The Reporter 2023
March - April Issue
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“You get to decide where your time goes.
You can either spend it moving forward,
or you can spend it putting out fires.
You decide... and if you don’t decide,
others will decide for you.”
-- Tony Morgan --
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Housing Alert
Join Industry Efforts to Delay the
Manufactured Housing Energy Efficiency Standards Compliance Date
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The Department of Energy (DOE) has published a proposed rulemaking to amend the compliance date for its manufactured housing energy standards to allow the Department additional time to establish enforcement procedures that provides clarity for manufacturers and other stakeholders. Currently, home manufacturers must comply with these standards by May 31, 2023.
It is critical that DOE extends the compliance date for the manufactured housing energy efficiency standards until after the Department’s future enforcement procedures are created and take effect. The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) strongly recommends DOE take this action, as without a clear understanding of how the Department intends to enforce these manufactured housing energy standards or how the standards will be evaluated for compliance, it is impossible for the industry to know whether or not its compliance efforts will be found satisfactory to DOE. DOE’s enforcement procedures should be created through robust consultation with the industry to apply the energy efficiency standards to the realities of manufactured home construction. The industry needs time to understand DOE’s enforcement procedures and prepare their operations to ensure compliance with the energy standards.
This proposed rulemaking comes on the heels of MHI’s lawsuit against the DOE and its multi-pronged advocacy strategy to address the problems posed by the rule. MHI is in favor of the standards proposed by the Manufactured Housing Consensus Committee (MHCC), which are currently under consideration by HUD. HUD is expected to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking on its energy standards sometime in June 2023. MHI is also pursuing a legislative solution to make HUD (with the collaboration of the MHCC) the primary regulator for manufactured housing energy standards.
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MHI Has the lead on this effort!
Please assist MHI and All State Associations!
Take Action Now!
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It is critical that DOE hear from all sectors of the manufactured housing industry about the urgent need to delay the manufactured housing energy efficiency standards compliance date. Please join MHI's efforts and tell DOE that this action will give the industry clarity on how best to comply with the standards and what to expect from DOE’s enforcement of such standards.
To participate in the Call to Action click the button below and follow the simple steps on MHI's website. The letter to DOE has already been composed – all you have to do is insert your home address and click submit.
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You will see this screen below... |
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Budget Seeks to Increase Affordable Housing Supply, Remove Housing Barriers |
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President Biden has released his full fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget requesting $73.3 billion for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a $1.1 billion increase or 1.6% increase from the 2023 enacted level, to increase affordable housing supply, expand homeownership opportunities for underserved borrowers, and provide strategic investments across multiple programs to strengthen communities facing underinvestment and to prevent and redress housing-related discrimination.
For manufactured housing, the budget requests $14 million for the Office of Manufactured Housing Programs (OMHP), which is the same as the 2023 enacted level. Further, HUD is requesting authority to establish a $7 million grant program for states and primary inspection agencies to help offset costs associated with implementation and enforcement of new energy conservation standards for manufactured housing.
The budget also calls for the following:
- $15 million to increase the availability of FHA small balance mortgages.
- $3.4 billion for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to help communities modernize infrastructure, invest in economic development, create parks and other public amenities, and provide social services. Of this, $85 million is allotted for a competitive program to reward state, local and regional jurisdictions that make progress in removing barriers to affordable housing.
- $10 billion in mandatory funding for a new First-Generation Down Payment Assistance program to help address racial and ethnic homeownership and wealth gaps.
- $100 million for a HOME down payment assistance pilot to expand homeownership opportunities for first-generation and/or low wealth first-time homebuyers.
- $90 million to support state and local fair housing enforcement organizations and to further education, outreach, and training on rights and responsibilities under Federal fair housing laws.
- $3 billion in mandatory funding for competitive grants to promote and solidify state and local efforts to reform eviction policies by providing access to legal counsel, emergency rental assistance, and other forms of rent relief.
- $10 million for the Eviction Protection Grant program, which provides legal assistance to low-income tenants at risk or subject to eviction.
- Over $1 billion to fund tribal efforts to expand affordable housing, improve housing conditions and infrastructure, and increase economic opportunities for low-income families.
