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In this edition of News You Can Use you will find:
- "Of the Year" Profile - Thrac Paulette
- Ward 2 Primary Update
- County Fee Decrease
- Funds Available for Water Conservation
- Tech Meeting Recap
- Lesher and Winfield Meeting Summaries
- County Proposes Amendment to Guest House Ordinance
- Assured Water Supply Program Changes Being Evaluated
- Changes to Riparian Habitat Mitigation
- Seeking Comments - Tucson One Water 2100 Plan
- Industry Leaders meet with new PDSD Director
- County BOS Calls on ADWR to Model Tucson Groundwater
- Water Conference Summary
- 2024 NAHB Builder Show Info
- Event with State Land & Industry Experts
- Coffee with County Administrator
- Upcoming Events, Councils & Committees
- Industry News - SAHBA Members Featured in Biz Tucson
- New & Renewing Members
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2022 Individual Member of the Year
Roy "Thrac" Paulette
Congratulations to Roy “Thrac” Paulette who is SAHBA’s 2022 Individual Member of the Year. Thrac is a valued SAHBA member who never hesitates to answer the call when support is needed. Thrac served as a member of the SAHBA Board of Directors from 2015-2021, including several years as the Treasurer of the Board during that tenure. He is a member of the SAHBA PAC Committee, providing input to the Association on current government issues and candidate evaluation. He served as Chairman of the SAHBA Technical Committee in 2020 and 2021 with service as Vice Chairman in 2019 and 2022 as well. He rarely misses a Tech Committee meeting and is always available to advise and support on current issues before the Committee. Along those lines, he routinely participates in the many standing meetings that SAHBA holds with government officials to discuss key industry issues. Another place you can always find Thrac is standing in the heat of the Fire Lane at the TCC helping direct traffic for the Home Show load-in twice a year. He is also a reliable participant and sponsor of the annual SAHBA Charity Golf Tournament.
Thrac is also an active in other industry groups as a member of the Pima County Real Estate Research Council, Tucson Association of Realtors© and Tucson Commercial Roundtable. He also supports Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, St. Vincent de Paul and the Salvation Army.
SAHBA is enriched by the support of well-rounded individuals like Thrac Paulette. We appreciate and are proud to recognize Thrac as the 2022 Individual Member of the Year.
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Ward 2 City Council Race Update
As we reported in the last edition of NYCU, the SAHBA PAC has endorsed Lisa Nutt (D) for the Tucson City Council. Nutt is uniquely qualified as a Realtor® to represent the interests of home builder and other real estate professionals. Her knowledge and skill set will make an impact on issues like housing affordability, regulatory improvements and streamlining of processes. She’s also a proponent of increased public safety and economic growth. Ballots have already been mailed so if you live in Ward 2, please be sure to cast your vote.
Lisa would also benefit from grassroots support to help knock doors and receive campaign contributions. If you have time to volunteer, contact CampaignHere4UinWard2.com. You can also visit her website to make a contribution and learn more about Lisa. Also check out this Voter Guide write up on the race.
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County DSD Fees Reduced
Per Pima County Development Services Department (DSD) Ordinance adopted in 2020, (in partnership with SAHBA) if DSD cash reserves balance exceeds our tentative budget by 5%, fees will be reduced by 5%. Anticipated cash reserves are well above the 2024 tentative budget request amount therefore warrants a 5% decrease in fees. The reduction went into effect on July 1. Click here for a memo on the fee adjustment.
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CAGRD Water Conservation Incentive Program Funds Still Available
If builders haven’t done so already, they can still pursue a financial incentive of $1,000 per house for installing WaterSense fixtures through the CAGRD Efficient Construction Incentive Program. Click here for details and to see if your homes qualify. The program was developed in partnership with SAHBA and the CAGRD.
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Re-Cap June Technical Committee Meeting
June’s Tech Committee Meeting offered members valuable information on topics affecting the homebuilding industry. Adam Pugh, Program Manager who handles wetlands regulatory issues for the Environmental Policy department at NAHB, provided an update on the Sackett Decision (which will affect the new WOTUS Rule) and Eric Shepp from the Pima County Regional Flood Control District discussed proposed changes to the Riparian Habitat Mitigation process. There were also discussions on a Marana code revision new substitute release of assurance instruments, Pima County’s new Landscape Design Manual draft, and Sahuarita’s new right of way permit requirement. To be part of these conversations, join us at our next meeting in August!
