On behalf of the nearly 600 member-companies of the Central Washington Home Builders Association (CWHBA), most of which are small businesses, we are continuing our work in supporting you and representing your interests. Below are some of our focused efforts:
Working with Local Jurisdictions
CWHBA has been working with health districts, cities, and counties across Central Washington to provide guidance, policy, and technical support. On Friday, we provided policy recommendations to local jurisdictions, urging cities and counties to keep their permitting and planning departments open and accepting new permits through the governor’s Stay at Home order.
Read Position Paper >>
Communicating with State Officials
On Monday, CWHBA sent out official correspondence to the Governor's office, helping make the case for the continuance of residential construction.
Read Letter to Elected Officials >>
Press Release & Letter to the Editor
Last week, we pushed out an official press release to help the public understand our role in supporting builders and recognition that some construction may still continue. It was pulished in mutiple locations.
Read Press Release >>
Continued Development of Resources & Response Efforts
We have been working diligently to ensure that we have the most-up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 response efforts to support small businesses at all levels: locally, state-wide and at the national level.
|
|
Even with DHS Designation,
Construction is Listed as Non-Essential in WA State
|
|
On March 28,
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) designated construction of single-family and multifamily housing as an "Essential Infrastructure Business." While this is a positive development, there has been some confusion on what exactly this designation means. At the National level, DHS reminds us that this "designation is advisory in nature. It is not, nor should it be considered, a federal directive or standard."
Unfortunately,
Gov. Inslee still maintains that for Washingtion State, "
commercial and residential construction is not authorized under the Proclamation because construction is not considered to be an essential activity."
(
3.25.20 Guidance Memo
) Currently, Washington is
one of only five states
without an exception for residential construction.
|
|
Gov. Inslee's Office: (360) 902-4111
They may be able to assist you or wish to hear your thoughts on this.
|
|
BIAW Member Town Hall Meeting
TODAY
"Ask a Lawyer about Enforcement of the Governor's Order"
|
|
|
|
TODAY
-
Tues. March 31 at 3:00 pm PDT
FREE to CWHBA Members
|
|
Discuss frequently asked questions about the governor's order as well as open at the end for questions.
General Counsel Jackson Maynard, Jan Himebaugh and Greg Lane.
|
|
Later this week, BIAW will host another town hall meeting regarding business resources, including payroll taxes, Small Business Administration assistance, and unemployment insurance. (More information to follow)
|
|
State Building Code Council (SBCC)
Hearing Testimony & Reviewing Written Comment
|
|
|
|
SBCC is meeting on April 10
th
and will be hearing testimony and reviewing written comment on the delay of the July 1
st
implementation of the building codes. A delay would provide both builders and enforcement officials the time necessary to make-up the education necessary before the new regulations take effect.
We want the SBCC to hear from YOU!
Please take a moment and give the SBCC insight on why these building codes should be delayed in enfroecment.
HERE
is a draft you might use to email the SBCC for public comment. Use the link below to email them directly before April 10th.
|
|
Paycheck Protection Program
Small Business Emergency Loan Guidance
(&
Forgiveness)
|
|
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. Importantly,
these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls
during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward.
|
|
|
Virginia Mason Memorial Requesting Support
|
|
|
|
As Virginia Mason Memorial Hospital responds to COVID-19, our community has done a wonderful job of stepping up and filling in the gaps when needed. Currently, Virginia Mason Memorial is looking for the following items:
- Masks including N95 Masks
- Hand Sanitizer
- Hand Soap
- Bleach Wipes
- Face Shields
|
|
If you are willing and able to donate any of these products, please contact The Memorial Foundation at
give@memfound.org
or call 509-576-5794. We cannot thank the community enough for their continuing efforts to ensure a safe Yakima Valley.
|
|
Are You Without Health Care?
WA Health Benefit Exchange Hosts Special Enrollment Period
|
|
Customer Support Center
Monday-Friday
7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
1-855-923-4633
|
In response to the potential growth of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange (Exchange) announced a
limited-time special enrollment period for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance
.
Until April 8, individuals seeking a special enrollment must contact the support center to select a plan by April 8 for coverage (start date beginning April 1, 2020).
|
|
Association of Washingon Business Weekly Webinars
|
|
Monday - April 6 at 10:00 am PDT
Free Webinar Series
|
|
|
AWB is convening top state and regional officials for a weekly webinar to discuss the latest updates on the COVID-19 impact to employers.
Hear what resources are available for you and real-time, expert insights
on all aspects of the crisis as we navigate how COVID-19 continues to impact our state and the economy.
|
|
Significant Changes to the 2018 Codes
COURSE GOING DIGITAL
|
|
|
|
Thursday, April 9th 8:00 AM-11:30 AM
Member Full Amt $85.00
Non-Mbr Full Amt $150.00
|
|
We will be hosting this through an online platform (TBD). Learn the significant changes from the last edition to the current edition (2018) of the International Residential Code, including Washington amendments, as well as the Plumbing, Fire and Mechanical Codes. This class will also include the recently adopted changes to the Washington Energy Code. These
changes take effect July 1st
, so don't miss your chance to take advantage of this great class at a remarkable price.
|
|
One thing will not change: Your CWHBA leadership will continue to work for you.
|
|
We are shifting our sails and will begin to focus on ways to
prevent further hardships
for our members.
We want to see our members recover and thrive, as 2020 was looking to promise.
(You can find current city and county permitting status by visiting our Response Page here.)
|
|
Chelsea Snodgrass
, Executive Officer
Jake Mayson
, Government Affairs Director
Emily Jameson
, Member Services Director, South Central
Cheryl Nelson
, Member Services Director, North Central
|
|
CWHBA Events on Hold Through April
|
|
In response to the public health threat of COVID-19, we have postponed any gathering or planned events cancelled through the month of April. We will continue communicating with those affected by these event cancellations and working to develop a plan, as we get better understanding of the long term affect. The upcoming events in May are tentative at this time and we will regularly keep you updated with decisions for cancellation or postponement. Thank you for your patience and understanding.
|
|
CWHBA Yakima | 3301 W. Nob Hill Blvd., Yakima, WA 98902
CWHBA Wenatchee | 25 N. Wenatchee Ave., Suite 207-B, Wenatchee, WA 98801
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