View the President’s fiscal year 2024 budget here.
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MHI Highlights the Importance of Manufactured Housing at Congressional Hearing
Ahead of a Senate Finance Committee hearing titled “Tax Policy’s Role in Increasing in Affordable Housing Supply for Working Families” last week, MHI submitted a statement for the record expressing its support for Chairman Ron Wyden’s (OR) first-time homebuyer tax credit proposal and urging the Committee to explore ways to make the Opportunity Zones program even more effective in generating investments for manufactured home communities. MHI also noted in its statement that federal programs, such as the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), have not historically been directed toward the development or preservation of manufactured housing communities. To ensure these programs are utilized, MHI urged the Committee to ensure HUD specifically names manufactured housing as an eligible use of funds.
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MHI Joins Business Community in Opposing Administration’s Proposed Tax Hikes on Small and Family-Owned Businesses
MHI joined with more than 80 business leaders in co-signing a letter to Representatives Jodey Arrington (TX-10) and Brendan Boyle (PA-2) of the House Committee on the Budget and Jason Smith (NJ-4) and Richard Neal (MA-1) of the House Committee on Ways and Means, to oppose the $4 trillion in tax increases, nearly half of which would fall on small and family-owned businesses, included in the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The letter argues that these proposed tax hikes would impair the ability of small businesses to “hire new employees, offer better benefits, and invest in the equipment and technology necessary to sustain their businesses and help them grow.” The letter further claims that when combined with other proposals put forth by the Administration it would raise top marginal tax rates on small and family-owned businesses from today’s 29.6 percent to a staggering 57 percent.
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House Passes Joint Resolution to Rescind "Waters of the U.S. Rule"
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval that would rescind the Administration’s “Waters of the U.S” (WOTUS) rule, an action MHI has strongly supported. MHI, along with many housing and business industry groups, have consistently expressed concerns about the definition of WOTUS and have called for a rule that ends the uncertainty over where federal jurisdiction begins and ends. However, rather than providing clarity, the revised definition continues to create uncertainty for landowners and developers about whether waters (such as ponds and ditches) on their property require them to go through the federal permitting process under the Clean Water Act (CWA). Further, the new rule comes at a time when the Supreme Court is weighing the scope of the CWA in the case of Sackett v. EPA. A ruling in the Sackett case could negate (or render irrelevant) significant elements of this WOTUS rule. MHI continues to monitor these actions and engage accordingly. View the lists of all groups, including MHI, supporting the resolution.
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MHI Provides Recommendations to Improve Participation in Federal Regulatory Process
In response to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) seeking feedback about how to broaden public engagement in the federal regulatory process, the Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) submitted comments offering recommendations for improving the process through transparency, adequate cost-benefit analysis, and ensuring all stakeholder viewpoints are included. In a letter, MHI supported OIRA’s recommendation for earlier and ongoing outreach and communications with stakeholders throughout the rulemaking process. MHI also called on agencies to provide a more thorough disclosure and explanation of the technical data and modeling used to support a regulation. Finally, MHI urged agencies to provide more feedback about the public comments it receives on regulations.
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Congress & Expo Starts in 3 Weeks |
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Join MHI April 19-21 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for the manufactured housing industry’s premier event.
Congress & Expo includes three days of top-quality educational programs, networking opportunities and an expo hall with more than 100 companies showcasing innovative solutions to help you grow your business.
In the opening session, Linda MacKenzie of Trifecta Research will present the results of MHI’s latest consumer research. She will reveal what current manufactured home residents like about their homes and communities and report on what potential buyers want in their next home.
