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MESSAGE from Steve Lains, Chief Executive O cer
Dear Members,
As you can see by the cover story of this Sites edition, we
are trying to bring attention to a large issue pertaining to our industryandthatisaffordability. Tobemorespecific,oneof the issues contributing to the relatively flat permit numbers over the past couple years is that local municipalities have implemented ordinances and other regulations on new construction which is making is difficult for builders to build an “affordable”home.
STEVE LAINS
As this issue is being brought to the forefront and receiving some much deserved attention from local media, I encourage you to educate yourself on this topic and when provided the opportunity, advocate for our Industry.
I assure you, our Government Affairs director, Kate Collins and myself, are working with industry leaders and local municipalities to try to educate local officials and resident groups on the realities of affordability and how best to move
While we anticipate permits for homes above $250,000 will remain steady, all indicators point to untapped higher demand in the first-time, millennial, andempty-nestermarketsseekinghomesbelowthatpricepoint. Infact, area demographics point out that only 23% of residents in the nine-county area can comfortably qualify for a mortgage amount of $250,000 or more. Yet, development costs and local regulations often prohibit homes under $250,000 from being built in local municipalities.
forwardwithregulationspertainingtoit. Ifyouwouldliketo be involved or have input on this issue as we move forward, please feel free to contact Kate Collins in the BAGI Office.On behalf of the BAGI Board and Staff, to our sponsors – we thank you and appreciate all you do!
Sincerely,
Steve Lains, Chief Executive Officer
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