INDUSTRY NEWS
11 February, 2025 How Tariffs Impact the Home Building Industry
The cost of building new homes is escalating due to a combination of scarcity, inflationary pressures, and trade uncertainties, notably tariffs that function like taxes on imported goods. Proposed new tariffs on materials from Canada, Mexico, and China could add billions to construction costs, and many of these costs are passed on to consumers. The National Association of Home Builders is calling for tariff exemptions and other policy reforms to help maintain housing affordability.
25 October, 2024 HBA, Chamber Urge Salem City Council to Examine Budget Efficiencies Before Raising Taxes
The Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties and Salem Area Chamber of Commerce provided public testimony to the Salem City Council on Monday, October 21st, urging the Council to further examine budget efficiencies before moving ahead with efforts to raise taxes.
26 April, 2024 HBA testifies in favor of NW Natural’s proposed changes to Line Extension Allowances
HBA members and staff testified in favor of NW Natural's proposed changes to Line Extension Allowances at the Oregon Public Utility Commission's public hearing on Tuesday, April 16th. Line Extension Allowances, which are credits provided by electric or gas utilities to developers to offset the costs of installing utilities to the subdivision, based on the number of utility connections that will be made when new homes are built.
12 February, 2024 NAHB’s Government Affairs Team Posts Key Wins for Members in 2023
In a year of hyper-partisan gridlock that produced less than two dozen bills enacted into law (the fewest number in decades), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) was able to establish a formidable presence on Capitol Hill and move the ball forward on a number of high-priority legislative objectives.
2 February, 2024 HBA Offers Building Code Update Class on March 19th
Oregon's building code changes April 1st. Are you ready? Beginning April 1st, all permit applications will have to comply with the new 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code, which contains a number of significant changes over the previous code. Attend the HBA's Code Update Class on Tuesday, March 19th to get the information you'll need to avoid costly errors and corrections.
16 January, 2024 Don’t Get Scammed by Email List Vendors
A number of HBA members have reported receiving emails from rogue list brokers in recent weeks, with fraudulent offers to sell HBA member lists and emails. Unfortunately, some members have paid money to these spammers, only to find that they're not getting the lists they were promised. Please be aware that the Home Builders Association does not authorize any third parties to sell lists of members or their emails.
Independence Proposes Massive SDC Hike
The City of Independence has proposed a massive $21,000 increase in their water System Development Charge (SDC), increasing Independence's total SDCs to nearly $54,000. If adopted at the Independence City Council's February 27th meeting, Independence's SDCs would be the most expensive in the state of Oregon.
22 December, 2023 Andrew Wheeler Installed as 2024 HBA President
The HBA celebrated its annual change in elected leadership on December 13th, as Andrew Wheeler of T. Wheeler Homes was installed as 2024 President of the Association. The installation took place during the HBA's annual Holiday & Installation Banquet held at the Salem Convention Center. The event also marked the installation of the other officers and members of the Board of Directors.
Santiago Sarmiento Named 2023 Associate of the Year
Santiago Sarmiento of Sarmiento's LLC has been named the Home Builders Association’s 2023 Associate of the Year. The award is given annually to recognize outstanding contributions to the HBA, the building industry and the local community. Santiago Sarmiento's involvement with the HBA has been noteworthy. In the previous year, he served as the HBA's Associate Vice-President, showing leadership and dedication to the association's growth. However, Santiago's impact goes beyond his official role. He's been actively engaged in industry and community initiatives.
Nolan Fridley Receives 2023 Builder of the Year Award
Congratulations to Nolan Fridley of Fridley Custom Homes, named the 2023 Builder of the Year by the Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties at the annual Holiday & Installation Banquet at the Salem Convention Center in mid-December. This prestigious award recognizes outstanding craftsmanship and individuals who leave a lasting impact on the association, the home building industry, and the greater community.
5 December, 2023 Time is Running Out to Register for Tuesday’s HBA Holiday & Installation Banquet
Join us next Tuesday evening, December 12th for the HBA's Holiday & Installation Banquet at the Salem Convention Center as we install incoming President Andrew Wheeler and the 2024 Board of Directors, as well as present the annual Builder of the Year and Associate of the Year awards. This festive banquet is a great opportunity to celebrate the holidays with friends and colleagues alike.
