KCHBA Is Advocating for You During COVID-19

During these unprecedented times, the Home Builders

Association of Greater Kansas City (KCHBA) takes great pride in being your leading voice for housing and the wide array of issues that the industry is currently facing. Our top priority holds steadfast by promoting policies to keep the housing sector running and providing, safe affordable housing for consumers and their communities.

From advocating to keep residential construction “essential”, to providing pertinent updates to members regarding city processes and department changes, we have stayed committed to maintaining open lines of communication with our local, state, and federal government leaders.

Construction Deemed “Essential Infrastructure”

In collaboration with both the Home Builders Association of Missouri and the Kansas Building Industry Association, the KCHBA supported two letters, one to Missouri Governor Mike Parson and one to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, urging leadership to deem residential construction as “essential infrastructure”.

In addition to working with the state associations, staff also connected with local governing bodies to ensure that construction was again considered essential in local stay-home orders. Due to these efforts, our industry has remained open and active, with 438 permits pulled in the Kansas City metro area in March 2020, which is only a slight decrease from 475 pulled in February 2020. Notably, during the pandemic, residential construction was not deemed essential in other states and local municipalities throughout the nation.

Consistent Communication

During times of turmoil, communication is vital. The KCHBA has worked to bring you the most up-to-date and relevant content related to COVID-19 as well as other current events while minimizing the impact on your inbox. We understand that your focus is on day-to-day business and how to mitigate the impact of changes to protocol.

Open for Business, But Not Business as Usual

To best assist the residential construction industry, ongoing advocacy efforts are continuing so that the home building industry has representation during crucial discussions and remains connected to decision makers at all levels of government.

Continued on page 4 Municipal Meetings – KCHBA works to keep the lines of com-

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KCHBA Is Advocating for You During COVID-19

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munication open with local jurisdictions by hosting quarterly meetings with our builder members and city staff, specifically the building and planning departments. During the months of March and April, scheduled meetings with the following cities continued via Zoom Video Conferencing: KCMO, Shawnee, and Olathe. Additional communication was initiated with cities throughout the region to obtain updates regarding COVID-19.

Local Chamber of Commerce Meetings – In order to keep our pulse on the community and its stakeholders, KCHBA participates in Chamber happenings throughout the region. These events have included:

An update on the economy by local economist Chris Kuehl

An industry-specific meeting hosted by Tracey Osborn, President and CEO of OP Chamber, who was appointed to the Johnson County “Back to Work” Task force

Participation in municipal government relations committee meetings

A discussion with Kansas Department of Commerce Secretary David Toland regarding various business issues and relief efforts happening at a state level during COVID-19

Attending virtual town halls with U.S. Senators Roy Blunt, Josh Hawley, and Jerry Moran and U.S. Representatives Emmanuel Cleaver, Sharice Davids and Sam Graves.

There are many obstacles ahead and the current economic landscape will see changes. However, the KCHBA is here for you and will continuously advocate on the industry’s behalf. Resources, opportunities, and additional updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

We are so grateful to serve a membership that continues to strengthen and build communities. We are all in this together and we hope to see you all again soon!