HBA Advocacy Update

Horace, N.D. 

Two-year property tax exemption reinstated

June 19, the Horace City Council voted 3-2, to reinstate the two-year property tax exemption for new construction. This came roughly five months after a decision in January to let the abatement expire. It is reinstated for all permits through June 2024. After that, the Council will evaluate again. 

HBA of F-M worked to provide information and data on the abatement, including the impact the removal of it had in Horace. We are in support of the abatement because it is a tool to aid in homeownership, growth of communities, which helps increase the tax base, thereby spreading the burden. 

Land use code

HBA of F-M leaders will meet in mid-July with Horace's city administrator and community development planner to review the city's land use code. This version comes after HBA submitted comments in May. 

Recall election

Aug. 15 is the recall election for Horace Councilmember Stephanie Landstrom's seat. Landstrom was first elected to the Council in June 2022. Her opponent is Arlin Fisher. 

Voting will take place 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Horace Fire Station, 413 Main St. Horace, ND 58047.

Fargo growth plan

Additional meetings were held for the city of Fargo's growth plan, including an advisory meeting and open houses for the public to provide input. This is still in early stages. 

Metro COG housing needs study

We have received and reviewed an almost-final copy of the F-M Metropolitan Council of Governments' housing study. 

There will be a joint virtual presentation to metro area commissioners, councilmembers and planning commissioners tentatively scheduled for June 29.

On July 11, FMWF Chamber of Commerce will host a presentation and housing panel discussion at its Eggs and Issues event. HBA CEO Bryce Johnson will be a panelist. Register for Eggs & Issues here.

National Association of Home Builders

Click here to access video recaps from NAHB on its Spring Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C. Note: you will need to be logged in to view the videos.

HUD Secretary to NAHB Members: 'We are All on the Same Team'

Spring Leadership Conference attendees had a chance to hear from U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge.

In her address, she mentioned that there is an estimated shortage of 3.8 million homes. Fudge said that the entire government has to have a stake in addressing the housing affordability crisis and cited several areas where the Biden administration is taking a proactive stance:

• An $85 million grant program aimed at zoning reform
• A $75 million grant to help end youth homelessness
• Gap funding programs to help with homeownership and rental assistance

To read additional information from Secretary Fudge, click here.