Issue link: http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/901018
BY MIKE WALSH TERRENE HOMES 2017 PRESIDENT MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT Defending The Need to Build With the change of each season usually comes some time to rest and regroup. However, when it comes to advocating for our industry, there's no time to rest. The challenges we face never stop. There have always been those who don't want change and are not interested in seeing new homes built in their neighborhoods. The pressure the "no-growth" crowd applies to local government is significant. They are usually the loudest voice in the room, often getting more attention than those of us who work every day to provide attainable housing. We follow rules, adhere to code, and pay our fees. The Growth Management Act of 1990 established a clear line where urban growth is not only allowed, but expected. The legislature did this to curb urban sprawl and consolidate growth where infrastructure, schools, job centers, and civic services are located. We all know how wonderful the Pacific Northwest is and the word is getting out. Businesses of all kinds are opening o†ces here and people are moving here faster than our industry can keep up, resulting in a housing shortage, high demand, and inflating values. Add the pressure of the no-growth folks and we are in a constant battle to provide good, quality, attainable housing for all. I often find myself in conversations with people advocating for moratoriums, new egregious regulations, and other growth limiters. Often, they use the environment, tra†c, or schools as their rationale, but more often than not, they simply don't want their environment to change. As an industry, it's incumbent upon us to stand up and be heard. We must advocate for young families looking to buy their first home and new families moving here. Don't be afraid to defend our region's need for housing. Ensure your voice is heard in any conversation condemning new growth. If we keep working together to elevate our influence, we will make a difference. There's no time for rest when it comes to advocating for our industry. Help us elevate our influence at mbaks.com/advocacy A L M O S T A S R I S K Y A S N OT J O I N I N G G R I P. ELEVATING OUR INFLUENCE 2017 4 master builder WINTER 2017 '' """•– '——˜"