OCTOBER 29, 2025

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



  • Fall Mixer Recap
  • Government Affairs Breakfast Recap
  • Coffee with TPD Chief Chad Kasmar
  • Volunteer for NextGen Career Event!
  • Advocacy Updates
  • On the Ballot
  • The Homing Project
  • SAHBA in the Community
  • BRE Reminder
  • Industry News & Information
  • New Members

ANOTHER GREAT MIXER IN THE BOOKS!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the SAHBA Fall Mixer at Gentle Ben’s! We were thrilled to host an evening centered around meaningful connections, networking, and community building with our valued members and partners.


A special thank you to Gothic Landscape for sponsoring the event, and for inspiring our signature cocktails, the GOTHIC Desert Harvest and the SAHBA Smoked Apple Margarita. They were a definite hit!


Events like this remind us that none of it would be possible without our incredible members, sponsors, and community partners who continue to show up, get involved, and make SAHBA such a strong and vibrant organization.


As we head into the holiday season, we’re grateful for the relationships we’ve built and excited for the opportunities ahead. Here’s to keeping the momentum going into the new year!


Click Here to check out all the great pictures from the event.

Record Attendance at SAHBA’s Sold-Out Government Affairs Breakfast Highlights Urgency of Housing Solutions!

Nearly 300 attendees came together at the sold-out Southern Arizona Government Affairs Breakfast to address housing affordability and growth. The event’s success was made possible thanks to our 17 sponsors and an outstanding lineup of speakers who helped drive meaningful conversation. Keynote speaker Jim Tobin, NAHB President & CEO, emphasized the need to lower barriers to construction, while local leaders shared regional solutions. Together, we’re driving the conversation on solutions for Southern Arizona’s housing needs. Click here to view the photos from the event.


KGUN9: Southern Arizona leaders call for action on housing affordability

steveFEATURED EVENTS

COFFEE WITH CHIEF KASMAR


Join SAHBA for Coffee with Chief Chad Kasmar of the Tucson Police Department on November 12 from 8:30–9:30 a.m.


This is a great opportunity to discuss crime prevention, job site security, and public safety priorities that impact the building industry. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided, RSVP today.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!


We need your help. Please consider signing up to volunteer at the NextGen Construction Career Showcase.


This is a hands-on event where students will connect with local employers, trade professionals, and higher-education training programs.


Friday, November 7

PCC DOWNTOWN CAMPUS

ADVOCACY

Middle Housing Update:


The October 15 Planning Commission meeting was cancelled, and the Middle Housing UDC Amendment is now expected to be heard at the next meeting on November 12. SAHBA continues to advocate for a citywide approach to increase housing opportunities, reduce rezoning pressures, and support balanced growth. Click here to read SAHBA’s Letter to the Commission outlining our recommendations and priorities.


Tech Committee Recap:


At this past Technical Committee meeting, SAHBA engaged with Oro Valley on the General Plan Update and proposed zoning code changes to align with HB 2447, focusing on improving the review process for permitted or entitled projects. The Pima County Regional Flood Control District also presented Tech Policy-001 on demonstrating no-rise in base flood elevation and Tech Policy-002 on allowable post-construction flood protection methods. Click here to view the proposed policies and stay engaged as these updates move forward.


Tucson-Pima County Joint Code Committee Update:


At this past Code Committee meeting, SAHBA submitted letters and participated in collaborative dialogue on key issues including slope standards and the IECC. These conversations reflected SAHBA’s commitment to advancing practical, balanced solutions that support housing production while addressing environmental and energy considerations. More to come as the committee’s work continues.


Pima Prospers 2025 – Pima County General Plan Update:


The Pima County Board of Supervisors approved Pima Prospers 2025, a 10-year comprehensive land use plan that sets a blueprint for growth, housing, economic development, and natural resource protection. The plan aims to increase housing opportunities, secure local water resources, attract new businesses, and protect the region’s treasured desert landscapes.


SAHBA played a significant role throughout the update process, submitting multiple letters and formal comments to County staff, the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the Board of Supervisors. This extensive engagement helped shape the final document, including SAHBA’s successful addition of language to Goal 3.A.1 to encourage the preservation of natural open space in those areas subject to the CLS, “and balance the need for new housing development.” This collaborative language, shared with the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection, reflects a shared commitment to conservation while recognizing the region’s housing needs. SAHBA appreciates the County’s collaborative approach and looks forward to continued partnership to ensure Pima Prospers guides a thriving and resilient future for our region.


Congratulations to Koren Manning, Named Director of Tucson Planning and Development Services

The Southern Arizona Home Builders Association congratulates Koren Manning on her appointment as Director of the City of Tucson’s Planning and Development Services Department. We look forward to her continued commitment to innovation, housing diversity, and collaboration will help foster a more efficient and supportive environment for homebuilding across Tucson.

