In this edition of News You Can Use you will find:

• Thank You SAHBA Engineers!
• ROC Reps to Meet with Members
• Spotlight: Ben Buehler-Garcia
• Member Survey: Membership Value
• PDSD Wants Your Input
• Tech Committee Recap
• SAHBA Meets to Discuss Arizona 811
• Board of Supervisors Approves Affordable Housing Projects
• Outlook on Housing Market and Affordability Issues
• Women in Construction Mixer
• Coffee With Kristina Swallow
• "The Power of Real Estate" Summit
• Inaugural Chairman's Cup Golf Outing
• Upcoming Councils & Committees
• Industry News

THANK YOU SAHBA ENGINEERS!

Did you know February 18 - 24 is Engineers Week? EWeek is dedicated to ensuring a diverse and well-educated future engineering workforce by increasing understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers. Engineers play a critical role in facilitating new housing supply for our growing community. They also assist SAHBA with their knowledge and expertise on critical policy and regulatory matters. We appreciate all of our engineers and engineering firms for your contribution to our industry and association!

Registrar of Contractors at Remodelers Council

Join the Remodelers Council Meeting on March 13 at noon to hear an update from the Arizona Registrar of Contractors. Two investigators will provide information on updated standards, complaints, and more issues relating to the remodeling industry.

All members are welcome to attend this council meeting. This is an in-person only meeting and will be held at the SAHBA Office.

Spotlight: Ben Buehler-Garcia

As many know, Ben Buehler-Garcia is an integral asset assisting with SAHBA's advocacy efforts, but did you know he also goes above and beyond for our military and first responders? Buehler-Garcia is the current host of American Warrior Radio, established by local broadcast icon Dave Sitton to educate and inform the 99% of the population that never served.

On American Warrior Radio, Ben interviews military and first responders to share their impeccable stories, spreading awareness of their heroic efforts and sacrifices to protect our Country. This show is now nationally syndicated via the Talk Media Network, which provides programming to more than 1,100 radio stations nationwide.

Ben was recently highlighted in Inside Tucson Business for his efforts. Click here to access the incredible article and learn more about the heroes he spotlights. American Warrior Radio can be streamed on all podcast platforms and its website.

Thank you, Ben, for helping SAHBA and the military community!

MEMBER SURVEY: MEMBERSHIP VALUE

At SAHBA, we are dedicated to continuously improving and enhancing the value of your membership. We want to ensure that your experience with us is nothing short of exceptional.

By taking just a few moments to complete our Member Value Survey, you can help us better understand your needs, preferences, and suggestions for making your membership even more valuable to you.

All participants will be entered for a chance to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

When you complete the survey below, your name will be entered into a drawing to win a $50.00 Amazon Gift Card just for sharing your thoughts with us! Incomplete forms will not be counted, and only one entry per person. The drawing will be held on March 1, 2024.

THANK YOU!

ADVOCACY

Planning and Development Services Wants Your Input

The City of Tucson's Planning and Development Services Department (PDSD) wants to provide better service and needs your help. PDSD is asking you how it can better serve your permitting and development needs this year and for years to come. If you want to help shape the future PDSD you can take the short survey linked below.

Tech Committee Recap

This week, SAHBA’s Technical Committee convened to address several pertinent issues. Tucson Water provided an update on the progress and application of Tucson Water Design Standard Illustrations, with a focus on ensuring compliance and consistency across projects. Insights from Pima County regarding updates to the 2024 I-Codes were provided, emphasizing potential changes that will impact home builders. Additionally, a proposed amendment concerning hydrologic modeling considering future climate conditions was presented by Pima County Regional Flood Control, underscoring the likelihood of increased design and construction standards to support adaptability and resilience in flood plain control measures.

Trico gave an update to the conduit, boxpad, and communications requirements, with attention given to integrating technological advancements into infrastructure standards. Moreover, the committee received information from the Arizona Department of Real Estate regarding proposed regulatory changes affecting the real estate sector, while SAHBA shared a legislative update highlighting key policy developments impacting the construction and housing industry. Next month will feature updated changes to Sahuarita’s fee schedule. Contact [email protected] if you’d like more information or to be added to the roster.

SAHBA Meets to Discuss Member Challenges with Arizona 811

SAHBA has come to learn of challenges several of our members are facing as it relates to Arizona 811 (formerly Blue Stake). The objective of this meeting was to gather insights from members to better understand the specific issues related to Blue Stake, enforcement, citations, and fines. The goal is to develop proposed solutions to address industry challenges. Contact [email protected] if you’d like more information. 

