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

• 2024 Board Installation Luncheon Recap
• Tech Committee Recap
• SAHBA Convenes Meeting with State Land Department
• Action Requested: Planning for Tucson’s Future Growth
• Tucson Regional Water Coalition Focuses on Key Topics
• Legislative Session Gains Momentum
• Essential points from Governor Katie Hobbs' State Report in Tucson
• Upcoming SAHBA Events: SAVE THE DATES
• Oro Valley Business Summit 2024
• All SAHBA Members Invited: Fred G. Acosta Job Corps La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros Rodeo BBQ & Open House
• Habitat for Humanity Presents: Veterans Gaslight Fundraiser
• Upcoming Councils & Committees
• Industry News

2024 Board Installation Luncheon Recap

On January 19, members gathered to support the incoming Board of Directors at the 2024 Board Installation Luncheon. Ramon Gaanderse with Tucson Asphalt, our event Emcee, kicked off the event with the wonderful news that Southern Arizona Construction Career Days will be donating $40,000 to JTED this February. Andrew Gasparro with KB Home and our First Vice Chairman of the Board followed with outstanding recognition of the 2024 councils and committees leadership.

The 2024 Board of Directors, led by Chairman Steve Crawford, were sworn in at the event. Crawford shared his optimism towards the new path SAHBA has been on since the selling of the Home Show. He shared that the Board is determined to face change with creativity and is excited to explore new ventures of revenue streams for the association while maintaining the established value of SAHBA Membership.

The event was closed out with a robust legislative outlook on 2024 provided by keynote speaker Stan Barns with Copper State Consulting.

Thank you to all who attended the luncheon and a special thank you to all sponsors for making this event possible.

ADVOCACY

Tech Committee Recap

Last week the SAHBA Technical Committee met to discuss several timely and important issues impacting our members. Topics included: a briefing on a proposed policy to use 3-Way Diverter Valves in the City of Tucson to meet graywater plumbing requirements; an update on changes to the sidewalk permitting process in Sahuarita; a presentation on a proposal to increase mixed use development in Pima County; a status report on Marana’s new drainage manual; and others. Over 50 members and government officials joined the meeting. Next month will feature an update on the 2024 International Building Codes and proposed changes to Sahuarita’s fee schedule. Contact brendan@sahba.org if you’d like a topic to be added to the roster.

SAHBA Convenes Meeting with State Land Department

The Arizona State Land Department is in the process of making revisions to its rulemaking. These rules effect how the Department works with those who buy or lease State Trust Land. As we’ve mentioned before, State Land will be integral to the future growth in our region. SAHBA has been reviewing the proposed changes and getting feedback from members. This week, SAHBA hosted a meeting with members and other stakeholders including the Tucson Metro Chamber to hear a presentation from the Department and ask questions. We will be submitting a formal comment letter as part of the process. Contact brendan@sahba.org if you’d like more information.   

Action Requested: Planning for Tucson’s Future Growth

The Future Growth Scenario Map is a crucial component of the Plan Tucson update, seeking input from residents on where the City should encourage various developments like new homes, retail spaces, employment centers, and more. The interactive Mapping Activity allows participants to express preferences on the location and type of future developments. The survey, open from January 8th to February 5th, prompts users to select land use types and development intensity levels, providing visual aids for inspiration. Participants can navigate the map, submit their ideas, and view responses on the results map. Sharing the mapping activity is encouraged, and the collected input will contribute to updating Plan Tucson.

 To contribute ideas:

1. Navigate the organized survey by land use type and development intensity tiers, with accompanying visual aids for inspiration.
2. Choose the development type that aligns with your vision and select the location on the city map using the survey tools.
3. Use the map navigation options to zoom in, out, or search for specific addresses or intersections. Add additional details if desired.
4. Enter a street intersection near you or your neighborhood to help identify participants.
5. Submit your response. The most recent submissions will be displayed on the results map with a temporary red circle.
6. Feel free to repeat the survey multiple times and explore other participants' responses.
7. Access the mapping activity and results.

