Although we just wrapped up the 2019 election cycle in December, the start of 2020 brings another significant election cycle that will see us vote not only on numerous federal, state, county and judicial level …
Congress Approves Major North American Trade Deal
In December 2019, after more than a year of negotiations, the United States Senate voted overwhelmingly (89-10) in favor of ratifying the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which is a new trade agreement between the countries that …
GHBA Donates $15,000 to Imelda Assistance Fund
In December, GHBA members and staff met with Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and presented a check for $15,000 to the Imelda Assistance Fund. The GHBA appreciated the opportunity to partner with Judge Hidalgo on …
2019 General Election Recap & Runoff Review
As previously reported (and if you live in and around Houston you know), the City of Houston held a major election last month. Aside from one council seat special election in 2018, this was the …
Government Affairs/Volume Builders Meeting on Dec. 10
The GHBA’s Government Affairs and Volume Builders Committees will hold a joint meeting on Tuesday, December 10 at 11:30 a.m. in the GHBA boardroom. This meeting will cover a wide variety of topics both at …
Harris County Issues Clarification on Development Regulations
In June, Harris County adopted new drainage and floodplain management regulations, as well as new development requirements based on the updated Atlas 14 study of historical rainfall data. At the time the GHBA, along with …
EPA Repeals 2015 Waters of the U.S. Rule
Last month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) repealed the 2015 joint Clean Water Act (CWA) “Waters of the U.S.”(WOTUS) definition and rule. That rule would have dramatically expanded jurisdiction under the Clean Water Act and …
Residential Lot Banking: Alternative Financing to Fuel Homebuilding Growth
Home to four of the top 10 fastest growing cities in the country, the Texas homebuilding market continues to heat up. One challenge homebuilders face in this hot market is how to maintain capital to …
New State Laws Effective September 1
The 86th Texas Legislature has come to a close with hundreds of bills signed into law. Here are three that should be on your radar as a Texas homebuilding professional. House Bill 2439 by Representative …
City of Houston Announces Green Infrastructure Incentives
Last summer, the GHBA along with other development and community stakeholders were invited to participate and contribute in the process to develop the City of Houston’s Green Stormwater Incentives to encourage the use of green …
National Security Requires Suitable Living for Every American Family
The 1949 National Housing Act states “that the general welfare and security of the nation requires the realization as soon as feasible of the goal of a decent home and suitable living environment for every …
Harris County Adopts New Development Regulations Based on Atlas 14 Data
The Harris County Commissioners Court has adopted changes to development regulations that were based on the updated Atlas 14 study of historical rainfall data. These changes are effective immediately. Atlas 14 is a study conducted …
President’s Message: Will You Paddle into the Wave or Let it Crash Over You?
The GHBA provides an excellent venue for staying up to date on policy, ordinance, and code changes which can affect your business’s viability. Depending on your line of business, how quickly you are able to …
10 Common Reasons for Site Plan Review Rejections
The Houston Planning and Development Department (P&D) wants to help you get your site plans approved quickly and with the fewest amount of rejections possible. To this end, the team has identified the 10 most …
That’s a Wrap: Texas Legislature Adjourns Sine Die
On January 8 at noon, members of the Texas Senate and House of Representatives gathered in their respective chambers at the Capitol to convene the 86th legislative session. That began the 140 day countdown to …