Board of Supervisors Approves nearly $7m for Affordable Housing Projects

On Tuesday, the Pima County Board of Supervisors approved $6.875m to fund the creation of 835 affordable housing units. This is the second round of “gap funding” approved by the County, bringing the total investment to $9.5m and 1,038 units. The Regional Affordable Housing Commission, on which SAHBA President & CEO David Godlewski serves, was instrumental in advocating and advancing this type of financial investment. The Commission has been diligent in recommending to regional decision makers how to build more across the housing continuum and improve access to affordable housing. Full details can be found here. 

Outlook on Housing Market and Affordability Issues

SAHBA President & CEO David Godlewski is a featured contributor to the March TREND Report highlighting SAHBA's efforts to increase the supply of homes in Tucson and address affordability issues in the housing market. The article discusses the challenges faced by the home building community in Tucson in 2024, including unprecedented demand, supply chain disruptions, high inflation, and labor shortages. ​ Despite these challenges, SAHBA and its members remain positive about the community's ability to continue building homes. ​Click here to read the full article.

MEETINGS & EVENTS

Women in Construction Week Mixer

Join us at Whiskey Roads on March 6 to celebrate Women in Construction Week with fellow associations. This mega mixer is a member favorite as we celebrate the amazing women who substantially contribute to the success of the Construction Industry.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Whiskey Roads

2290 W Ina Road

Coffee With Kristina Swallow

Join us on March 8^th for an informative discussion with Kristina Swallow, Director of City of Tucson Planning & Development Services Department. Members will have the opportunity to hear about the Department’s efforts to implement new plan review and permit issuance processes, add staffing and speed up approvals.

This is a chance for you to share your experiences and ask questions as it relates to your business. 

Friday, March 8, 2024

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Tucson Association of Realtors

2445 N Tucson Blvd

"The Power of Real Estate" Summit

The Power of Real Estate Summit is a must­ attend event for anyone who works in - or is interested in - real estate, construction, and development in Southern Arizona. It brings together industry professionals, government officials, and non-profit organizations to learn about all things real estate. Attendees will hear from subject matter experts on a wide range of topics.

You'll walk away with a greater understanding of the challenges and opportunities for real estate in our region. Plus, it's a great opportunity to network and make connections. 

Friday, April 19, 2024

Registration Begins at Noon

Tucson Convention Center

Inaugural Chairman's Cup

The Inaugural Chairman’s Cup golf tournament will be held at Stone Canyon on Monday, April 29. We are proud to partner with the Stone Canyon Community Foundation to offer SAHBA industry professionals the opportunity to play 18 holes on one of the most highly-rated courses in America.

Monday, April, 29, 2024

Registration: 10:30 AM | Shotgun Start: 11:00 AM

Cocktail Reception: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Stone Canyon

Foursomes are sold out for this event and only a few sponsorships remain available. If you would like to join the waitlist or are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Courtney Kinion at 520-198-2363 or [email protected].

If you missed out on the Chairman's Cup, don't worry, the SAHBA Charity Golf Classic, the one we all know and love, is scheduled for September 6, 2024, at Omni Tucson National. Details will be released in March!

Upcoming Councils & Committees - Mark Your Calendars!

Membership Committee - Tuesday, February 27 at 11:30 AM (Hybrid: In-Person at First Service Residential or Teams)

Business Referral Exchange (BRE) - Tuesday, March 5 at 7:30 AM (In-Person at Nova Home Loans on Oracle)

Purchasing Roundtable - Wednesday, March 6 at 9:00 AM (Via Teams)

Sales & Marketing Council - Tuesday, March 12 at noon (Hybrid: In-Person at the SAHBA Office or Teams)

Remodelers Council - Wednesday, March 13 at noon (In-Person at the SAHBA Office)

Tech Committee - Tuesday, March 19 at 3:30 PM (Hybrid: In-Person at the SAHBA Office or Teams)

• The Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to accept a $3.5 million grant from the Arizona Department of Housing to address unsheltered homelessness. According to Keon Montgomery of the Arizona Department of Housing, Pima County was among more than 100 applicants competing for $40 million in available funds. The $3.5 million will be used for improvements to the non-congregate shelter used by the County’s Emergency Eviction Legal Services (EELS) emergency housing program. Click here to read the memo.

• Four national trade associations petitioned the White House to make improvements in its implementation of "made in America" requirements for construction products and materials. They noted their members have encountered significant difficulty in navigating the White House Office of Management and Budget's (OMB) "opaque and unbalanced implementation," risking delays and cost increases for vital housing, transportation, and water infrastructure projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. Click here to read more.

• On the latest episode of the NAHB podcast, Housing Developments hosts CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez are on the road as they discuss housing and economics with key press outlets in New York City. Click here to listen to the podcast or listen to it on your preferred podcast platform.

• NAHB First Vice Chairman Carl Harris and Second Vice Chairman Buddy Hughes met with congressional leaders on Capitol Hill this week to address a wide range of legislative and regulatory issues with serious repercussions for the nation's supply of affordably priced housing. Click here to read more.