• Links to your Parade of Homes and Remodelers Showcase final proofs were emailed to you today. Make sure you go online to finalize your entries by July 17th.
   
• Read BATC's Legislative Review below for a recap of the 2014 session.
   
• Big education news - BATC-U education code classes and lead recertification coming soon. Read below.
   
• BATC Membership Directories have been mailed. You can order additional copies here.
   
• We've got exciting sponsorship opportunities for 2015. Plan to attend our sponsorship luncheon in September to learn more.
   
• 2014 sales and use tax law changes can be viewed here >>

WHAT'S INSIDE:

• Sprinkler Mandate Prohibition
• Builder-Pay Attorney Fees
• Repeal Business-to-Business Taxes
• Subcontractor Pilot Project Made Permanent
• Solar Ban Prohibition in Certain Homeowners Associations
• Environmental Permitting
• Lower St. Croix Wild and Scenic River Review Process
• Minimum Wage
• Park Fees
• Street Improvement Districts

Download the 2014 Legislative Session Review >>

In a major victory for NAHB and our multi-family builders, the U.S. Supreme Court today ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not have the authority to require multifamily and commercial builders to obtain costly pre-construction permits for greenhouse gasses emitted from the buildings they construct. Read more >>

NAHB is also looking out for its Remodelers
In April, NAHB Remodelers Vice Chair Robert Criner told the EPA that plans to revise formaldehyde regulations would pose undue hardship on remodelers installing cabinets and other products made with composite wood products. Read more >>

Registration and information will be coming soon on our industry-leading educational offerings to keep you current on energy compliance, lead recertification and building codes. Classes will start this fall!

Builder turned inspector, Neil Burning (NAHB), has learned both sides of the industry, and has great tips for how to get along with your code officials:

You want your inspector to know that you take the process seriously:

• Always walk the project before you call for the inspection and make sure it is ready.
• Always have an address and the permit record visibly displayed.
• Always have the approved plan available for the inspector.
• Walk the project with the inspector.
• Turn your cell phone on vibrate.
• Realize that you both want the same thing: building safety.
• If you're rejected, ask for the code section so that you can learn the requirements.
• Ask questions and be respectful.
• Agree to make corrections when needed.

NAHB recently released its annual census that provides demographic details of its membership base. NAHB members are primarily 55-64 years old, caucasian (97%) and male (93%). The data also shows annual revenue, number of housing starts, employees and primary business activity. View the data and charts >>

“Markets are gradually returning to normal levels of housing and economic activity. When we see more sustainable levels of job growth, this will unleash pent-up demand and bring more buyers into the marketplace.” - NAHB Chairman Kevin Kelly

INSIDE:

NAHB Builder Confidence Index
MSP Residential Real Estate Index
Twin Cities Building Activity
Employment Statistics

View the June Hot Sheet >>

"Millennials, the largest and most diverse generation in U.S. history, are poised to impact the housing market — if, that is, they'd all finally move out of their parents' homes." Read more >>

Despite a housing delay by Millennials, data shows that they will soon be on the move. But, when Millennials finally move out of mom and dad's basement, they're "less likely to own a home than in the past and they'll enter a housing market more heavily skewed toward rentals." On top of this, higher debt, lower incomes and tighter credit means that the Millennial generation could change the housing market landscape significantly. Read more >>

According to a recent study on the Best States to Make a Living 2014, Minnesota is among the top three states for workers. This is in part to low unemployment and in part to excellent workplace conditions.

The Twin Cities is also doing especially well in job creation, compared to the rest of the country. Our jobless rate of four percent is the lowest unemployment rate of any large metropolitan area in the nation. Read more >>

The Star Tribune's recent editorial counterpoint says that "The Met Council's Thrive 2040 blueprint calling for more density by the year 2040 was built on a shaky foundation." Read more here >>

BATC provided public comment in April on the Met Council’s Thrive 2040 framework document. While we agreed with many items in Thrive, we disagree with the central theme of a denser, transit-oriented growth pattern for our metro. Rather, we see nuanced changes for in-fill and transit-oriented development within the traditional growth pattern which is driven by affordability, access to transportation and job centers, strong schools, and natural amenities.

July 22
BATC BE Showroom Mixer and Free Marketing & Sales Course [register]
August 5
BATC Open Golf Tournament [register]
August 14
Member Orientation [Contact Deb]
September 9
Sponsorship Luncheon [register]
September 23
BATC Foundation Golf Open [Contact Perri]
October 7
BATC Clay Shoot [Register]
October 11
Builders' Warehouse Sale [Contact Perri]
October 23
BIG Night [more info]
November 4
Election Day - VOTE
November 13
Member Orientation
November 13
Give to the Max Day
November 18
BATC BE Fast Forward Showroom Mixer [register]
December 4
BATC Buck Auction & Holiday Food Drive [more info]

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