Advocacy Councils
As the leading advocate for the homebuilding industry in the greater Sacramento region, the North State BIA is committed to preserving and furthering the economic interests of its members, while also working to enhance the industry’s standing as a significant contributor to the regional economy. The BIA continues to be in close communication with local jurisdictions and key agencies regarding the need to support homebuilding.
The North State Building Industry Association’s government and public affairs department works on behalf of the industry by advocating for public policies that promote a healthy building climate, so that well-planned communities continue growing to meet the region’s housing needs.
Few industries are as influenced by local government regulations, fees, and policies as the building industry. The NSBIA serves as the representative voice of members within its North California multi-county region.
66,000
Jobs created
$879M
In Taxes generated
Because of our industry’s impact on our region’s economy, the NSBIA’s efforts are particularly important. For instance, the Sacramento region’s economic benefit from new home construction in one year was valued at more than $7.4 billion, creating 66,000 jobs, and generating $879 million in federal, state, and local taxes.
Our government relations team is tasked with strategically and effectively delivering information about the homebuilding industry’s economic impacts and job creation when we advocate on behalf of our industry. We receive input and direction from our policy councils (builder and developer councils) made up of NSBIA members with specific geographical interests and/or expertise on critical issues related to fees and land development.
Our Strategic Approach
Providing effective jurisdictional coverage and proactively shaping public policy
Building effective advocacy capacity in our collaborative partnership.
Creating policy that benefits the industry and the community
Engaging in political advocacy that supports our members’ interests
Providing campaign support for business-minded candidates
Recent Awards
The North State BIA won the Best Local Government Affairs Program in the U.S. for 2019 from the National Association of Homebuilders for halting exorbitant affordable housing fees by creating Housing Trust Placer, and independent nonprofit designed to generate funding for affordable projects in the county from a variety of sources.
2016 Best Local Government Affairs Program in the U.S. for building the largest local PAC in the region and executing effective campaign strategies
2024 Policy Highlights
Political Action Committee Wins Elections - The BIA’s PAC had several outstanding wins this Spring, including Rosario Rodriguez for Sac County Supervisor and Phil Pluckebaum for Sacramento City Council.
Placer County Transportation Measure on the Ballot - With strong support from BIA, the Placer County Transportation Planning Agency has placed a sales tax measure on the ballot in the cities of Roseville, Rocklin, and Lincoln that will raise funds for important development-related projects including the I-80/Highway 65 Interchange and the expansion of Highway 65.
Lincoln- Placer Sales Tax Agreement Keeps Competing Measure off Ballot - The city and county agreed to a proposal originally proposed by BIA staff in which Placer County lifted the annual cap in the tax revenue they provided to Lincoln for public safety purposes, but the deal could be revisited much sooner than 2030 as originally proposed.
Stopped Inclusionary Zoning in City of Sacramento - The BIA has helped stop Inclusionary Zoning by running an aggressive independent expenditure campaign that helped elect Phil Pluckebaum over Katie Valenzuela, who was the major proponent of Inclusionary.
BIA Cuts Water Costs at Sac County - As a result of the BIA’s efforts, the Board of Supervisors has now approved a $200,000 cap on water connection fees. The prior ordinance required a 15% payment of the water fee at entitlement. With fees at $20,000 per unit, the policy change will save a 500-unit project $1.5 million.
Sac County on Track for Major Improvements - As a result of BIA leadership, Sac County is considering several major revisions and streamlining to both infill in greenfield development and affordable housing.
Placer Housing Element Remains in Compliance - Following extensive outreach by BIA staff, the Board of Supervisors voted to rezone enough properties as high density to remain in good standing with the state Department of Housing and Community Development. This removes the threat of lawsuits that could result in the loss of permitting authority.
El Dorado County Forms Affordable Housing Taskforce with BIA Staff and Members - After years of pressure from BIA staff and stakeholders, the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors approved the formation of its affordable housing task force, which will include BIA staff and members.
PG&E Planning BIA Training Sessions - After extensive dialogue with BIA, PG&E is designing two training courses for BIA members with one focused on Initiation, Globals and Design and the other on Inspections and Construction. These sessions are intended to not only familiarize BIA members with PG&E processes, but also to help us provide feedback on how to improve those processes.
Folsom Pulls Fee Updates in Favor of Planning Process Streamline - The Folsom City Council directed staff to begin overhauling the planning process to provide a more efficient and affordable process for applicants after BIA raised concerns about the full recovery cost in these departments.
Elk Grove Establishes New Acceptance Criteria to Increase Efficiency - A technical working group of BIA members and city staff produced a new set of acceptance criteria intended to speed up the city’s timeline and guide applicants through a more streamlined process.
Rocklin Adopts Affordable Housing Incentive Program - Rocklin adopted a program to incentivize affordable housing with reduced fees for homes at 60% AMI, reauthorized a housing asset fund for gap financing, and implemented a fee deferral for projects with low-income units.