trades. It highlighted local programs partnering with SAHBA to meet our members' labor needs. In addition, the CEO of Home Builder Institute (John Courson) talked about their curriculum specifically geared towards residential construction. As a result, John will be coming back to Tucson this week for follow up meetings with the City and County. This is one issue where the public and private sector are working hand-in-hand to prepare our region’s future workforce. If you are looking for workers, please contact Art Flagg, who will help you fill those positions. 
#2 Thank you! Charity Golf at 50% Milestone Already
WOW! Thanks to the hard work of our incredible Golf Committee under the leadership of Matt Minder from Southwest Gas and Scott Aguilar from Eagle Roofing, half our foursomes have already sold, and it's not even June! We appreciate all your efforts and support of this wonderful charitable cause, TMM Family Services.

There are only 36 foursomes and several remaining sponsorships, so CLICK HERE to learn more, and register today for one of SAHBA's favorite signature events.
#3 Have ideas how to improve Tucson’s Development Process? We want to hear from you.
SAHBA continually looks for ways to partner with local jurisdictions to improve their development review and permitting processes. We are asking the builder and consultant communities to help us identify process improvements that enhance the customer experience and improve efficiencies in the City of Tucson. Minor code amendments that reduce unnecessary costs and expedite new home construction are also welcome. 

As our local housing market continues to improve, it’s critical that local development processes are enhanced to meet increased workloads and assist in reducing regulatory costs. If you have suggestions for consideration or have additional questions, please email Shawn Cote.  
#4 Working to Keep Development Costs Reasonable & Maintain Affordability 
While there are many positive aspects of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, there was one change approved by Congress which has the potential to be very problematic for developers, home builders and ultimately home buyers. The change creates a taxable event for private water and sewer utility companies when developers provide them infrastructure. The new tax for the utility could be passed on to the developer and result in higher home prices or the project not making financial sense.

On Tuesday, SAHBA participated in a workshop with the Arizona Corporation Commission on this important matter with the intent on developing a new policy that minimizes cost implications. Contact David Godlewski if you’d like to know more. Stay tuned for updates.
#5 Members Enjoy Opportunity to Meet with OV Mayor
SAHBA’s “Coffee With...” series provides opportunities for open conversation between SAHBA members, community leaders and elected officials.

Last Wednesday, Mayor Satish Hiremath came to SAHBA to share updates on the Town of   Oro Valley, Arizona's reorganization. He discussed the Council's increased focus on economic development, including hiring JJ Johnston as the team's first Director of Community and Economic Development. Johnston started his position Tuesday.

(Shown at left, Mayor Hiremath with Shawn Cote, SAHBA's government affairs director.)
OTHER NEWS
Learn Project Management Live Online
From NAHB Now, May 29, 2018

In Project Management—Live Online beginning June 5, veteran NAHB Instructor Jeff Hunt, MBA, GMB, GMR, CAPS, CGP, will lead you through proper project management during all three phases of a project: pre-construction, construction and post-construction.


DHS to Issue Additional 15,000 Guest Worker Visas
from NAHB Now, May 29, 2018

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on May 25 that it will issue an additional 15,000 H-2B guest worker visas for fiscal year 2018, which ends on Sept. 30. This will be in addition to the 66,000 already offered this year. Read more of this post

A High-Level Meeting of the Minds
from NAHB Now, May 23, 2018

If the clout of a Washington trade association is measured by its access to high-level policymakers, than the members of NAHB have nothing to be worried about.
The 2018 NAHB Spring Executive Board Meeting took place in Washington this week and there was plenty on the agenda. Read more of this post

House Passes Prison Reform Bill that Provides Vocational Training
from NAHB Now, May 23, 2018

On a 360-59 vote, the House yesterday overwhelmingly approved NAHB-supported legislation that would provide vocational training for prisoners in an effort to reduce recidivism rates. Read more of this post
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
All meetings held in the SAHBA Board Room

June 5 - Business Referral Exchange, 7:30am
June 6 - SAHBA Remodelers Council, noon
June 7 - SACCD Planning Meeting, 4pm
June 13 - Custom Builders Council, noon
June 13 - Golf Committee, 3:30pm
June 14 - SAHBA Board of Directors, 4pm
June 19 - Business Referral Exchange, 7:30am
June 19 - Tech Committee, 3:30pm

Sept. 7 - SAHBA Charity Golf Classic, presented by Southwest Gas and Land Advisors at the Omni Tucson National. REGISTER NOW.
Get a Quote Today on SAHBA's Discounted Workers Comp Premiums!
 
Put two quick signatures on  these forms and get a quote TODAY to see if you can save THOUSANDS on Workers Comp premiums. Some of our members have! You could, too!

SAHBA members qualify for deep discounts on Workers Compensation coverage through a new partnership with ARMSA, the Arizona Risk Management & Safety Association. Possible triple layers of discounts:
·      Carrier Schedule Credit:  Up to 25% off the standard rate schedule in AZ
·      SAHBA Membership Credit: An additional 10% off
·      Drug-Free Workplace Credit:  An additional 5% off for qualifying members
·      Plus free membership with ARMSA for SAHBA’s policy holders
Southern Arizona Home Builders Association | Email us! | 520-795-5114 |