February 20, 2018
EFFORT TO CURB THE INDUSTRY'S LABOR SHORTAGE PROBLEM GROWING
Builder and trade members encouraged to host summer interns
By Michael Strech, President and CEO, North State BIA

We simply do not have enough individuals coming into the construction trades in order to sustain the requisite housing production that will keep home prices at a reasonable level. A number of factors have contributed to the shortage but our number one challenge is convincing young people that well-paying careers are available in the construction industry.   
 
So what are we doing? Two years ago, our Foundation provided some logistical support to Lennar, which  established its own internship program that allowed 15 local high school juniors to learn about the in's and out's of the homebuilding industry.  That program - the  Sandy Wills Project Opportunity Internship Program  - has proven to be a hit, so Lennar  is expanding it to accommodate 60 juniors - our Foundation is also developing a job fair to place at least 100 graduating seniors into jobs. 

Now  its time to expand our entire industry's efforts on the internship front, so we would like to invite BIA builders and trade contractors to participate by providing juniors with internships and hiring qualified seniors. To support this effort, t he BIA  has allocated $150,000 to help offset the costs of hosting an intern.  BIA members who host interns are eligible to receive a 50% reimbursement for wages paid to interns during their first 160 hours.
 
Already, Taylor Morrison, Anthem United, and USA Properties have said yes to working with their trades to provide internships, but we need more members to get on board with this effort. It's not an exaggeration to say that the future of this industry depends on it.

For more information, please click here or contact the Foundation's Program Administrator, Elizabeth Goldsmith, at [email protected] or (760) 963-3528.

FOLSOM BUILDERS AND BREWS IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER ON MARCH 1
Don't miss this important opportunity to help support the candidates who will make a difference to our industry
Please join us for a lively evening of pizza, beer, wine and fun on Thursday, March 1  at Chicago Fire in the Palladio in support of the North State Building Industry Association's Political Action Committee (PAC).  Local elected officials and other esteemed guests will be present. For more information and to register, click here.

CBIA 2018 POLICY SUMMIT & WINTER GOVERNANCE MEETINGS
North State BIA members are highly encouraged to attend
One of the benefits of the federated model that the North State BIA is a part of is benefitting from important policy events that our state and national counterparts organize. One such event - that you won't want to miss - is CBIA's Policy Summit and Legislative Reception on Tuesday, March 6 and Wednesday March 7 in Sacramento.
 
This annual event serves as a terrific platform for the leaders of our industry to hold in-depth discussions about current and future issues. It is also an important forum in which we can underline the strength of the homebuilding industry to California's elected officials.
 
If you would like to attend, please register by February 23, so that CBIA can adequately prepare for your attendance.  For any additional questions, please feel free to contact Melanie Figueroa at [email protected] or (916) 340-3352. 

GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
See how our advocates are fighting for you

Placer County Approves Legislative Platforms
Placer supervisors approved state and federal legislative platforms on February 7 in an effort to ensure that state and federal policy decisions benefit Placer County.  Regarding state policy, new proposals include issues regarding local control over land use authority, affordable housing, and funding for services and streamlining. Regarding federal policy, the county will seek funding for the Placer Parkway and infrastructure to support economically developing areas. Another priority is protecting homeowner's insurance in wildfire-prone areas. More information can be found here.

Vacancies on Placer County Planning Commission
Placer County is now accepting applications for two vacancies on their Planning Commission. The seats available are for Districts 2 and 5, seen here. Residents of these districts can represent their respective districts for a four year term. More information can be found here.

Placer County Hearing for Development Plans and Proposed Zoning Changes
The Placer County Planning Commission is hosting several community workshops and hearings at their meeting on February 22. Two topics of significance include the Sunset Area Plan and the Placer Ranch Specific Plan. Additionally, there will be discussion on proposed changes to county zoning including the creation of a street-side setback requirement and setback regulations for solar panels. More information can be found on the Placer County Meeting Agenda.

City of Roseville To Start Preparations for Downtown Bridges & Trails Project
On February 19, Roseville began preparations for construction of their Downtown Bridges & Trails Project, approved by Roseville's city council in mid-January. The project aims to assist the revitalization of Downtown Roseville via replacement and construction of three pedestrian bridges.

Important SACOG Meetings Coming Up
The Sacramento Area Council of Governments has a number of key meetings over the next several weeks, including the following:
  • Transit Coordinating Committee
    • February 21at 9:00 am
    • Location: SACOG Rivers Rooms, 1415 L Street, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA
  • Regional Planning Partnership Committee Meeting
    • February 28 from 2:00-4:00 pm
    • Location: SACOG Room TBD, 1415 L Street, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA
  • Transportation Committee Meeting
    • March 1 at 10:00 am
    • Location: SACOG Room TBD, 1415 L Street, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA
  • Land Use & Natural Resources Committee Meeting
    • March 1 at 1:30 pm
    • Location: SACOG Room TBD, 1415 l Street, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA
  • Government Relations & Public Affairs Committee
    • March 5 at 10 am
    • Location: SACOG Room TBD, 1415 l Street, Suite 300, Sacramento, CA
MEMBER SERVICES AND EVENTS
See what's coming up at the North State BIA
Register Today for the BIA Events Below
Thank you to Our Oak Park Brewery Mixer Sponsors
  • O'Hagin
  • Gilbert Associates, Inc.
  • Cosentino Surfaces
  • Paramount Partners Group
  • Taylor Builders, LLC.
  • Morton & Pitalo, Inc.
  • Wood Rodgers, Inc.
  • Frayji Design Group, Inc.
  • RICK Engineering Company
  • HELIX Environmental Planning
Check out the pictures from a fun night out!
BUILDING A DEFENSE AGAINST AB 1701
By Katherine Sandberg, Fisher Phillips

A contentious new law in California is reshaping the potential liability of builders for unpaid wage claims, and contractors must be prepared. AB 1701 applies to private construction contracts that are entered into on or after January 1, 2018. The law makes general contractors liable for unpaid wages or fringe benefits that a subcontractor may owe to any worker. Under the new law, the California Labor Commissioner, unions and joint labor management cooperation committees may all bring private actions up to one year after the project's date of completion against the general contractor to collect alleged unpaid wages and fringe benefits. Notably, the law allows prevailing plaintiffs to recover their attorneys' fees and costs, which will incentivize plaintiff's attorneys to troll for these types of claims. To add insult to injury, contractors who prevail against these claims may not recover their attorneys' fees. Read Katherine's column here.

HOMEAID'S TEXAS HOLD 'EM TOURNAMENT IS COMING UP
Register today for the March 4 showdown at Bunz Sports Pub & Grub
Got what it takes? Then put on your best poker face and register for our Texas Hold 'Em Tournament benefitting HomeAid. Come out for a great time and help us build hope for the homeless in our community! Register here.

North State BIA