Advertise in the 2024 Tour of Homes magazine
The 2024 Tour of Homes takes place July 13th - 21st of next year, and work on the Tour of Homes magazine has begun. Again this year, the HBA has partnered with E&M Consulting, Inc. to produce the Tour of Homes Magazine which will be available in both print and digital formats. To advertise, please contact E&M at 800-572-0011 ext. 8005 or [email protected].
15 November, 2023 Energy Trust of Oregon Offers Upcoming Webinar on New Energy Code
With Oregon's energy codes changing April 1st, 2024, many builders, building designers, HVAC contractors and others will be needing to learn about the changes needed to meet the new code requirements. To assist contractors with the change, Energy Trust of Oregon is hosting a webinar on "How to Meet or Exceed the 2023 Oregon Energy Code" on Wednesday, November 29th from 8am - 9am.
8 November, 2023 PWB Offering Two Great Networking Events
The HBA's Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) is offering two excellent networking events for Council members (and prospective PWB Council members too!) this month - a 'Coffee & Pie' social at 8:30am on Thursday, Nov. 16th and their Holly Jolly Cooking Decorating Party at 5:00pm on Thursday, Nov. 30th.
Nominations open for Builder of the Year & Associate of the Year awards
Nominations are now open for the HBA's 2023 Builder of the Year and Associate of the Year awards. The awards honor individual members for their outstanding contributions to the association, to the building industry and/or the community, and are are designed to recognize those who exemplify service to their industry and community, and inspire others towards similar efforts.
Learn About New Oregon Energy Code at Nov. 15th Member Luncheon
Join us at the monthly HBA member luncheon on Wednesday, November 15th for a presentation on Oregon's new energy codes from Greg Lasher of Energy Trust of Oregon. The new code becomes mandatory on April 1st of next year, and will impact builders, trade contractors and material suppliers.
2024 Board of Directors to be elected
Members attending the HBA's monthly luncheon on Wednesday, November 15th will be casting ballots for the association's 2024 Board of Directors. Andrew Wheeler of T. Wheeler Homes has been nominated for the President position, with Beth Rhoades of C&R Remodeling & Design nominated for the incoming Secretary/Treasurer position.
27 October, 2023 HBA Member Gas Prices Drop to $3.30 per Gallon
Association members enrolled in the HBA's group fuel purchasing program are paying only $3.30 per gallon for unleaded and $4.13 per gallon for diesel as of Thursday, October 26th, savings of nearly $1 per gallon. If you'd like information on enrolling in the program, contact Kathy Temple at Ed Staub Petroleum at 541-408-5155.
19 October, 2023 Register for Tuesday’s Member Luncheon on Salem’s Proposed Payroll Tax
Join us over the noon hour next Tuesday, October 24th for the monthly HBA member luncheon where we’ll delve into one of the most controversial and discussed topics in Salem today: the proposed payroll tax on next month’s ballot. [READ MORE]
12 October, 2023 Oregon’s Building Codes to Change
Oregon's residential building codes will be changing in 2024, and both builders and trade contractors will want to pay close attention to when the new code changes will be required. While the new 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (2023 ORSC) has been adopted, contractors may choose to build under either the existing or new code until April 1st, 2024. [READ MORE]
4 October, 2023 Register to Attend HBA’s Oct. 17th Trade Show Night
Registration is now open for Trade Show Night - one of the HBA's most popular events of the year! Mingle with nearly 200 other HBA members and more than three dozen vendors while enjoying heavy appetizers and beverages while thousands of dollars in cash and prizes are given away.
3 October, 2023 HBA Contributes $10,000 to Defeat Payroll Tax
The Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties has contributed $10,000 to the campaign to defeat the employee-paid payroll tax that will be before Salem voters on the November 7th ballot. The association's Board of Directors voted in late September to oppose the tax and contribute funds from the organization's political action committee to help ensure the tax's defeat.
20 September, 2023 Free Registration for International Builders Show Through End of September
Thinking about joining 125 - 150 other HBA members from the Salem areas attending the NAHB International Builders Show in Las Vegas next February 27th - 29th? If so, you'll want to register by the end of September and take advantage of free expo pass registration for the show.
7 December, 2022 Construction Community Liaison Sought for Santiam Canyon Fire Recovery
The Santiam Canyon Long-Term Recovery Group (SCLTRG) is seeking a Community Construction Liaison to act as the primary point of contact between the SCLTRG and individual survivors working on home rebuilds.
