Government Affairs

The North State Building Industry Association's Governmental and Public Affairs department works on behalf of the industry as a whole, advocating for public policies that promote a healthy building climate so that well planned communities continue to grow, ensuring that the region's housing needs are met.

Few industries are as influenced by local government regulations, fees and policies as the building industry.  The BIA serves as the representative voice of members within its northern California multi-county region.  The BIA's Government Affairs staff and volunteers diligently advocate for the interests of the building industry and its associated trades and professions.   They work closely with local government staff and elected officials to help mold the policies and their impact on our members

The BIA’s efforts are particularly important, specifically because of our industry’s impact on our region’s local economy. For instance, in 2004 the Sacramento Region's economic benefit from new home construction was valued at more than $7.4 billion dollars, creating 66,000 jobs and generating $879 million in Federal, State and Local Taxes.

Our government relation’s team is tasked with strategically and effectively delivering the above information regarding economic impacts and job creation when we advocate on behalf of our industry. We receive input and direction from our Policy Councils (Builder & Developer Councils) made up of BIA members with specific geographical interests and/or expertise on critical issues related to fees and land development.

In Governmental Affairs, our work Philosophy is that success is a well-designed governance structure. A structure that is predicated on a commitment by the membership and commitment by our staff to actively and accurately engages our members and partners in policy development, making decisions on direction and advocacy for our Association.

Our Strategic Approach is to:

• Building Effective Advocacy capacity in our Collaborative Partnerships
• Policy Creation that is best for the industry and the community
• Political Advocacy that supports our members interests
• Campaign Support for Business Minded Candidates

KEY: Provide effective jurisdictional coverage and proactively shape public policy

Our Goals / Objectives:
-Governmental and Project Support
-Political Action Committee(s) Support / Event Coordination
-Public Relations / Communications
-Advocacy / Representation / Legal Action Coordination
-Issues Identification / Research / Education

Our 2012 Legislative and Policy Core Focus

• Focus on reducing fees and exactions
• Focus on Regional Issues such as Air Quality and Water Quality Regulations
• Reinvigorate volunteer base of PAC
• Implement regional standards for green building, SWPPPs and other issues as warranted
• Continue leadership in regional transit discussion
• Continue discussion with affordable housing advocates on potential funding alternatives