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New Data Shows a Slow Start to 2023 for the
U.S. Housing Market
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The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) released an updated overview of the U.S. housing market for March 2023 that includes changes in housing starts and shifts in housing prices and overall value. Monthly housing starts steadily decreased throughout 2022 continuing into 2023, from a high of 164,300 starts in April 2022 to 95,600 in January 2023. Home values increased in nearly every state in 2022, with Florida experiencing the highest gains at 14.1%. New residential sales increased between December and January by 7.2% across the U.S.; the South saw the highest increases at 17.1%. New residential sales decreased in the Northeast by 19.4%, the Midwest by 6.9%, and the West by 7.3%. According to MHI’s most recent Economic Report, 6,951 new manufactured homes were produced in January 2023, representing a roughly 8.5% increase from December to January. However, year over year production was down almost 24%, with the industry producing 2,159 fewer homes than in January 2022. Given the data from across various sectors of the housing industry, there appears to be a broad slowing in housing production closing out 2022 and moving into 2023. As the economy remains a concern for consumers, especially in the context of high inflation and mortgage rates, continued hesitancy from potential homebuyers should be expected in the near-term.
This points to a tight housing market where an affordable home is out of reach for many potential homebuyers. A recent Redfin report found that only 1 in 5 home listings was affordable for the typical U.S. household, a scenario they described as the lowest level of housing affordability in history. Redfin analysts attributed the lack of affordable homes to a range of factors, including rising interest rates, fewer homes on the market, and a spike in home prices that began during the pandemic. According to the report, access to affordable housing is further exacerbated by preexisting inequalities, as only 9% of homes for sale last year were affordable for the typical Black household and only 14% of homes were affordable for Hispanic/Latino households. As homeownership becomes increasingly out of reach, manufactured housing presents an opportunity for homebuyers to purchase high-quality homes at attainable price points, making the industry well situated to help address the affordable housing supply shortage in America.
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Community Owners and Managers Education |
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Accredited Community Manager (ACM) - Designation -
The ACM curriculum is a two-part course for owners and managers of manufactured home communities. Topics include management and resident policies, community maintenance, leasing and sales techniques, marketing communities, taxes, insurance, financial management, business planning, physical asset management, and federal and fair housing laws.
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HUD Restores Rule to Address
Discriminatory Housing Market Practices
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HUD announced that it submitted a final rule entitled “Restoring HUD's Discriminatory Effects Standard” to the Federal Register for publication. This rescinds the department's 2020 rule governing Fair Housing Act disparate impact claims and restores the 2013 discriminatory effects rule. The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) previously submitted comments to HUD stressing the importance of fair housing and disparate impact as tools the industry uses to combat localities’ use of zoning and other discriminatory practices to exclude manufactured homes in their community. As part of its comments, MHI included specific examples of such discriminatory actions. This final rule will go into effect 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register. Click here for a fact sheet about the rule and here to read the final rule.
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113th Tennessee General Assembly
Convened at noon CST on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023.
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Session Update
Members of the 113th General Assembly worked last week towards closing standing committees and preparing for the release of the Governor’s amended budget in the next couple of weeks. As committees continue to close, both Houses will make more time on their weekly calendar for the Finance Committees to meet and review bills that will form the 2023-2024 funding and spending plan for the state.
While Governor Lee’s transportation and infrastructure initiative, tax reform, and teacher salary increase legislation continue to pass committee and full House and Senate consideration, other key pieces of his administrative agenda are also moving as well:
- The Governor’s Senate Bill 276 passed the full Senate which adjusts how state employee family leave, sick leave, and annual leave are calculated, ensuring that there are 12 weeks paid leave for the birth or adoption of a child.
- Senate Bill 279 passed the full Senate. It would allow for the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to use state dollars to fund partnerships with nonprofit partners across the state.
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The Tennessee General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Tennessee. It is a part-time bicameral legislature consisting of a Senate and a House of Representatives. The Speaker of the Senate carries the additional title and office of Lieutenant Governor of Tennessee.
Seats (132 voting members):
- 33 Senators (R-27; D-6)
- 99 Representatives (R-75; D-23; 1-Open)
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2023 - 24 Fishing Regulations in Effect;
New Format Guide Available
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Check it out!
Tennessee’s 2023-24 fishing regulations are now in effect and anglers are encouraged to obtain the new Tennessee Fishing Guide now available at locations throughout the state, on the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency website (www.tnwildlife.org) and on the TWRA “On the Go App.”
This year’s guide is in a digest format. The new size is a change from the previous years’ 8 ½ x 11 inches size.
