INSIDE: Week Ten Capitol Report Web version

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The BATC Beat

  • Only 15 days until BRS! We've far surpassed the number of booths we has last year. Register today and sign-up for our keynote speaker and education courses being offered below.
     
  • Week ten is a wrap at the state Capitol. Check out what you need to know below. 
     
  • We want your stuff! Contact Perri to donate your gently used construction materials, appliances, model furniture and accessories, or other building products to the Builders WareHouse by April 3rd.
     
  • Be in the know! Sign up for our weekly blog updates today. 

BATC to File Court Brief Next Week

The building code battle continues. BATC's brief to the Court of Appeals in support of our effort to block the new sprinkler rule is due on March 23. We have recruited several amicus partners who will file a brief supporting our petition: Frank Kottschade/NAHB, Minnesota Association of Realtors, and BAM. While the agency will be granted substantial deference by the appeals court, we believe there are compelling legal arguments to support the requested injunction against the rule.


2015 Session Week 10: Here's What You Need to Know

Mandatory Buffers: Governor Dayton has proposed that owners of property abutting waterways be required to impose a 50-ft buffer between active use of the property. While there is general consensus on water protection, it isn’t clear if the 50-ft. buffer is the right solution to get there. BATC will continue to monitor.

Notice and Hearing Relating to Development Moratoriums: HF 1761/SF1687 is bipartisan legislation to require that cities provide advance notice and conduct a hearing before enacting a moratorium on housing development, introduced in the House and Senate.  Rep. Jim Nash (R-Waconia) and Sen. Melisa Franzen (DFL-Edina) are the authors. Given the late date, this will likely spill into the 2016 session.

Energy Performance Path: There is growing support in the House to consider including a performance path option for complying with the energy efficiency standards in the new energy code. We will continue to work with DLI to create clear pathways that give options for builders and homeowners looking for flexibility.

Street Improvement Fees: This annual proposal to authorize cities to create special taxing districts to fund street improvements is running on low oxygen. BATC negotiated a special carveout for new developments but a strong coalition of private and non-profit entities are opposing the bill. It’s unclear if it will make it out of committee in the Senate. Prospects for overall passage remain low.

Read more >>


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The Eisenberg Report: Higher Wages - When and Why?

Last year 3.2 million net new jobs were created and total employment is now several million higher than it was before the recession began. All of this good news, yet serious problems remain. Read Elliot Eisenberg's latest blog to find out what has him concerned >>


Twin Cities Home Prices Post Biggest Gain in a Year

The Star Tribune reports that Home buyers were out in force last month, signing more deals than they have in a year.

Here's a snapshot of what happened during the month:
Closings: 2,557, up 1.3%
Median sale price: $202,000, up 10.4%
New listings: 5,690, up 23.2%
Pending sales: 3,834, up 21.8%

Read more >>


BATC in the News

New Codes Aim to Improve Building Efficiency
The Hutchinson Leader mentioned BATC's action to sue the state over the new codes in a recent article on the new Residential Building Code taking effect. Read more >>


Parade of Homes Exit Interviews

BATC is conducting surveys of consumers during this spring's Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase. So far 500 surveys have been taken, with a 4.36 out of 5 average rating of the overall impression of the Parade of Homes.


Have you Signed up for Education Classes at BRS

It’s All About Business Development! We have some awesome education classes scheduled at this year's BRS. Don't miss these great opportunites.

8:30 am-11:30 am - includes a box lunch 
The day kicks off with Choosing and Targeting the Right Customers and Project Types for Your Business from our keynote speaker Shawn McCadden, a nationally known columnist, remodeling speaker, business trainer, remodeling business coach and award-winning remodeler.

12-1 pm and 1-2 pm - Fast Forward Education
Pick two of four great topics.
• Building Your Dream Team – Working with an Architect, Interior Designer and Landscaper
• Financial Planning & Controls: What’s Your Bottom Line?
• Know What You're Selling Before You Sell It
• Quick Overview of the 2015 Minnesota Residential Code and Energy Code (eligible for contractor and real estate CE credit)

More details and registration at www.BATCBRS.com


Everyone Wins at the "Wall of Wine"

Be sure to stop by the Foundation's booth #609 and check out their "Wall of Wine". Twenty dollars to play, all bottles are valued at a minimum of $15, many much higher. All proceeds benefit the BATC Foundation.


Donations Wanted!

It's that time of the year again! We need your stuff. If you have any new or gently used construction materials, appliances, model furniture and accessories or other building products please contact Perri to donate by April 3rd. More info >>


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Upcoming Calendar of Events

Now - March 29
Parade of Homes
March 27 - 29
Remodelers Showcase
April 2
Builders and Remodelers Show [Register]
April 11
Builders WareHouse Sale
April 16
Remodelers Round Table
May 5
Member Orientation
June 5 - 21
Artisan Home Tour 
July 9
Eggs and Economics Breakfast [Register]

For a complete list of events, visit our website at WWW.BATC.ORG.


Thank You to Our 2015 Elite Partners