Article by Morgan Peters, GHBA Communications Director
The Houston Chronicle is working on another story focused on development in what they claim to be “higher flood-risk areas across the Houston region.” This time, they are focused on campaign contributions and “how political relationships may intersect with those decisions.” They’ve pulled HOME-PAC contributions dating back to 2015. They reached out to us for our response to residents who claim “these donations help create a culture where the industry’s interests are prioritized over the public’s.” This investigation fails to point out that from 2015 to today, the HOME-PAC has endorsed a number of candidates who have been elected, but also a number of candidates who have not been elected. It’s our best interest to endorse candidates who are pro-housing and pro-homeownership.
Here is the response GHBA provided to the Houston Chronicle:
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The HOME-PAC supports candidates who are pro-housing and pro-homebuyer. Our members develop and build housing that the general workforce can afford, and we support those who want to make that type of attainable housing a reality. Regarding the comment on “[political donations] help create a culture where the industry’s interests are prioritized over the public’s,” the industry’s interests are the public’s interest. Our members build thriving communities that make the Greater Houston-area a better, more resilient place to live. And, at the end of the day, our members build homes that follow city, county, state and even federal regulations regarding drainage requirements.
Regarding the Planning Commission and Montgomery County Development Committee, the makeup of the Planning Commissions is set regulatorily, and these committees and commissions are made up of experts, such as builders, developers and engineers, that understand land use regulations and how the decisions made will affect development and drainage, as well as members of the community. We feel it’s good to have a mix of experts on these committees.
It appears the Houston Chronicle is yet again implying that engineers, homebuilders and developers are ignoring rules and regulations to keep the Houston-area more resilient and its residents safe. However, as the GHBA, we will continue to advocate on behalf of our industry. We know our members will always build and develop with the safety and comfort of Houston-area residents, our own neighbors, friends and family, in mind.