“This new size will allow you to easily store the guide in your tackle box or pack,” said Mark Thurman, TWRA’s Fisheries Chief. “The guide will help you to stay up-to-date with fishing regulations across the state.”
Hard copies of the guide are available wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold and at the TWRA’s four regional offices located in Jackson (Region I), Nashville (Region II), Crossville (Region III), and Morristown (Region IV). This year’s statewide and specific region regulation changes are featured in the “What’s New” section.
The TWRA offers a reminder that hunting and fishing licenses and permits are now valid for one year from the date of purchase. Licenses are available online anytime at:
on the TWRA “On the Go App,” or at one of 474 license agents across the state. You can also select to auto-renew your license and never worry about your license expiring again.
Customers can also purchase a new design of the collector’s card for any annual license. This newest waterproof, durable card features a choice of a turkey, crappie, or a racoon, the State of Tennessee’s wild animal.
---TWRA--
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TWRA Mobile App Features
- Hunters can now report harvested game even with NO available cell service.
- Store licenses for yourself and others on your phone
- Use geo-location features and other cool tools
- Determine sunset/sunrise times based on GPS location
- Purchase licenses
- Find places to hunt and fish near you
- Access hunting and fishing regulations and lots of other information
- Stay connected to the TWRA through our social media outlets at Facebook, Twitter, & YouTube
- And more!
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Tennessee Transportation Projects |
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Tennessee roadway project information is divided by TDOT’s four regions to make it easier for users to find. Select a region below to view a list of projects which might affect your transportation routes. |
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Supreme Court to Take Case
Challenging CFPB’s Funding
In late February, the Supreme Court announced it will hear arguments in a case challenging the constitutionality of Congress’ decision to use the Federal Reserve to fund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). To make sure the CFPB would be independent, Congress put the agency outside the appropriations process and instead gave it automatic funding from the Federal Reserve. This action by the Supreme Court follows a ruling in October by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit which said that mechanism violated the Constitution and that the funding instead should be appropriated by Congress from the U.S. Treasury.
The Biden administration appealed this lower court ruling asking the Supreme Court to hear the case. The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments and decide the case during the next term, which starts in October.
The Supreme Court previously ruled on the structure of the CFPB in a 2020 case, when it found the Congress violated the separation of powers when it put a single director in charge of enforcing consumer protection laws while the president could only fire that director for cause.
If the Supreme Court rules Federal Reserve funding for the CFPB is unconstitutional, this would probably have to go back to Congress, which could then impose changes on CFPB authority and practices if it decides to substitute a different funding source. The Supreme Court will also have to resolve the legality of prior actions the CFPB has taken if the Court finds they were taken during the period the Bureau was unconstitutionally funded.
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FHA Reduces Annual Mortgage
Insurance Premiums
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced it is reducing its annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) for FHA-insured Single Family Title II mortgages by 0.30 percentage points, from 0.85% to 0.55% for most new borrowers, although the premiums differ for some borrowers based on the LTV and whether the loan is above $726,200. Click here to learn more. In Fiscal Year 2021, 41,490 manufactured home loans were financed through FHA’s Title II program which encompasses manufactured homes where the home and land are purchased together.
The Manufactured Housing Institute (MHI) joined with leading housing associations including the National Association of Realtors®, the National Association of Home Builders and the Mortgage Bankers Association calling on FHA to reduce the annual MIP for borrowers with FHA insured loans. Arguing the combination of higher home prices and mortgage rates has put severe stress on prospective low-to-moderate income and first-time homebuyers, the groups stressed that by lowering the MIP it will increase homebuyers’ purchasing power by reducing monthly payments and directly putting money into their pockets every month, giving them the opportunity to become homeowners and build generational wealth.
The mortgage insurance premium is the monthly fee that homeowners with FHA-insured mortgages pay to insure their mortgages, which they pay on top of their monthly principal and interest payments. For millions of borrowers, including those buying manufactured homes, mortgage insurance helps bridge the down payment gap for buyers lacking a 20 percent down payment or those with less than perfect credit, and supports access to affordable and sustainable homeownership for American families. Click here to learn more.