8 July, 2021 Oregon OSHA Issues Emergency Heat Rules
Reacting to Oregon’s recent heat waves and the unfortunate deaths that came with it, Governor Brown earlier this week ordered Oregon OSHA to adopt emergency rules relating to working outdoors or indoors during high heat.
1 July, 2021 Oregon OSHA drops requirements for masks, social distancing on jobsites
Oregon's Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OR-OSHA) announced today that masks and social distancing requirements would no longer
30 June, 2021 Oregon’s Minimum Wage Increases Again July 1st
Oregon's minimum wage rates increase again July 1st, 2021, the latest in a multi-year series of increases adopted by the Oregon legislature in 2016.
29 June, 2021 NAHB Chairman Urges Congress to Boost Lumber Production from Federal Lands
To help resolve lumber supply shortages and rein in elevated prices, NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke today called on Congress to increase domestic lumber production from federal
2 February, 2024 HBA Offers Building Code Update Class on March 19th
Oregon's building code changes April 1st. Are you ready? Beginning April 1st, all permit applications will have to comply with the new 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code, which contains a number of significant changes over the previous code. Attend the HBA's Code Update Class on Tuesday, March 19th to get the information you'll need to avoid costly errors and corrections.
15 November, 2023 Energy Trust of Oregon Offers Upcoming Webinar on New Energy Code
With Oregon's energy codes changing April 1st, 2024, many builders, building designers, HVAC contractors and others will be needing to learn about the changes needed to meet the new code requirements. To assist contractors with the change, Energy Trust of Oregon is hosting a webinar on "How to Meet or Exceed the 2023 Oregon Energy Code" on Wednesday, November 29th from 8am - 9am.
8 November, 2023 Learn About New Oregon Energy Code at Nov. 15th Member Luncheon
Join us at the monthly HBA member luncheon on Wednesday, November 15th for a presentation on Oregon's new energy codes from Greg Lasher of Energy Trust of Oregon. The new code becomes mandatory on April 1st of next year, and will impact builders, trade contractors and material suppliers.
12 October, 2023 Oregon’s Building Codes to Change
Oregon's residential building codes will be changing in 2024, and both builders and trade contractors will want to pay close attention to when the new code changes will be required. While the new 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code (2023 ORSC) has been adopted, contractors may choose to build under either the existing or new code until April 1st, 2024. [READ MORE]
2 February, 2024 HBA Offers Building Code Update Class on March 19th
Oregon's building code changes April 1st. Are you ready? Beginning April 1st, all permit applications will have to comply with the new 2023 Oregon Residential Specialty Code, which contains a number of significant changes over the previous code. Attend the HBA's Code Update Class on Tuesday, March 19th to get the information you'll need to avoid costly errors and corrections.
5 December, 2023 Time is Running Out to Register for Tuesday’s HBA Holiday & Installation Banquet
Join us next Tuesday evening, December 12th for the HBA's Holiday & Installation Banquet at the Salem Convention Center as we install incoming President Andrew Wheeler and the 2024 Board of Directors, as well as present the annual Builder of the Year and Associate of the Year awards. This festive banquet is a great opportunity to celebrate the holidays with friends and colleagues alike.
8 November, 2023 PWB Offering Two Great Networking Events
The HBA's Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) is offering two excellent networking events for Council members (and prospective PWB Council members too!) this month - a 'Coffee & Pie' social at 8:30am on Thursday, Nov. 16th and their Holly Jolly Cooking Decorating Party at 5:00pm on Thursday, Nov. 30th.
Learn About New Oregon Energy Code at Nov. 15th Member Luncheon
Join us at the monthly HBA member luncheon on Wednesday, November 15th for a presentation on Oregon's new energy codes from Greg Lasher of Energy Trust of Oregon. The new code becomes mandatory on April 1st of next year, and will impact builders, trade contractors and material suppliers.
19 October, 2023 Register for Tuesday’s Member Luncheon on Salem’s Proposed Payroll Tax
Join us over the noon hour next Tuesday, October 24th for the monthly HBA member luncheon where we’ll delve into one of the most controversial and discussed topics in Salem today: the proposed payroll tax on next month’s ballot. [READ MORE]
25 October, 2024 HBA, Chamber Urge Salem City Council to Examine Budget Efficiencies Before Raising Taxes
The Home Builders Association of Marion & Polk Counties and Salem Area Chamber of Commerce provided public testimony to the Salem City Council on Monday, October 21st, urging the Council to further examine budget efficiencies before moving ahead with efforts to raise taxes.
