HBA Advocacy Update

Horace recall election results

The city council recall election happened Aug. 15. Current councilmember Stephanie Landstrom won the election, with unofficial votes at 611 to challenger Arlin Fisher's 202. In total, 813 votes were cast. HBA of F-M looks forward to continue our work with the city to promote safe and attainable housing.

Fargo

The city's Economic Development Incentives Committee continues work reviewing the public/private partnership criteria. There is a meeting at 1 p.m. Aug. 22.

Moorhead

The city council appointed a new councilmember to fill Steve Lindaas' Ward 4 position. Lindaas' last day is Aug. 31. Out of six candidates, Sebastian McDougall was selected by the council on Aug. 14. 

West Fargo

With the decommissioning of West Fargo's lagoons, roughly 400-500 acres will now become developable land. The city's vision is to create an area of connectivity, where individuals can work, live, etc. There are a few different options the city could consider:

1. Selling the land to a private developer. 

2. Entering into a public/private partnership.

3. The city becomes the master developer of the property. 

The plan also mentions issuing an REOI (request for expressions of interest) to national and regional developers asking how much interest there would be in redevelopment of the land.

If interested, read the whole plan here.   

HBA meets with U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer

Above (l. to r.): Rose Marcellus, HBA intern; NAHB Senior Life Delegate Don Dabbert, Jr., Dabbert Custom Homes; U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer; HBA President David Reid, Radiant Homes; Bryce Johnson, HBA CEO and Hannah Johnson, HBA intern.  

In early Aug., U.S. Sen. Kevin Cramer came by Dabbert Custom Homes’ office to discuss North Dakota’s housing market and workforce challenges.  

HBA of F-M leaders and staff appreciate conversations with our congressional delegation on how we can work together to address various codes and workforce concerns that impact affordable housing.

NAHB News 

The U.S. Department of Labor issued its final ruling of the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts. Many changes were made, including returning to the prevailing wage definition used from 1935 to 1983. NAHB chairman, Alicia Huey issued a statement expressing disappointment with the ruling. 

Read her statement here.