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Professional Housing Consultant (PHC)
- Designation -
The PHC curriculum is a comprehensive study of manufactured housing for retail salespeople. Topics include retailer responsibilities, land-home and personal property financing, fair housing, and selling skills.
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News articles from around the country! |
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Oregon’s Manufactured Housing Companies ‘Overlooked’ by Housing Plan, Says Industry Veteran, Oregon Business
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Fort Collins looks to rezone North College mobile home park to protect it from development, Coloradoan
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Phoenix wants to protect mobile home park residents from eviction, Axios
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Will Supreme Court scrap NY rent control laws?, The Indypendent
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Goin’ mobile: Colorado solar project to benefit manufactured housing, Solar Builder
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Upwardly mobile: Royal Crest residents ‘moving ahead’ after buying park, Wareham Week
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Houston developer unveils $34M luxury mobile home community planned for 420 homes, The Houston Chronicle
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ADUs are gaining popularity on the West Coast, HousingWire
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New efforts are being made to help residents buy the land under their mobile homes, NPR
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Phoenix City Council proposes moves to halt displacement of mobile home residents, azcentral.com
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MPC rejects mobile home rezoning, Yahoo! News
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City Council approves $181K to aid mobile home park purchase, Missoula Current
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Don't Call Them Mobile — Manufactured Housing Might Be The Answer To U.S. Housing Crisis, Yahoo! Finance
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Palo Alto’s last mobile home park gets a redevelopment plan, The Mercury News
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Proposal would open thousands of acres in Volusia County to mobile homes in rural areas, The Daytona Beach News-Journal
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State senate passes mobile home rights bill, KXNews
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Catlettsburg Council to planning commission: We like mobile homes, The Daily Independent
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THA Annual Meeting!
August 21 - 23, 2023
Make your plans now!
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Gaylord Opryland and Resort & Convention Center
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
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Watch this area as we begin to add event sponsors! |
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Annually, we encourage our members to support Tennessee's legislative efforts, by contributing to the Political Action Committee campaign. Click on the Donate Button above, to download a contribution form. You may also review the PAC webpage, for more information!
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Attention Members! You are doing a great job getting your listings up-to-date and user-friendly for your future customers! Keep it up! If you are one of the few who has not had the opportunity to get your listing completed, take the opportunity today, to get yourself 'Lead Ready'!
This new website will allow Tennessee residents to shop for a home, learn more about manufactured and modular homes, view floorplans, get price quotes, explore communities, and find lenders. Consumers can even take 3-Dimensional tours of new homes! This is an interactive site, so member listings need to contain a few details!
As a THA member, you have a free site listing allowing consumers to directly access your business. What a fantastic member benefit! However, to provide the best consumer experience, retailer listing profiles should display the makes and models of new homes offered, and communities should have full descriptions with amenities. In order for you to best utilize this new site, it is imperative that you verify your listing and provide all necessary changes. Our vendor will directly receive your requests for changes or additions (see buttons below).
In all events, ensure any leads are going to an email address that is checked daily. Please take a minute to click the appropriate button below and provide/update your free member listing. If your business is not listed, we did not have enough current information to complete your listing. Non-member companies will not be allowed to list on this website for consumer searches.
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Disclaimer! As with any new venture there will be a learning process! Launching a new site will come with tweaks and corrections! Be our eyes and ears! Check your listings and utilize the direct vendor access buttons below, for changes/additions/updates.
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Remember! This is THA’s consumer-facing website. Our existing association website remains active as your continued resource for industry news, legislative announcements, educational offerings, and general business information.
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Use these links to make changes or additions to your listing. |
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Did you see the THA Member Tool email in March? |
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Discovering the Benefits of Manufactured Homes :
Consistent Value in a Changing Market
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Modern Manufactured Homes
Are Built To Last!
How to Download the graphic:
- Right-Click on the Infographic!
- Select "save as picture". This will open up a window on your computer for you to select where you want the image downloaded.
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Tennessee MH Education Available Everyday! |
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Pick your course. Pay online. Access Online.
Print your certificate of completion right from your dashboard!
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Discounts are available for THA member companies!
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