A year of advocacy & progress

Category: Events, Build-Remodel-Topics
12/19/2024

2024 reflections & a New Year Celebration preview​​

 

Bill Rothman, Kilbourne Group

2024 BIA-RRV President

As we wrap up the year, let’s first look forward to our New Year Celebration on Jan. 30! Please join us for a night to remember: Dr. Robert Dietz, chief economist for the National Association of Home Builders, will present the findings of our local economic impact study. We will also recognize our Association and Foundation award winners, connect with local mayors and officials, and witness the handoff of the gavel to our 2025 BIA-RRV president, Adam Olson, Allstar Construction. It’s the hottest ticket in town for the building industry and the BIA-RRV’s flagship event!

While our Association’s activities and services are many, our advocacy helps keep you in business. This year’s recap focuses on our efforts to keep your industry at the forefront with our local, state and national leaders! There have been several important developments that impact our industry and our communities. The November 2024 elections brought several key decisions, with BIA-RRV supporting candidates and measures that align with our mission.

Here’s a quick overview of five more areas we went to work for you, the members.

1.      Preserving affordable housing options

We joined NAHB in urging Congress to prevent HUD and USDA mandates requiring adherence to costly 2021 energy codes. While the compliance dates have been extended, our work continues to seek more balanced and cost-effective solutions for energy efficiency.

2.      Advancing local housing solutions

At the local level, we supported efforts to modernize zoning and land use ordinances in Moorhead and Horace, facilitating greater flexibility and options for housing development. We also worked with Fargo on their new growth plan and are working with them on their land development code. These changes aim to address the growing demand for "missing middle" housing and promote sustainable community growth.

Above: Members pose for a photo with Fargo Commissioners Michelle Turnberg and John Strand after a Building Industry Connect event.

3.      Addressing skilled labor shortages

We’ve engaged directly with local schools, career training programs, and policymakers to improve pathways for young people entering construction careers. Despite regulatory hurdles, we're exploring innovative ways to get more students on job sites and streamline work-based learning programs. We’ve continued our work with events like the Herdina Construction Trades Camp and Health, Tech & Trades Career Expo to continue introducing students to careers in the building industry.

Above: Members pictured after a Building Industry Connect event featuring workforce development partners N.D. Career & Technical Education, Cass County Career and Technical Education and Fargo Public Schools.

4.      Advocating for industry-friendly legislation

Our members' voices played a crucial role in opposing overreaching proposals like Minnesota's HF685/SF365 which would have impacted the ability to rent out single-family homes. That is just one example of many issues we addressed. By emphasizing the real-world impacts on housing production and costs, we’ve raised awareness among lawmakers.

5.      Federal engagement in Washington, D.C.

Our leadership team met with congressional representatives to discuss critical issues like softwood lumber tariffs, energy code mandates and workforce development funding. These meetings reinforced the importance of federal policies that support affordability and growth in housing.

Above: The North Dakota contingent of members in front of the U.S. Capitol during the National Association of Home Builders' legislative conference.

Our advocacy work has seen us engage with local government officials, such as city commissioners and legislators, helping shape policies that directly affect our industry.

As we welcome Adam Olson as our 2025 president, join us at the New Year Celebration Jan. 30. Remember, your BIA-RRV is here as a resource and industry partner. Reach out to our professional staff whenever you need assistance.

We’ll continue our efforts to strengthen our industry and build valuable connections while ensuring the BIA-RRV remains a strong voice for our members. Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to what we will accomplish together in the coming year.

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Did you know?

Our Very Invested Partners support the industry representation your Association puts forth. By becoming a VIP, you align your brand with our good name and position yourself as a key supporter of our advocacy and workforce efforts on behalf of members - who are also your peers and/or customers!

Reach out to Paige Feeney to learn more about becoming a VIP for 2025: (701) 232-5846.