Riverside BIA - February Newsletter

February 11, 2008

Message from BIA President, Bob Yoder

Riverside BIA is fighting for members during these difficult market conditions. Housing sustains our local economy and BIA is making the case that elected officials need to work with our members to revitalize the economy and increase homeownership.

Slowly but surely, we are winning important reforms including fee deferrals, adoption of the California Green Builder programs and standing up our member's water resources. BIA’s public and governmental affairs efforts continue to spread the word about the great work our members do to support the region’s economy .

Now more than ever, your BIA is fighting to protect your business and our community. Working with our partners, the Building Industry Association of Southern California and the California Building Industry Association are committed to beating this downturn and restoring prosperity.

Read Bob Yoder's latest column here

Government Affairs Update

Our message is resonating. Supporting the building industry is the best weapon local government has to fend off recession. This past month, your BIA government affairs team:

Secured Fee Deferrals in regional localities: San Jacinto, Moreno Valley, Corona, Riverside, Perris, Lake Elsinore and Riverside County.
Secured the endorsement of the Western Riverside Council of Governments who adopted a resolution recommending the adoption of the California Green Builder Program for all of its 15 member jurisdictions.
Worked with local school districts to enact fee deferrals.
Is continuing our efforts to protect access to water for new housing communities.

Water Crisis

In spite of the housing crisis, Eastern Municipal Water District has threatened to stop six new home communities based on unsubstantiated water concerns. BIA fought against the attack and is working with the District and local governments to protect our right to deliver well planned resource-efficient housing opportunities.

Read Borre Winckel's water comments here

Fighting for Homeownership

Everybody knows 2008 will be a tough year for the homebuilding industry, but we’re getting big help. Governor Schwarzenegger is actively campaigning to increase FHA loan limits which will free up credit and getting buyers BACK into the market. Read his column here. Listen to his weekly radio address here.

Palo Alto Press Conference

Governor Schwarzenegger stands with Ray Becker, Past President of Riverside County BIA (2nd from right) to announce a $69.5 Million Investment in Affordable Housing, Highlighting How Rebuilding California Stimulates States Economy (Palo Alto, February 7, 2008)

Watch the press conference here.

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