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BIA San Diego News You Should Know




 County to Host Housing Workshop on November 19

 

The County of San Diego will host a Housing Workshop for its Board of Supervisors on November 19th, focused on reviewing the recommendations provided in the Development Feasibility Analysis (DFA). This report includes a deep dive into specific areas in unincorporated San Diego County that the Board has previously directed the staff to try to focus development in, and provides takeaways as to what is stymying that housing production. Not surprising to BIA members, the report highlights a number of hurdles including the zoning trailing behind the General Plan, discretionary regulations being unclear, and of course VMT looming large.

 

We are proud to report that the BIA will be presenting as a stakeholder in that meeting to ensure that there is a clear, pro-housing narrative provided to the Supervisors before they provide additional direction to staff on next steps. Special thanks to Sean Kilkenny for his work in the detailed analysis and proposals he has drafted for this meeting. In addition, we will be offering briefings to Supervisorial offices in advance to answer questions and provide the industry perspective on the challenges to produce housing. Stay tuned for a recap of the meeting, and for opportunities to participate!

For more current news, visit our website

Builder Member Spotlight

BIA San Diego Builder Member Benefit to Take Advantage Of!

HBA Rebates Established the Link Between the BIA Builder/Remodeler and the Manufacturer


Local and custom home builders make up the largest section in the building industry. Manufacturers want to build loyalty with this segment, but it takes too much time and resources to be worth the effort. That is until HBA Rebates entered the scene with a simple process for both the builder and the manufacturer.


San Diego Builder Members, these savings are real. Because you are a San Diego BIA member that supports NAHB, you have access to this program.


You can submit any project in the United States under your BIA San Diego membership, does not have to be in the SD footprint.


One of our multi-family builder members just processed over $73,000 in manufacturer rebates for 4 buildings. This is for YTD 2025.


We are hosting a monthly seminar for your Purchasing Managers/Project Managers.


November 20th

8:30 AM

Zoom


To register to attend this tutorial, please reach out to Shannon Gaunt at shannon@biasandiego.org

Associate Member Spotlight

Accessibility Consulting and Owner Representation, Construction Management


Theresa is from the east coast and started her construction career in New York working as a structural welder on a commercial building project. In 2007 she made her way to sunny San Diego and worked for residential home builders and ended up in the multi-family affordable home sector of the market. Along the way, Theresa noticed accessibility challenges cropping up again and again on her projects, which inspired her to earn her Certified Access Specialist (CASp) certification in 2021. Now as a CASp she can work with clients early in design to help them meet all the ADA requirements on their projects.


Her BIA journey began in 2017 while working at Emmerson Construction, when she attended her very first Meet the Builder event thanks to an invitation from Janice Patterson. That night sparked something big: Meet the Builder and other BIA events have since become the foundation of her business and community. You can also find her at Builders & Brewers, the Icon Awards, and the Installation Dinner. With a natural propensity for mentoring, being a part of Y|GEN has been a fulfilling experience that she looks forward to every year.


Theresa is known for being trailblazing, resilient, and a connector at heart and she also loves the great outdoors. Whether it’s hiking (Patagonia is up next!), snowshoeing, or paddle boarding with her Vizsla, Sukhi, she is always game for getting into nature.


Theresa still remembers what Sarah Kilburn with The Mark Group told her early in her BIA experience – “The BIA is like family”. After years of meeting so many amazing professionals and wonderful people, she couldn’t agree more. As she puts it best: “I couldn’t have done it without the BIA, it connects you to a real community of like-minded people.”

Theresa DeMarco, CASp

Design Build Advisors

Make BIA San Diego Part of Your Plan for 2026!

Don't miss out on a full year of energy, momentum, and exciting changes!


Questions on Membership? Contact Shannon Gaunt at

shannon@biasandiego.org for more details




EXCITING ADDITIONAL BENEFITS TO THIS PROGRAM!


Boost your company's profile, visibility and connections to San Diego's Building Industry with the BIA's Partnership (P2) Marketing Program!


Reach out to Shannon Gaunt at the BIA for more information

shannon@biasandiego.org


LET'S SCHEDULE A CALL TO REVIEW!

Welcome to Our Newest Members!


ASSOCIATES

Artisan West Appliance

 Bay Alarm Company

Fenagh Engineering & Testing

Handbuilt Furniture and Fabrication/ DesignX Architecture + Interiors

Resilient Roofing

 

BUILDERS

Zach Collins ADU Consulting

Get Involved!

Membership Committee


Be part of where it all starts!


2026 Planning Session


November 18th

11:30 AM - 1:30 PM


Please reach out to Shannon Gaunt or

Wendy Vazquez for more information,

BIA Talks Podcast

The Official Podcast of the Building Industry Association of San Diego County


New podcast episodes are released on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 8:00 AM. Be sure to look out for an email from BIA San Diego with a link to listen!

