BIA LA/Ventura Chapter Update

Diana Coronado

BIA Los Angeles/Ventura Chapter Vice President

Over the first quarter of 2021, we’ve seen an evolution of normalcy come back into our lives. While we are still operating under strict COVID-19 protocols, we can all see the light at the end of the tunnel. In Los Angeles County nearly 4 million residents have received a vaccine and in Ventura County nearly 250,000 have been administered. Our vaccination percentages have allowed both Counties to move into less restrictive tiers, opening up more indoor dinning, local businesses, sports and even live music and theatre guidelines have been issued. This is allowing our Chapter to begin focusing on potential inperson events, such as the possibility of an in-person Awards & Installation Gala (save the date for December 2, 2021!), and a return in-person meetings.

As we begin to pivot to meet the opportunities that are being reintroduced to us, simultaneously we have still been working through the virtual space to bring our members quality programing and support. AS an example, BIA-LAV has been able to work on nine individual member projects. We have helped trouble shoot through city planning and building departments, expedite permitting, testify at public hearings, send letters of support and launch click-to-action letter campaigns. Our relationships with city and county staff and our investment in electronic action advocacy has allowed us to successfully deliver positive outcomes for our members. We anticipate that by the end of the year we will likely help between 25 – 30 members’ projects. To learn more about how we may be able to help you in the Los Angeles or Ventura jurisdiction please email us here.

On the advocacy front, BIA-LAV has experienced some exciting short-term wins! As many of you know, over the last four years, we have been fighting the LA County Art Ordinance from imposing a 1% building valuation fee on construction for the production of art. For the fourth time, BIA-LAV has secured a delay to the Ordinance’s hearing date, from March 2021 to September 2021. While this does not get rid of the Ordinance, we are using every tool available to us to ensure there are no unnecessary costs added to the development of housing. Also notable, we are pleased to report that we have been able to reduce the impact of a wood construction prohibition in the City of LA. In March, BIA-LAV testified against the item at the City’s Public Safety Committee meeting and the final outcome eventuated in the adoption of BIA requested amendments and kept the Motion from moving forward as an Ordinance. While these fights are not over, these victories are still good news! Learn more on these items and others, here.

The policies being deliberated in our jurisdictions will also have significant effects on housing and production opportunities. Our BIA-LAV Chapter region and the City’s in the rest of the State are all updating their Housing Elements and Safety Elements which have led to several General Plan updates, too. BIA-LAV has been actively engaged in several updates including Calabasas, Culver City, LA County, LA City, Lancaster, Palmdale and Ventura City and County. In addition, the City of LA is in the processes of updating their Community Plans, including the Hollywood and Downtown plans. At the same time, BIA-LAV is still remaining vigilant in advocating for common sense Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) mitigation measures and thresholds, particularly in LA County and LA City. Where cities and counties regulate, plan for, zone and prepare for housing is not only critical to meeting the needs of our State housing crisis but dictates homeownership opportunities and directly affects where our members can build homes in the future. For these reasons, BIA is committed to ensuring or members voices are being heard.

As we move into quarter two of 2021 I, and all of our BIASC staff, are hopeful that the return to a semblance of normalcy is not too far off. We are preparing for exciting opportunities ahead, and we will continue to meet the needs of our members on virtual platforms. None of the work we do would be possible without the dedication of our Board President, Dave Little of TriPointe Homes and our 2021 Board of Directors. We are lucky to have them as advocates for our Chapter and our industry. The year has been off to a great start and we are continuing to move ahead with strong momentum, well fought victories and much more to look forward to!