Greetings!

This past week, the Desert Valleys Builders Association hosted National Association of Home Builders, CEO Jim Tobin, and AVP Advocacy, Western Region for NAHB, Jeffrey Pemstein, for a breakfast fundraiser for Build-PAC at the Classic Club in Palm Desert. Among the many topics affecting local, state, and national construction issues, the major discussions included excessive regulations, electrification resources (transformers, etc.), Imperial Irrigation District – Energy, and why we should vote No on Prop 50. 

On this last issue, the Coachella Valley risks losing future infrastructure and transportation funding that this valley has received since Congressman Calvert's district included our region. Prop. 50 aims to overturn (temporarily) a state constitutional amendment voted on by the voters of this state to develop a more democratic manner in which to determine congressional and other representative districts. The knee-jerk reaction of Governor Gavin Newsom in response to another state's redistricting process, by promoting Prop. 50 is unconscionable. We cannot control another state's methods or ideas. To disrupt a constitutional law in retaliation for another state's actions to support democracy is, in its own actions, subversive to that idea. 

On a lighter note, please join us this Thursday evening as the Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the San Diego Gulls at Acrisure Arena. We still have a few seats available—don’t miss this fun night of networking and local hockey excitement.

Thank you to everyone who has already registered for the Desert Valleys Builders Association Annual Golf Tournament and to those who have generously contributed raffle prizes and sponsorships. Your support helps make this event one of our most anticipated of the year.

If you haven’t yet signed up your team, now’s the time—only three or four team spots remain! We’re also still collecting raffle prizes and items for the players’ swag bags. Please reach out to Vickie or me at the office with your donations or ideas.

Thank you all for your continued support and engagement.

adminSincerely,

James Brownyard

Interim Executive Director

Upcoming Events

Latest Industry and Legislative News

Why California voters should reject Prop. 50

Proposition 50 threatens to undo California’s independent redistricting system—long hailed as a national model for fairness. The measure would hand map-drawing power back to politicians, opening the door to partisan gerrymandering and costly “revenge politics.”

👉  Read the CalMatters Article on this issue

NAHB Urges Congress to Protect Energy Choice and Housing Affordability

In testimony before Congress, NAHB Chairman Buddy Hughes called for policies that preserve energy choice and keep housing attainable. Hughes warned that rigid energy codes and appliance restrictions are driving up home costs and limiting consumer freedom.

NAHB is urging support for the Energy Choice Act and Homeowner Energy Freedom Act to protect affordability and balance environmental goals with economic realities.

👉 Read tedMagazine article

Workforce Pell: Expanding Access to Job Training

A new federal law, the One Big Beautiful Bill, introduces Workforce Pell—extending Pell Grant funding to short-term, career-focused training programs. The change aims to make upskilling more affordable for workers pursuing credentials in high-demand fields like healthcare, technology, and the trades. As implementation begins, Workforce Pell could strengthen talent pipelines and help address labor shortages across key industries.

👉 Learn More

NAHB Advocacy: Improving Housing Affordability by Empowering Builders

NAHB Chairman Willard F. Hughes letter regarding deregulatory recommendations pursuant to the Office of Management and Budget’s (OMB) Request for Information: Deregulation, that was published in the Federal Register on April 11, 2025.

CBIA Commends Approval of Fast Track Housing Package to Accelerate Creation of Housing for California Families

👉 Learn More

California Leaders Back Commissioner Lara’s Insurance Reform Plan

Two dozen California industry and consumer leaders support Commissioner Lara’s intervenor reforms to restore transparency and protect access to coverage coalition.

Coalition calls reforms critical to stopping intervenor abuse, eliminating hidden fees passed on to consumers and stabilizing California’s insurance market.

👉 Learn More

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