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SAHBA Meets with County Administrator Jan Lesher
SAHBA leaders met for a quarterly meeting with County Administrator Jan Lesher and Deputy County Administrator Carmine DeBonis to discuss several text amendments and proposed changes currently coming from the County. Some of the issues discussed were the recent Guesthouse Text Amendment, Flood Control’s Riparian Habitat proposed changes, new Landscape Design Manual draft, Regional Prosperity Task Force, and the progress of the County’s Outdoor Lighting Code. SAHBA championed the desires and interests of the homebuilding industry and enjoyed great collaborative discussion with Ms. Lesher and Mr. DeBonis. See below for more information on some of these issues.
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SAHBA Meets with Oro Valley Mayor Winfield & New Town Manager
Oro Valley has selected a new Town Manager, Jeff Wilkins, and SAHBA leaders had the opportunity to hold a meet and greet with him, as well as with Mayor Winfield. Most of the topics discussed had to do with the future and economic development of the Town of Oro Valley. Mayor Winfield discussed the Town’s General Plan and when results of the Housing Survey conducted recently would be released to the public.
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Pima County Guesthouse Text Amendment
Pima County Planning initiated a text amendment to make changes to the zoning code regulations surrounding guesthouses. These changes included eliminating the guesthouse-specific lot coverage in favor of the existing accessory structure lot coverage requirements, adjusting the setback requirements to correspond with the applicable zoning code requirements, and reducing the lot size threshold for guesthouses from 16,000 square feet to 8,000 square feet. SAHBA reviewed the changes and applauds the County for easing regulations and streamlining the process of building a guesthouse. We continue to encourage the County to consider an Accessory Dwelling Unit option as well as we seek collaborative solutions to support increases in the housing supply.
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Potential Changes to AWS on Horizon
The Governor’s Water Policy Council has been actively working on tackling key water policy and management issues for our State. One of the central issues is the Assured Water Supply Program. A subcommittee met this week to evaluate proposals to modify the AWS Program. Depending on the scope, changes could have a dramatic effect on the future of residential development in the State. SAHBA will continue to monitor the work of the Council and provide updates to our members.
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Pima County Flood Control Riparian Habitat Mitigation Proposed Changes
As mentioned in the previous News You Can Use, Flood Control proposed two changes to the riparian habitat regulations and procedures: to increase the in-lieu fees and to reduce the time it takes for the District to administer the program by replacing the requirement for certain mitigation plans to go to the Board with a requirement for the District to provide quarterly reports to the Board. SAHBA reviewed the proposed changes and sent a letter providing comments to Flood Control. Please reach out to jennifer@sahba.org for any questions.
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Comment Period on One Water 2100 Plan Ends Soon
Tucson Water has released the draft One Water 2100 Plan. The document is the Department's long-range master plan. The One Water approach manages water resources for long-term resiliency and sustainability, meeting both community and ecosystem needs. It includes several strategies for managing water resources and contemplates balancing Tucson's water resources with increased population growth. Comments are due on July 21st. SAHBA has reviewed the document and preparing comments. Members can submit input to david@sahba.org.
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MPA, SAHBA & Other Industry Leaders Meet with New PDSD Director
On Wednesday, SAHBA joined several Tucson business organizations for a "Meet & Greet" with the City of Tucson's new Director of Planning & Development Services, Kristina Swallow. The event, coordinated by Metropolitan Pima Alliance, was a chance for a small group of leaders within the broader real estate, development and construction industry to network and meet Ms. Swallow. We look forward to working with her and appreciate the efforts of MPA.
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Pima BOS to Ask ADWR to Model Groundwater in Phoenix AMA
At Tuesday's meeting, the Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 to send a letter to the Arizona Department of Water Resources requesting an immediate update of the groundwater modeling of the Tucson Active Management Area. Recently, the Department issued new modeling of the Phoenix AMA which showed insufficient groundwater to meet future demand. This resulted in the Department taking the position new Certificates of Assured Water Supply could be issued. While updated modeling could show Tucson has more than enough groundwater, it could also lead to a similar position as the Phoenix AMA. SAHBA will be closely monitoring this situation.
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WRRC Conference
This week, the University of Arizona Water Resource Research Center hosted their 21st Annual Conference, “What Can We Do? Solutions to Arizona’s Water Challenge.” SAHBA worked with the Southern Arizona Leadership Council to help the Tucson Regional Water Coalition to secure a sponsorship of the event. The event featured 6 keynote speakers and 9 different informational sessions. Topics ranged from Protecting Water Quality to CAP Response to Shortages to Improving Farming Practices and beyond. SAHBA President David Godlewski represented the organization at the event. If you are interested in knowing more about the event, please contact david@sahba.org.
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2024 NAHB International Builders Show
The Builders' Show is the premier, once-a-year event that connects, educates and improves the residential construction industry. Registration for IBS will also allow you access to the show floors of the NKBA Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS).
