NAHB Legal Action Grants Help HBAs Fight Local Court Battles

At the 2023 Fall Leadership Meeting last month, NAHB’s Legal Action Committee once again considered applications for financial assistance in legal cases. The NAHB Legal Action Committee recommended funding for three HBAs: 

• NAHB provided additional support to the Desert Valley Builders Association, so they could continue their challenge to the City of Coachella’s administrative processes for new construction. The DVBA objects to the city’s failure to conduct audits and produce impact fee reports as required by California law. A positive outcome in this matter would lead to a full, accurate, and transparent accounting of all mitigation fees and distribution to services related to new construction.
• Rulemaking in Oregon has become a slippery slope and the Oregon Home Builders Association (OHBA) is challenging the implementation of the latest mandated greenhouse gas legislation. Public notice and comment are an important part of administrative process, and OHBA is challenging state agencies’ lack of compliance.
• New York State Builders Association (NYSBA) received support to challenge the latest amendments to the New York Energy Law. The New York law is the first statewide fossil fuel ban in the country. If allowed to stand, the industry will experience an increase in construction costs and a decrease in housing affordability. In addition, the NYSBA is concerned that this law will place the reliability of consistent energy to residential development in jeopardy. 

The Legal Action Fund provides money, friend of the court briefs, and strategy assistance to NAHB members and state and local home builders associations. Whether you are in a lawsuit or just contemplating litigation, we strongly urge you to submit an application or contact staff to discuss your situation. The application is simple and NAHB staff can help walk you through it. No lawsuit is too modest for Legal Action Fund assistance.  

The Legal Action Committee will next consider Legal Action Fund applications on Monday, Feb. 26, during NAHB’s leadership meetings at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas. Applications are due to the Office of Legal Affairs by Friday Feb. 2.