August 14, 2018
#1 Homebuilder Advocates in Congress
Last week, SAHBA PAC Chair Ed Castelhano and Government Relations Director Shawn Cote met with Congressman Paul Gosar to discuss key industry issues. Over the years, SAHBA’s relationship with the Congressman has grown. Gosar has led on industry priorities such as unwinding the burdensome Waters of the US Rule.

This week, SAHBA presented Congresswoman McSally with NAHB’s Defender of Housing Award. This is the second time McSally has won the award. She is a regular guest at SAHBA functions and we enjoy ongoing access to her and her staff both in the district and D.C.

Both Gosar and McSally’s campaigns have been supported financially by NAHB’s BuildPAC and many SAHBA members. There re-elections are key to ensuring a favorable regulatory climate for SAHBA members to prosper. 
#2 Water, Water, Everywhere?
While the Lower Basin Drought Contingency Plan Steering Committee has held only 2 of its anticipated 10 meetings, many, many more meetings are taking place involving Steering Committee Members, Department of Water Resources, Central Arizona Project officials and other stakeholders.

All efforts are geared towards having a plan in place if a shortage is declared on Lake Mead that allows Arizona’s economy to continue its strong pace and allow Arizonan’s comfort there water will still be available.

Two of the issues that are key to a plan are mitigating adverse effects of a shortage to agriculture interests (in Pinal County) and to the Groundwater Replenishment District (or GRD). The GRD is a mechanism that ensures there is water for growth in Pima, Pinal and Maricopa counties. Home building – and our economy - would be seriously harmed if the GRD didn’t have access to water or was significantly modified. SAHBA is advocating for a plan that provides mitigation for the impacts of a shortage on Pinal County Ag and the GRD. 
#3 Haven't Received Your Primary Election Mail Ballot?
All registered voters have until August 17 th to request a primary election mail ballot. A separate request must be made for each person requesting a ballot by mail.

Primary and General Election ballots may be ordered on the same request. 

Once requested, the primary ballot will take 3-4 days to arrive.

If you haven’t received a ballot and are registered to vote, you can call (520) 724-4330 and request it. It takes 3-4 day to receive.
#4 San Pedro River Water-Use Dispute
Arizona ruling sides with developer in San Pedro River...

The Arizona Supreme Court has given the go-ahead to new development in and around Sierra Vista even if it could dry up the San Pedro River or later leaves home buyers with no water.

Read more
tucson.com
#5 Housing Affordability Hits 10-Year Low
Housing Affordability Hits 10-Year Low in 2nd Quarter

Rising home prices and interest rates pushed housing affordability to a 10-year low in the second quarter of 2018, according to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI) released today. In all, 57.1% of new and existing homes sold...

Read more
nahbnow.com
Mark Your Calendars
Aug 16 - CANCELLED - Advisory Council Mtg. Next meeting is Oct 18th at 4pm

Aug 21 - Business Referral Exchange

Sept 4 - SAHBA Mixer

Sept 5 - Remodelers Council Mtg

Sept 7 - SAHBA Charity Golf Tournament
More Member Benefits
GEICO - Exclusive NAHB discounts for members on auto insurance.

Visit www.geico.com/disc/nahb or call 800-368-2734. Mention NAHB for auto, homeowners, and commercial auto quotes. 
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