ON THE BALLOT

PROP. 414 - Yes to TUSD Override


The Southern Arizona Home Builders Association PAC has endorsed Proposition 414 an override of the operations and maintenance budget for Tucson Unified School District. If approved, teacher pay will increase $3,000, all other employees will see a salary increase of 4%, one social worker per high-school will be authorized and millions will go to pre-K classes.

PLAN TUCSON - General Plan Update


Proposition 417, also known as Plan Tucson 2025: A Community Vision for Our Future, is a down-ballot item that SAHBA members should be aware of. For more than two years, community members from across Tucson have worked together to shape the city’s future through this comprehensive plan, which serves as a roadmap for the next 10–20 years.

SAHBA was actively engaged throughout the process, participating in working groups and submitting formal comments—particularly around land use, infrastructure investment, and permitting efficiency. Our voice was heard and our advocacy influenced numerous policies Click here for a full list.


On November 4, the plan goes before voters.


SAHBA appreciates the City’s responsiveness to our feedback and remains committed to working collaboratively to using this progress as a building block to ensure future policies and tools that deliver housing off all types and support suburban development in addition to infill.


We encourage our members who live in the City to carefully consider this ballot item and make your voice heard.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

THE HOMING PROJECT TAKES FLIGHT


The Homing Project held a ribbon cutting event for it's first Tucson project, Estrella Avenue Village. Their mission is to provide immediate residence and onsite or referral services to those who are unhoused in order to bridge the current economic and social gaps separating them from safe and dignified living. Shout out to SAHBA members Southern Arizona Land Trust and Rick Engineering for their involvement.

GODLEWSKI REPS SAHBA AT GVACC BREAKFAST AND ON BUCKMASTER SHOW


SAHBA President & CEO David Godlewski had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion hosted by the Greater Vail Area Chamber of Commerce focusing on water management and balancing new growth. In addition, he was a guest on the Buckmaster Show discussing the housing market and strategies for fostering a policy and regulatory environment conducive to home building.

Dia de Los Muertos Golf Tournament


Who: Northwest Fire Charities

What: Dia de los Muertos Golf Tournament

When: November 1

Where: Omni Tucson National Golf Course

Beneficiary: Families of First Responders


TRCF VETERANS DAY GOLF TOURNAMENT


Who: Tucson REALTORS Charitable Foundation

What: Veteran's Day Golf Tournament

When: November 7

Where: Omni Tucson National Golf Course

Beneficiary: The Esparanza Foundation

UPCOMING MEETINGS & EVENTS

BUSINESS REFERRAL EXCHANGE (BRE)


Join us to hear from our guest speaker, Shawn Campbell, founder of Campbell Marketing Group to learn how to build a powerful brand, leverage social media with purpose and stay competitive in a fast-moving digital world.


Tuesday, November 4 @ 7:30a



SAHBA Office

2840 N. Country Club Road

Tucson, AZ 85716

CORNHOLE TOURAMENT


Join us for an evening of fun, drinks, food and prizes!


The 2025 SAHBA Cornhole Tournament is here! Register your team today to throw some bags. Bring staff and family as we meet and mingle with the best membership in Tucson and award a “Boss of the Toss”!


Thursday, November 20

Whiskey Roads

2290 W Ina Rd.


Player Registration Begins at 3:00 PM

Bags Fly at 4:00 PM

Business Referral Exchange - Tuesday, November 4, 7:30a at SAHBA


Remodeler's Council - Wednesday, November 5, Noon at SAHBA


Coffee with Chief Kasmar - Wednesday, November 12, 8:30a at SAHBA


Tech Committee - Tuesday, November 18, 3:30p at SAHBA

MEMBER NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

MATTAMY GRAND OPENS TAVIRA AT TWIN PEAKS


Congrats to Mattamy Homes on launching Tavira at Twin Peaks, a brand-new gated community in the highly desirable Twin Peaks corridor of Marana. There are five available floorplan designs. Floorplans range from 2,236 to 3,046 square feet. Residents will enjoy a pocket park, picnic area and walking trails.

INDUSTRY NEWS & INFORMATION




SEEKING NOMINEES FOR SAHBA BOARD OF DIRECTORS


Would you or someone you know make a great addition to the SAHBA Board of Directors? If so, please complete the Nomination form and submit to sahba@sahba.org by November 1.



INDUSTRY ARTICLES


  • How Diverse is the Construction Workforce? Diversifying the construction labor force remains a key priority amid persistent skilled labor shortages. According to a 2023 survey, Hispanic White workers still account for the majority of the construction industry. Read more.


  • NAHB Endorses Dignity Act to Modernize America's Immigration System - NAHB supports comprehensive immigration reform legislation recently introduced in Congress. Read more.


  • 3 Hurdles to Building ADU's - While many states and municipalities (including here in Pima County) are taking steps to make construction of Accessory Dwelling Units easier, a recent policy brief details key issues that may pose hurdles. Read more.

JOB POSTINGS



  • Habitat for Humanity - Seeking a Construction Field Manager who is responsible for leadership and management in all aspects of new home construction, at one or more HFHT construction sites.

NEW MEMBERS

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