Tucson Regional Water Coalition Focuses on Key Topics

This week, the Tucson Regional Water Coalition (TRWC) focused on several important water policy and management issues. Coalition members heard an update from Sen. Priya Sundareshan about the recommendations coming from Governor Hobbs’ water policy council. The focus will be on regulating “wildcat” development and build for rent homes. CAP Board Member Mark Taylor spoke about the issues on the Colorado River. While the significant snow fall last year helped boost lake levels, Arizona and other basin states are committed to developing guidelines anticipating a drier future. SAHBA remains an active participant in TRWC and will provide additional information and updates as appropriate. Questions can be directed to david@sahba.org.

Legislative Session Gains Momentum

Now concluding its third week, the Arizona Legislature is off and running. SAHBA, with the help of our capitol lobbyists at Copper State Consulting, are tracking dozens of bills. This session will have a particular focus on water management. Our efforts will be aligned with the Home Builders Association of Central Arizona to ensure that home building is not unnecessarily restricted. We will also engage, where appropriate, on bills that seek to increase housing supply and affordability.

Essential points from Governor Katie Hobbs' State Report in Tucson

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs delivered the 2024 State of the State report at the Tucson Convention Center, addressing key issues in Southern Arizona. Highlights include a $95 million federal investment for Interstate 10 improvements, addressing the housing affordability crisis with a $150 million allocation, efforts to improve border coordination through Operation SECURE, and a commitment to water conservation with collaborative initiatives and a bipartisan Water Policy Council. Governor Hobbs concluded with a positive commitment to ongoing efforts, demonstrating dedication to addressing challenges and promoting a prosperous future for Arizona.

MEETINGS & EVENTS

SAHBA Events on the Horizon: SAVE THE DATE!

February 15: Lunch & Learn with KOVA

March 6: Women in Construction Week Mixer

March 27: Member's Connect

April 19: The Power of Real Estate Housing Summit

Oro Valley Business Summit 2024

Join Oro Valley Chamber at their third annual Oro Valley Business Summit! Guests will attend 3 breakout workshops before convening as a group for a delicious luncheon.

January 30, 2024

El Conquistador Tucsonn

8:00 a.m to 2:00 p.m.

Fred G. Acosta Job Corps Center Presents: La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros Rodeo BBQ & Open House

All SAHBA Members are invited to attend Job Corps Center's La Fiesta De Los Vaqueros Rodeo BBQ & Open House. There will be outstanding food prepared by the students and live entertainment. This is a great opportunity to support their amazing program.

February 22, 2024

901 S. Campbell Avenue

Open House 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Lunch 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Their team will need a headcount for lunch, so please RSVP in advance by emailing Vaughn Croft.

Habitat for Humanity Presents: Veterans Gaslight Fundraiser

Join Habitat Tucson's Veterans Committee for Veteran’s Build Night at the Gaslight Theater in Tucson. Enjoy their production of "The Curse of the Pirate's Gold". 

Proceeds will fund affordable housing for Veterans in the Tucson Area. 

March 16, 2024

Gaslight Theatre

8:30 p.m.

Upcoming Councils & Committees - Mark Your Calendars!

Business Referral Exchange (BRE) - Tuesday, February 6 at 7:30 a.m. (BBSI)

Tech Committee - Tuesday, February 20 at 3:30 p.m. (VIA TEAMS)

Membership Committee - Tuesday, January 25 at 11:30 a.m. (TBD)

Business Referral Exchange (BRE) - Tuesday, March 5 at 7:30 a.m. (TBD)

Sales & Marketing Council - Tuesday, March 12 at noon (TBD)

Remodelers Council - Wednesday, March 13 at noon (TBD)

• Sales of newly built, single-family homes in December increased 8.0% to a 664,000 seasonally adjusted annual rate from an upwardly revised reading in November, according to newly released data by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the U.S. Census Bureau. The pace of new home sales in December is up 4.4% from a year earlier. Click here to read more.

• On the latest episode of NAHB's podcast, Housing Developments, sponsored by LG Pro Builder, CEO Jim Tobin and COO Paul Lopez break down the latest housing numbers, provide insights on the 2024 election, and highlight key congressional funding areas NAHB continues to actively advocate to secure during the ongoing budgeting process. Click here to read more.

• To start the new year, NAHB recently kicked off its Young Professionals (YP) Recruitment program to offer discounted membership prices for new YPs at 12 participating HBAs across the country. Click here to read more.