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Check Out New BizTools Videos NAHB recently launched a new BizTools Video Series in which industry experts share the latest tips and discuss essential strategies to enhance business operations and boost profitability. Each month, a new video recording will be added to examine topics such as managing cash flow, preparing for disasters, boosting profits and more. The first topic of the series will be “A Study in Cash Flow for Builders.” Register now for the BizTools Video Series, which is free to NAHB members and $99 for non-members. Learn more about the video series and enjoy a quick sneak peek of the first episode. More Taxpayers Using Energy Tax Credits More taxpayers are taking advantage of new home energy-efficiency tax credits. Recent analysis of IRS data conducted by NAHB indicates that more than 800,000 taxpayers claimed a new home- related energy-efficiency tax incentive. Home buyers want new homes with cost-effective energy features. Whether it’s efficient lighting options, new appliances, or solar power, many home builders are voluntarily incorporating green features into newly-built homes.
WOTUS Rule Struck Down in 26 States In a major victory for developers and landowners, the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota has ruled that the Biden “waters of the U.S.” (WOTUS) rule cannot be implemented in 24 states while the challenge to the rule moves forward. NAHB and 17 other industry groups are party to this case. The court ruling adds to the two-state preliminary injunction NAHB received previously in a Texas court. The two rulings mean that the Biden WOTUS rule cannot currently be enforced in 26 states – more than half the nation.
Advocacy Digest Brad Boycks, Executive Director
Update on Workforce Housing Efforts We have been meeting for several months on a number of bills that would spur more workforce housing construction in Wisconsin. This effort is being led by Assembly Housing Chair Rob Brooks and Senate Housing Chair Romain Quinn. In addition to WBA, the Wisconsin Realtors Association, Wisconsin Towns Association, Wisconsin Counties Association, and the Wisconsin League of Municipalities have been meeting with the housing chairs to hammer out different ideas. What we are looking at are three, zero percent loan programs that would help to fund infrastructure for new workforce housing subdivisions, rehabilitation of multifamily units on the second or third floor of existing commercial space in downtown areas, and the demolition or rehabilitation of vacant commercial space that can be used for housing. In order for a developer to be eligible for any of these 0 percent loans from WHEDA, they would have to work with a community who would need to show changes that they have made to reduce the cost of the housing to be considered for the loan. Those options could be reducing or eliminating impact fees, smaller lot sizes, narrower setbacks, and narrower sidewalks, to name a few. All of these loans are voluntary, and the communities are allowed to pick from several options to show they are reducing the cost of housing in their municipality. In addition to the three loan programs, we are also working on a bill that would allow “development by right” if a project complied with the current plan and ordinances in a municipality. The bill would also call for a simple majority vote to rezone land and would no longer a super majority and provide more parameters on who can legally challenge zoning and residential land use decisions. Chairs Quinn and Brooks are hoping to introduce these bills soon and when they are released, we will be communicating with you via email to contact your member of the state assembly and senate to support these efforts.
Simple One-Pagers Explain Key Land Development Issues
Local land use policy has an impact on housing production and affordability, but the correlation is not always understood by those outside of the home building industry. NAHB’s Land Development Committee formed a working group to study and produce educational resources on land use policy. The result is three primers that effectively convey a pro-housing and development message in one page of simple, concise information. This is valuable when working with people who are unfamiliar with the subject or don’t have time for a long report. NAHB contracted with Opticos Design — the firm that coined the phrase ‘missing middle housing’ — to produce these resources. Opticos previously produced the NAHB report: "Diversifying Housing Options with Smaller Lots and Smaller Homes." The primers cover three priority land use policy topics related to housing production and affordability: density, zoning and development review. Each document defines the subject along with the present challenges, solutions and benefits to local communities. For more information, check out NAHB’s updated Land Use 101 toolkit.