12 February, 2024 NAHB’s Government Affairs Team Posts Key Wins for Members in 2023
In a year of hyper-partisan gridlock that produced less than two dozen bills enacted into law (the fewest number in decades), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) was able to establish a formidable presence on Capitol Hill and move the ball forward on a number of high-priority legislative objectives.
16 January, 2024 Don’t Get Scammed by Email List Vendors
A number of HBA members have reported receiving emails from rogue list brokers in recent weeks, with fraudulent offers to sell HBA member lists and emails. Unfortunately, some members have paid money to these spammers, only to find that they're not getting the lists they were promised. Please be aware that the Home Builders Association does not authorize any third parties to sell lists of members or their emails.
Independence Proposes Massive SDC Hike
The City of Independence has proposed a massive $21,000 increase in their water System Development Charge (SDC), increasing Independence's total SDCs to nearly $54,000. If adopted at the Independence City Council's February 27th meeting, Independence's SDCs would be the most expensive in the state of Oregon.
2024 Board of Directors to be elected
Members attending the HBA's monthly luncheon on Wednesday, November 15th will be casting ballots for the association's 2024 Board of Directors. Andrew Wheeler of T. Wheeler Homes has been nominated for the President position, with Beth Rhoades of C&R Remodeling & Design nominated for the incoming Secretary/Treasurer position.
4 October, 2023 Register to Attend HBA’s Oct. 17th Trade Show Night
Registration is now open for Trade Show Night - one of the HBA's most popular events of the year! Mingle with nearly 200 other HBA members and more than three dozen vendors while enjoying heavy appetizers and beverages while thousands of dollars in cash and prizes are given away.
8 July, 2021 Oregon OSHA Issues Emergency Heat Rules
Reacting to Oregon’s recent heat waves and the unfortunate deaths that came with it, Governor Brown earlier this week ordered Oregon OSHA to adopt emergency rules relating to working outdoors or indoors during high heat.
1 July, 2021 Oregon OSHA drops requirements for masks, social distancing on jobsites
Oregon's Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OR-OSHA) announced today that masks and social distancing requirements would no longer
30 June, 2021 Oregon’s Minimum Wage Increases Again July 1st
Oregon's minimum wage rates increase again July 1st, 2021, the latest in a multi-year series of increases adopted by the Oregon legislature in 2016.
29 June, 2021 NAHB Chairman Urges Congress to Boost Lumber Production from Federal Lands
To help resolve lumber supply shortages and rein in elevated prices, NAHB Chairman Chuck Fowke today called on Congress to increase domestic lumber production from federal
8 November, 2023 PWB Offering Two Great Networking Events
The HBA's Professional Women in Building Council (PWB) is offering two excellent networking events for Council members (and prospective PWB Council members too!) this month - a 'Coffee & Pie' social at 8:30am on Thursday, Nov. 16th and their Holly Jolly Cooking Decorating Party at 5:00pm on Thursday, Nov. 30th.
12 February, 2024 NAHB’s Government Affairs Team Posts Key Wins for Members in 2023
In a year of hyper-partisan gridlock that produced less than two dozen bills enacted into law (the fewest number in decades), the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) was able to establish a formidable presence on Capitol Hill and move the ball forward on a number of high-priority legislative objectives.
16 January, 2024 Independence Proposes Massive SDC Hike
The City of Independence has proposed a massive $21,000 increase in their water System Development Charge (SDC), increasing Independence's total SDCs to nearly $54,000. If adopted at the Independence City Council's February 27th meeting, Independence's SDCs would be the most expensive in the state of Oregon.
8 July, 2021 Oregon OSHA Issues Emergency Heat Rules
Reacting to Oregon’s recent heat waves and the unfortunate deaths that came with it, Governor Brown earlier this week ordered Oregon OSHA to adopt emergency rules relating to working outdoors or indoors during high heat.
1 July, 2021 Oregon OSHA drops requirements for masks, social distancing on jobsites
Oregon's Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OR-OSHA) announced today that masks and social distancing requirements would no longer
Chalkline Magazine
For information on the HBA's quarterly Chalkline magazine, or to advertise, contact Mt. Angel Publishing's
- Jerry Stevens
- [email protected]
- 541-944-2820
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