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



• HUGE Success - Builders & Blooms
• Turn the Tables
• SAHBA Meets with Secretary of Labor
• Impact Fee Updates
• COT Development Package Changes
• TDC Software Update
• Tucson Water Application Changes
• Upcoming Events
• Member News
• Industry News & Information

THANK YOU & CONGRATULATIONS!

BUILDERS & BLOOMS

The 2025 SAHBA Awards Celebration, "Builders & Blooms", was a major success thanks to the support of you, our members. Over 275 people saw us recognize 12 Of the Year award winners, 2 Industry Champions, 3 Advocacy Leaders, 9 Spirit Award Winners and 28 Industry Excellence Awards. Click here for a full set of winners.

Of course, such an amazing event wouldn't be possible without Rancho Sahuarita and all of our amazing sponsors!

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

Turn the Tables

This event is a tremendous opportunity to develop and grow your business! This special event is specifically tailored for Associate members, Builder members, and workforce development partners to network face-to-face.

The casual and interactive format creates an opportunity to showcase your company and for builders to share information about upcoming projects. Don't forget to stock up on those business cards – you'll need them at this one-of-a-kind event!

COMMUNITY BUILDING

MEETING WITH U.S. SECRETARY OF LABOR

This week, SAHBA Chairman Andrew Gasparro, VP of Land for KB Home, was part of a select group of community leaders invited to participate in a discussion on workforce development with U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chaves-DeRemer hosted by Pima Community College. The meeting was initiated by Congressman Juan Ciscomani and focused on the workforce development needs of key private sector industries. Mr. Gasparro provided an update on home building and construction. As SAHBA members know, the Peter D. Herder Memorial Endowment provides scholarships to students at Pima Community College who are involved in the construction training programs. We are grateful for the invitation and partnership with PCC, Congressman Ciscomani and Secretary Chaves-DeRemer.

ADVOCACY

LEGAL AND AFFORDABILITY CONCERNS ON COUNTY IMPACT FEES 

We submitted both written and verbal comments in response to the proposed 37% increase in Pima County’s residential impact fees, outlining the potential harm to housing affordability and legal compliance concerns. To continue this dialogue, SAHBA has a meeting scheduled next week with County Staff. This meeting will provide an opportunity to further discuss our concerns and advocate for solutions that balance infrastructure needs with housing accessibility.

UPDATE ON CITY OF TUCSON IMPACT FEES

We submitted written and verbal comments during the City of Tucson’s public hearing on April 22^nd regarding the proposed Development Impact Fee Program update. The association raised concerns about the projected 40% increase in residential fees, noting the potential to price out more than 1,200 families and impact housing affordability. SAHBA encouraged the Council to adopt a lower fee, phase in any increase, expand housing incentives, and review cost estimate discrepancies. The Council voted unanimously to move forward with the approval process.

DEVELOPMENT PACKAGE PROCESS CHANGES

The City is evaluating updates to the Development Package Review process, including defined workflow deadlines and meetings before permit issuance and construction. These changes are intended to improve clarity, coordination, and communication between applicants and staff. Through membership feedback, we have provided input to ensure these improvements support efficient and predictable outcomes for the building community.

TDC ONLINE SOFTWARE UPDATE COMPLETE

A recent system update to the TDC Online permitting platform brought performance improvements and minor internal enhancements for staff. No changes were made to customer-facing processes or accounts. SAHBA will continue monitoring user experiences to ensure the system remains responsive and user-friendly. Please reach out to Brendan@sahba.org to share your experiences.

TUCSON WATER LAUNCHES ONLINE 'DEAD-AT-CURB' METER APPLICATION

Builders are now required to submit water meter applications through an online portal instead of paper forms. This move is expected to streamline the process and reduce delays. SAHBA supported efforts to modernize and simplify Tucson Water’s development services.

Upcoming Meetings & Events

Sales & Marketing Council - Tuesday, May 13, Noon at SAHBA

Tech Committee - Tuesday, May 20, 3:30p at SAHBA

Turn the Tables - Thursday, May 22, 3:30pm

MEMBER NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

RANCHO SAHUARITA BREAKS GROUND ON NEWEST AMENITY

This week, Rancho Sahuarita broke ground on Club Del Toro, the community's newest amenity. Club Del Toro will provide residents with a new and engaging amenity designed for activity and fun for all ages and is planned to feature fitness space, pickleball courts, a playground and much more!

RICHMOND AMERICAN PROJECT GOES VERTICAL

Vertical construction is now underway at Rivendell, an infill community in the heart of Tucson. This exclusive enclave offers close proximity to Davis Monthan Air Force Base and Saguaro National Park East, as well as notable schools, essential services, recreation, shopping and dining.

SHEPERD PROMOTED TO ASSISTANT DIVISION MANAGER

KE&G recently announced the promotion of Kyle Shepherd from Project Manager to Assistant Division Manager. Kyle has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, project excellence, and a deep commitment to KE&G’s success. Congrats Kyle!

ARE YOU UTILIZING SAHBA'S MEMBERS-ONLY INFORMATION CENTER?

As a member you can join the online Members-only Information Center (MIC) via our website. Click the Membership tab, then Member Center Login, then type in your email and password or if you don’t have one or can’t remember, then click “Forgot My Username/Password.” Enter your email and new instructions will be sent to you.

Here are some tutorials you can use to take advantage of the MIC:

• Update Your Company Information (click here)
• Check Out and Register for Upcoming Events (click here)
• Add Employees and Designate Primary or Billing Representatives (click here)
• Join Groups to Get Tailored Notifications and Information (click here)

Please reach out to SAHBA if you need assistance setting up representatives or help with using your MIC. We are here to help!! Contact Holly Torres at holly@sahba.org or call 520-918-2366.

• DOL Issues New Guidance on Independent Contractors: The Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division recently issued guidance on its independent contractor misclassification enforcement. The guidance comes as the 2024 Independent Contractor Rule is facing multiple challenges in federal court, and after the agency has indicated that it is considering rescinding the rule. Read More.



• Price Gap Between new and Existing Homes Remains Narrow: As home buyers navigate high interest rates and rising living costs, many are surprised to discover a narrow price gap between new and existing homes. In fact, during the first quarter of 2025, the median sales price of a new home was just $14,600 more than that of an existing one. Read More.

• Residential Construction Job Growth Plateaus Short of Pre-Recession Levels: Overall construction employment grew by 11,000 jobs in April, with residential construction companies adding 3,400 positions, the Labor Department reported Friday. But home builder hiring has been nearly flat for a year as the economy hit home buyer demand. Read More.