LISTEN TO THE LATEST EPISODE: THE LENDER

Build Your Future In Construction

Council & Committee Corner

Highlights from October Meetings


Specialty Contractors Council (SCC): The Specialty Contractors Council’s October meeting featured a lively, solutions-focused discussion on Project Labor Agreements (PLAs), with board members sharing firsthand experiences from recent projects. San Diego BIA President Lori Pfeiler outlined why PLAs are increasingly appearing on private developments, the added time and cost implications for housing, and the advocacy steps BIA is taking to curb their use on private projects. The council also advanced its leadership pipeline by nominating Zach Smith for the 2026 Secretary role. Rounding out the agenda, members coordinated plans for Trades Day at Palomar College on November 13 as part of the Building Our Workforce subcommittee, an initiative aimed at strengthening our industry talent pipeline.


Sales & Marketing Council (SMC): The SMC conducted their interviews for the incoming 2026 SMC Board of Directors and will welcome their board at their SMC Planning Session in November. Current SMC Chair, Sylvia Rose, stated, "I think we are going to have a great group of dedicated individuals, and I am looking forward to the exciting plans that Micah will execute when she takes the lead next year."


Young Generation of Leaders Council (y|GEN): y/GEN is wrapping up a great year of events and is starting to plan for 2026! The y/GEN board is looking forward to the End of the Year party on November 13th!


Build SD PAC: Build SD PAC has a membership drive underway with the prize being a lunch with Paul Barnes, Shea Homes, or Steve Ruffner, KB Home. Winner to be announced soon!


Membership Committee: The last committee meeting reviewed through the successes of 2025 and worked to map our 2026. 2026 planning session is set for November 18th from 11:30am to 1:30 pm. We welcome anyone that wants to attend.


Responsible Accessory Dwelling Committee (RADU): The group reviewed each sub-committee and gave a brief overview of what each group is tackling. They covered many of the policy and AB's that will affect the ADU community.


Communications Committee: The group covered the Podcast and upcoming episodes, how to increase member engagement, and social media.



BIA Cares: Thank you to everyone who donated to the raffle at the BIA Fall Golf Tournament! Your generosity directly supports scholarships and grants that empower individuals and strengthen our community. The Scholarship subcommittee will be holding interviews for applicants this month. The BIA Cares Bike Drive is in full swing! Your contributions will help provide bikes to children in need- brining joy, mobility, and a sense of freedom to young lives. Please take a look at your 2026 BIA Membership Renewal and if you are able, please add the $100 donation to BIA Cares


Maximize your membership by getting involved


Please reach out to Shannon Gaunt for more information.

NAHB LOGIN TUTORIAL


Learn how to create your membership PIN and access the discount and educational programs


November 26th

9:00 AM

Zoom


PLEASE RSVP: wendy@biasandiego.org

MEMBER SAVINGS SECTION

NAHB Member Savings "At A Glance"

UPCOMING BIA SAN DIEGO EVENTS

Open for Construction: How to Win The Bid

November 5th

11:30 AM

Symons Fire Protection


Hear from Brock Hatch and Brian Brusche from Rockwood Construction on how to navigate the construction bidding process is key to landing the contract. Join us to explore proven techniques and essential tools that can help you submit winning bids. Whether you're part of a large construction firm, run a small business, or work independently as a tradesperson, this session offers valuable insight to help you bid more effectively and completely.

Annual Meeting/ y|GEN Mentor Appreciation Party

November 13th

5:30 PM

AleSmith, Miramar


Come celebrate another successful year with the BIA! Don’t miss out on BIA’s annual end of the year event with our builders, associates, and young leaders. Join us at AleSmith in Miramar to network with your fellow industry peers while we recognize key individuals who have made an impact on progress for housing and meet the 2026 BIA leadership for the first time.

Housing, The Economy, Can We Build?

November 13th

5:30 PM

Sharp Prebys Innovation & Education Center


Can we borrow capital to build housing? Can our buyers afford a mortgage? Hear John Mondragon, an economist with the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, as he provides an economic outlook. Hear from our panelists Paul Barnes with Shea Homes, Tommy Brunson with Fairfield, and Chris Foulger with HomeFed Corp. as well.

Sales & Marketing Council

Seasonal Celebration

December 3rd

5:30 PM

Ballast Point, Miramar


Bring your holiday spirit and join us at the North Pole, wearing your favorite festive holiday attire (sweater, jewelry, necktie, hat, etc.) and enjoy a good laugh while we play reindeer games with several chances to take home some exciting prizes.

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