As the Division President in the Inland Empire for Shea Homes, I know how many BIA members are feeling these days.  The market is still struggling and our industry is feeling the pain.  But my volunteer job this year is a great antidote for these sentiments.  As President of the BIA, everyday we are fighting to help make our industry stronger in 2008 and each success gives me hope and optimism for the coming year.

The top priority for BIA this year is no secret:  build on the successes of 2007 to enact policy reforms that will stimulate a recovery for our industry.  

To accomplish this goal, BIA is going to continue the Planning for Our Future initiative established by Past President Lou Ochoa and build on the campaign's many successes.  The crux of the initiative is to reach out to our friends in local government to find solutions that support the industry and ease the budget problems they are facing.  Our Government and Public Affairs programs are working together to demonstrate that:

• The success and prosperity of the Inland Empire in previous years is directly attributable to the regions support for homeownership.  To reverse the decline of 2007, local government must commit itself to an economic stimulus program that revitalizes the economy, increases homeownership opportunities for working families and sustains important municipal services.
• Homebuilders are a vital part of the solution as advocates for good planning that protects the environment, invests in infrastructure and promotes the dream of homeownership.
• Homebuilders are leading efforts to conserve water and protect the environment.

By communicating these truths, I'm confident that local and state government leaders will make great decisions to benefit our industry and the communities in Western Riverside County.  However, to ensure success it's crucial that each and every BIA member remain active and engaged in the BIA's many activities.  Attending Chapter events, supporting government affairs efforts and making your voice heard throughout the community will show the collective strength of our 700+ member organization and our dedication to a bright future for our County.   

The BIA's Government Affairs team is working hard this year meeting with every jurisdiction – large and small – to demonstrate the need for them to take immediate action to support our local economy.  The top priorities for the coming year include:

• Stopping new fees or fee increases that make homes more expensive and homeownership unattainable.
• Reform the permitting process to save government and industry both time and money.
• Provide the homebuilding industry with flexibility on when fees are paid to help ensure projects are completed.
• Ensuring that California Green Builder is the green building program of choice for local government.
• Fighting to protect water quality and water availability by supporting statewide efforts to invest in our water infrastructure. 

Over the coming year, BIA will be providing you with frequent Government Affairs updates and be calling on YOU to help achieve these objectives.  With your help we can achieve market reform, ensure good planning, protect the environment and ensure that the American Dream of homeownership is alive and attainable!

Read Borre's statement on Schwarzenegger's State of the State Address 

The full report can viewed here.  New CBIA Chairman Ray Becker's remarks on the forecast and the importance for Governor Schwarzenegger and the Legislature to take action can be viewed here.

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This Sunday, January 13, a column from BIA President Bob Yoder will run in the Riverside Press Enterprise.  The piece focuses on the forecast for 2008, the value of our industry and the need for policy reforms to expand access to homeownership. 

For other articles, please visit the Homeownership News section of our website.