The HBA of West Florida recently won final summary judgment in a long-running case challenging the methodology of a new ordinance in Santa Rosa County, Fla., that levied school impact fees of $5,000 on each new home permitted in the county, $4,000 for each mobile home, and $2,750 for each multi-family unit.
The majority of home buyers prefer to go green when provided the option and will generally spend more for it — for instance, paying more for green building certifications or installing features that will save on utilities. So how can builders capitalize on this growing interest and work it into their businesses?
Fueled by low mortgage interest rates and strong demand, annual existing home sales reached 15-year high in 2021, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). However, supply has continued to lag due to ongoing supply-chain disruptions and inventory fell to lowest level since January 1999, keeping home prices elevated and pricing out first-time and young buyers. Total existing home… Read More ›
The East Baton Rouge Parish Metropolitan Council authorized the Mayor-President to approve the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the Ascension Parish Government and East Baton Rouge Parish to expand the clearing and grubbing of Bayou Manchac. This was a time sensitive matter in order to meet time deadlines for contracts and agreements with Ascension Parish Government. Ascension Parish Council will be addressing the same agreement on January 20, 2022.
U.S. Congressman Garret Graves released the following statement as the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council is set to consider an agreement tonight that would expedite Bayou Manchac debris removal. Since the May 2021 flood, Graves has collaborated with Ascension, East Baton Rouge and Iberville Parish stakeholders to develop and reach regional flood control solutions.
“Disaster destruction doesn’t stop at a parish line so regional flood protection requires a regional solution. We’re making significant progress with stakeholders and officials from Ascension, East Baton Rouge and Iberville Parishes and the Pontchartrain Levee District. Federal funding was secured and now we’re using the discussions to move us to solutions faster. It remains a priority to remove debris and increase drainage of Bayou Manchac, Alligator Bayou, and Spanish Lake basin to protect our homes, businesses and families,” Graves said.
To learn more about government relations and other industry issues, please contact Melissa Parmelee, Community and Government Relations.
