THE HOME BUILDER
July 2025
Page Two
The HomeFront Government Affairs News and Info
David Lehde Director of Government Affairs
Dallas BA Member Participation in Advocacy on Display This Summer
As the calendar turns to summer, members have seen, and will see more, opportunities to engage in industry’s advocacy efforts. Housing and Urban Development Dallas Builders Association members and staff on May 30 met with the Regional Administrator for United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (Region VI) Ashlea Quinonez to discuss housing, and issues that can pose a challenge to housing attainability. Dallas BA offered our industry’s views and examples regarding energy codes policy, land development costs, permit delays, workforce training and the need to reduce burdening regula- tions that drive up the cost of housing. The discussion also included multi- family housing issues and community redevelopment. Then on June 11, the Association took the opportunity on Capitol Hill to make the industry’s voice heard to our members of Congress. A team of members and staff Legislative Conference traveled to Washington, D.C. as part of NAHB’s national legislative conference. Meeting with U.S. Representa- tives from the Dallas/Fort Worth region, the Association discussed the need to remove barriers to housing attainability and move on workforce development and tax policy that can help builders unleash the housing market. Dallas BA asked members of Congress to give particular consider- ation to three critical issues:
In addressing energy codes, the Association urged that Congress pass legislation that would prevent HUD and USDA from requiring over burdening energy standards that raise housing costs and price out potential buyers. The Association also encour- aged passage of the Energy Choice Act, which would protect consumers’ choice to use natural gas, as well. With workforce development continuing to be a key factor in home affordability, members asked for sup - port of the bipartisan CONSTRUCTS Act, that will help prepare young adults for careers in construction and other essential trades. Dallas BA also asked our mem- bers of Congress to permanently extend pro-business and pro-housing policies from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, as well as preserve longstanding energy tax incentives and expand the income housing tax credit that helps multifamily development provide working families a place to live. During our time on the Hill, Dallas BA, along with a team from Greater Fort Worth Builders Asso - ciation, met with U.S. Representa - tives Jasmine Crockett, Brandon Gill, Lance Gooden, Beth Van Duyne, Marc Veasey and Roger Williams. We also visited with legislative staff from the offices of Pat Fallon, Craig Goldman and Ronny Jackson. We appreciate our members of Con - gress welcoming us to discuss impor- tant housing policy. Dallas BA appreciates our mem- bers making the journey to Wash - ington, D.C. to bring awareness of housing issues to our nation’s decision makers.
Members and staff meet with the regional HUD representative in May. From left are Jack Rowe, Gena Godinez, Sable Coleman,Regional Ad - ministrator Ashlea Quinonez, David Lehde and Matt Walls.
HOMEPAC Shootout
shooter, which includes breakfast, lunch, and beverages. You can also register a team of 4 for $600. Shooters must provide their own ammunition (20 or 12 gauges), as well as eye and ear protection. The deadline to register is Aug. 20. Members can register via this link: HOMEPAC Shootout. The link also includes informa- tion regarding available partnerships. “All the property that is neces- sary to a man for the conservation of the individual…is his natural right which none can justly deprive him of.” – Benjamin Franklin
Registration is now open for the HOMEPAC Shootout, presented by BGE, Inc., to be held Wednesday, Aug. 27. The clay shoot benefits HOMEPAC of Greater Dallas. This is a fun opportunity to support Dallas BA advocacy and enjoy the outdoors. The clay shoot will be hosted at the famed Elm Fork Shooting Sports facilities in Dallas. The event will begin with registration and breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by the clay shoot at 9 a.m. Lunch and posting of results will follow the shoot. The event format will be four-person teams. Participant entry is $150 per
The Home Builder is published monthly by the Dallas Builders Association at 5816 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano, Texas 75093. Telephone 972-931-4840. BARCIE VILCHES , Editor
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker