BIA Advocacy Update

21st Century ROAD to Housing Act passes U.S. House of Representatives

The House approved the final Senate-passed version of this major housing bill, and it was sent to President Trump's desk. Although the signing of it has been delayed, the National Association of Home Builders is optimistic it will ultimately become law.

Its Congressional passage happened just two weeks after the BIA and North Dakota Association of Builders were in Washington, D.C. advocating for it to be brought the floor for a vote. 

This bill works to increase housing supply by promoting zoning and land-use reforms, reducing regulatory barriers, and expanding support for affordable, rural, and multifamily housing.

Read more here.

United States declines renewal of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)

The Trump administration decided to not renew the USMCA agreement, which means it will be in effect for another 10 years unless one of the countries withdraws. 

What this move does is allow for renegotiations and the U.S. could pursue individual trade agreements with Mexico and Canada, something NAHB has signaled could create momentum for a new softwood lumber agreement with Canada.

NAHB also shared that the U.S. Department of Commerce plans to reduce the antidumping and countervailing duties on Canadian softwood lumber imports in mid-August, lowering the rate from 35% to 25%.

Minnesota Construction Codes and Licensing Division Summer Newsletter

The newsletter includes information about: 

• Updates clarifying Minnesota's electrical rules
• 2026 National Electrical Code adoption update
• CCAC to review rulemaking updates
• Plumbing Plan Review Unit expands to boost service and support
• and more.

Changes to the electrical rules include training program requirements, inspections and permitting. Of note is that the department raised the dollar amount threshold for automatic permit expiration. Under Minn. R. 3801.3780, subp. 2, electrical permits with inspection fees of $1,000 or less — up from $250 — expire 12 months after filing unless extended. 

Minnesota Primary Election Information

Minnesota's primary election is on August 11 and absentee voting began June 26. 

Click here for voting information in Clay County. 

Click here for voting information specific to the city of Moorhead.

The general election is on November 3.