BIA Orange County Chapter Members -
I want to begin by saying that it has been a great privilege to have been allowed to serve this chapter as your President. Working in an industry that does so much good is an honor. Looking back on the past 11+ months, it has been a challenging year, perfectly aligned with my platform, which focused on three things: BITA, Advocacy, and Membership.
I am happy to report that we made much progress with BITA this year, and I had the pleasure of speaking at several High Schools offering this program. This last year we supported over 1,800 students in our region and raised thousands of dollars at this year's wine event. Thank you, Linda Sandusky!
Regarding my overarching goal of moving from "Advocacy to Activism," we had some great wins and forged new relationships that stretch to Sacramento. Locally, we had some excellent outcomes that I believe are worth sharing.
Starting with the city of Irvine's "wage theft measure." After weeks of discussions with the city and labor group which sponsored this proposal, we negotiated significant changes to the proposed language, removing unqualified permit revocation clauses. Additionally, right-to-cure language was added, along with various other modifications, that reduced the measure to simple paperwork.
Next is the City of Fullerton's "Housing Incentive overlay zone." Another example of an oddly worded policy that included an undefined Inclusionary Mandate. Like Irvine's "wage theft measure," the naming of this policy as an incentive is the opposite of what it purported to do and has become commonplace.
Thankfully, the Fullerton City Council agreed with our public testimony about mandates and how they should only be used for things like fire codes and preventing bad stuff like displacement or hazardous conditions. The City Council also agreed with our testimony regarding how incentives - such as density bonus, fee relief, and permit streamlining - should be used for good things like new housing.
Lastly, in the world of regulatory challenges, we have the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). The relationship between OCFA and BIAOC has been good for years until a shift occurred recently…not only with some builders but also with several local municipalities. As I close out the year as President, I, along with your incoming President, Brooke Doi, Adam Wood, and several other board members, are working with multiple municipalities and OCFA to address some of the proposed changes and opportunities that can be incorporated into this year’s building code adoption process.
Let me conclude on a note of thanks.
- I would like to, first of all, express my debt of gratitude to the members of the Chapter Board and Executive Board for allowing me to lead this group over the last year.
- I would further like to thank Adam Wood for all the work that he has done on behalf of our membership and efficient running of the Orange County Chapter of the BIA
- My appreciation also goes to the team of dedicated BIA staff members who work tirelessly for us, making the BIA a wonderful organization. This includes Laura Barber, Ana Gromis, Kaitlin Radcliff, Karissa Willette DiStefano, Craig Foster, and our CEO, Jeff Montejano
- Most importantly, I would like to thank all of you for the confidence and trust that you have placed in me. It has been my privilege and honor to work on your behalf.
It has been my pleasure to serve you as your 2022 Chapter President.