Location
Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC)
3150 Paradise Road
Las Vegas, NV 89106
702-892-0711
FIRST-TIME ATTENDEE SPECIAL OFFER (SAHBA/NAHB MEMBERS ONLY) If you are attending your first NAHB International Builders' Show as a SAHBA/NAHB member, you are eligible for this special discount on your IBS Expo+Education Pass.
Dates: February 27 - 29, 2024
*Registration opens Sept 1, 2023
Click the LINK for more information.
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The Power of Real Estate - Realizing the Potential of State Trust Land
The 1st Power of Real Estate break-out session to Unleash the Power of Real Estate and Land Trust Department. Join Jim Perry Deputy Commissioner, AZ State Land Department and other speakers for follow-up information from our Power of Real Estate Summit. Networking and registration at 9:30 am with the program starting at 10:00 am
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
TAR (2445 N Tucson Blvd)
9:30 AM: Networking
10:00 AM: Program
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Coffee with... Jan Lesher, Pima County Administrator
Join us for coffee to hear directly from the Pima County Administrator! This is an excellent opportunity to voice your concerns, ask questions and stay ahead of the curve by connecting with a key decision-maker shaping Pima County's landscape.
Friday, August 4, 2023
TAR (2445 N Tucson Blvd)
9:00 AM
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Summer Member Mixer
Join fellow members for Happy Hour at Whiskey Roads to enjoy light appetizers and an open bar. Special thanks to Escalante Concrete for sponsoring the mixer!
Thursday, August 10, 2023
Whiskey Roads
4:30-6:30 PM
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Members Connect
New members and even the most seasoned SAHBA members may not be taking advantage of the many benefits SAHBA offers.
This event will be a casual meeting with the opportunity to ask questions to SAHBA staff and members. Attendees will also have the chance to introduce their company to the group. Thank you to Garment Graphics & Promotional Products for sponsoring the event.
Join the SAHBA team for breakfast on
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
SAHBA Boardroom
8:00-9:00 AM
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Blood Drive at the SAHBA Home Show!
The SAHBA Home Show team is excited to announce an American Red Cross Blood Drive will be hosted at the Fall Home Show. A special "thank you" to the SAHBA Remodelers Council for sponsoring and volunteering for the blood drive
We are looking for 26 donors to sign up before September 16, 2023, so please spread the word and donate if you can!
Friday, October 6, 2023
Tucson Convention Center
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
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Upcoming Councils & Committees - Mark Your Calendars!
Tech Committee - Tuesday, July 20th at 3:30 pm (Hybrid)
Membership Committee - Tuesday, July 25th at 3 pm (SAHBA)
Business Referral Exchange (BRE) - Tuesday, August 1st at 7:30 am (SAHBA)
Remodelers Council - Wednesday, August 2nd at 12 pm (SAHBA)
Sales & Marketing Council - Tuesday, August 8th at 12 pm (Hybrid)
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Biz Tucson Features SAHBA Members
No one is surprised to see several SAHBA members on the cover of the Summer issue of Biz Tucson featuring Women Leading the Region. Amy McReynolds, Division President of KB Home, and Linda Morales, Owner & CEO of The Planning Center, are two of just thirteen women honored for their strong leadership across many industries in Southern Arizona. SAHBA congratulates these two hard-working women who both successfully operate their respective businesses and also provide meaningful contributions to support Tucson’s economic prosperity.
The same issue of Biz Tucson also covers the home building industry in an article entitled Adjusting to a New Normal: Homebuilders Change Strategies to Meet Market Needs. Home builder leaders and SAHBA members Amy McReynolds | KB Home, Jeff Grobstein | Meritage Homes, Chris Kemmerly | Miramonte Homes, Randy Agron | A.F. Sterling Homes, offered their perspectives on how the pandemic has changed the industry in unexpected ways and how they have shifted their business practices to adapt to this new environment. Other SAHBA members Jeremy Sharpe | Rancho Sahuarita, Will White | Land Advisors, and Judy Lowe | TAR, also contributed their ideas about the near-term changes and long-term expectations in the housing market. Our own President & CEO, David Godlewski, was also able to provide comments to further round out this informative article.
The Summer issue of Biz Tucson has only been released for a few weeks, so SAHBA encourages you to pick up your copy while it is still available to delve into what our industry leaders are saying for yourself.
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Welcome, New Members
T&T Cleaning and Restoration, LLC
Tucson Finish Carpentry LLC
Thank you, Renewing Members
American Vision Windows
FH Stone Canyon Construction/Fairfield Homes
Land Advisors Organization
Renewal by Andersen
Sombra Residential LLC
Vasquez Custom Construction
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