www.elpasobuilders.com
Builders Outlook Issue 2 º2011
Building El Paso’s tomorrow today
TEXAS BUILdERS UNITE AT cAPITOL Taxes, fees, property rights among top issues
Rally Day 2011: FEBRUaRy 22-23 High housing costs can lead to workers relocating, long commutes, and an unreasonable share of the populace’s income spent on housing; none of which are beneficial to the community or individual. Some experts believe that the state’s population will nearly double by the year 2030, necessitating a momentous increase in our housing stock. Much of this housing will be needed to accommodate our state’s workforce, where affordable housing is in high demand. How this increase breaks down between single-family and multifamily housing has yet to be determined, but both segments are vital to the continued economic vitality of this state. The benefits of homeownership, however, are hard to deny: the building of wealth, a sense of community and a stable home for our children.
The scope of issues that impact the homebuilding industry is enormous. From environmental impacts and taxes to property rights and tort reform, our industry feels the brunt of burdensome regulations on a myriad of levels. As this 82nd session progresses, several issues that will dominate our agenda include: • Business Taxes and Fees • Consumer Choice for Residential Fire Sprinklers • Reasonable Immigration Reforms • Sensible Energy Efficiency Standards • Rational Regulatory Requirements • Contractual Freedom of Choice • The Protection of Property Rights • Preventing the overreaching burden of governmental control through land use powers and other means. • Restricting the Growth of Government
Reasonable regulation and proven market driven approaches will help to propel the residential construction industry to its regular status as an economic workhorse, helping to lead the charge to a full economic recovery for our state and nation. These are some of the reasons we go to Austin for Rally Day. Join the EPAB February 22-23. For information contact the EPAB at 915-778-5387.
INSIDE> Meet our Local Legislators of the 82nd session
EXPLORE AUSTIN:
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID EL PASO TX PERMIT NO. 429
As we enter 2011, the homebuilding industry in Texas stands at a crossroads. Do we burden an ailing industry with more government regulation and fees, or allow it to flourish in a market that allows business to deal with a fluid economy effectively and efficiently. While our great state will lead the nation yet again in housing starts, the severe housing downturn has resulted in a decrease in statewide home starts of over 50 percent from the height we experienced just two Legislative Sessions ago. Historically, the homebuilding industry has served as an economic driver and can continue to do so if policy makers consider the impact of their decisions on the cost and availability of housing. While the market undoubtedly has an effect on affordability, much of it is dependent upon governmental regulations, barriers, and fees and that can be controlled.
Any trip to Austin can be made special by the wide variety of things and places to see and do. While the main purpose may be something else, like our Rally Day event, it’s also an opportunity to experience Austin’s food, spirits and entertainment. Here are some places to see or do during your stay. By Ray Adauto
The Driskill Hotel: The Driskill is a landmark hotel located on 6th Street and San Jacinto, just a few blocks from the state capitol and steps away from the action on 4th, 5th, and 6th streets. The Driskill is small in comparison to the more modern hotels doting the landscape of Austin, but make no mistake the Driskill is an experience all it’s own. From the beautifully restored lobby to the fancy decorations in your room the hotel has a world renowned steak house and ballroom. Heads of state have used the Driskill including President Lyndon Johnson who listened to his election returns from his suite at the Driskill. Governors, Senators and Presidents have
mingled with cattle barons and oil tycoons at the Driskill. You can enjoy this hotel during your stay. It is an experience not soon forgotten. And by the way, you may just encounter a spirit or two and we’re not talking about at the bar. 6th Street: Austin is weird and weird is 6th street. This eclectic grouping of bars, theaters, food and shopping just signals that you’ve arrived at the center of fun in downtown Austin. Austin is dubbed “Live Music Capital of the World” and 6th street is where a lot of that is done. Some of the city’s more unique shops are along this long street
which stretches from the gaudiness near Congress to a more reflective atmosphere as you head toward MoPac. How different? Well imagine walking down old Juarez and then ending up at Kern. Kind of like that, only in Austin you’ll see the workers in suits and ties transform into hippies at night. Some establishments are close to risky adding to the mystique of 6th street. Other cities may claim they have something similar to 6th street, but make no mistake, there is only one and that’s the one in Austin. Heck if you drive far enough out you’ll find a Whole Foods market. Now that’s weird. Story Continues on page 4