During the recently held 21st Century Building Expo & Conference, National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Chief Economist Dr. Rob Dietz shared his latest insights on issues affecting the home building industry. Dietz, an expert on the U.S. economy, housing, tax, and trade policy, provided recent economic data at both the state and national level. Some of the key takeaways included the following:
My take: A lot of these metrics are as expected. But having them delivered by Rob Dietz never disappoints. Highly knowledgeable and clear in his delivery of the subject matter, the two things he mentioned that resonated with me were (1) U.S. birth rate is likely to pick up over the next decade and (2) immigration policy changes will have a direct effect on the supply of workers in the construction industry. Both items are part of the subject matter we should all have at our fingertips as we move forward in our industry. The first will guide future demand and the second will relate to our ability to meet it.
Last week Charlotte Water Director Angela Charles provided REBIC members with a presentation about its current Interbasin Transfer (IBT) Modification Request. It’s imperative that we understand that, with this action, the largest public water and wastewater utility in the Carolinas is not seeking to withdraw more water from the Catawba River Basin, but instead asking to increase the amount of water it may transfer to the Rocky River.
The IBT modification is needed because Charlotte Water is currently at 79% of its limit. Based on population projections, the current IBT amount could be exceeded as early as 2028.
The request has initiated a long multi-step process which involves and affects numerous stakeholders including REBIC. We really encourage you to view the proposal and then anticipate updates as the process continues.
My take: As early as 2028? That already feels like yesterday to me. Since time is passing quickly, please take the time to familiarize yourself with this topic. We are presenting it to you early on in the process because the outcome of the deliberations will determine whether future water supply needs will or won’t meet the needs of development occurring on the eastern side of the basin divide which includes much of Mecklenburg County. If you only have time to review one presentation today, make this the one (see above).
During last week’s HBA Land Development Council meeting, Charlotte Planning Director Alyson Craig, in a bold and important meeting, provided an update on City Planning and Development activities. Her presentation touched on the following areas:
During the course of her presentation, Craig highlighted language contained in the most recent Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) Clean-Up Text Amendment (#4) that increases the allowance of duplexes, triplexes, and quadraplexes in certain zoning districts. She also mentioned existing density bonuses, both for height and length, already contained within the ordinance and indicated the department would be open to considering additional changes that would encourage the development of additional affordable units.
Craig concluded her remarks by encouraging members to weigh in with comments on the Policy Map prior to the upcoming November 29th deadline. Once the new map is adopted, likely in the spring of 2025, the next step will be city-wide Alignment Rezoning.
My take: Alyson did a superb job addressing our group last week with the intention of discussing particulars that can only be addressed through meaningful collaboration. It was clear to many of us in attendance that she truly understands that we need more housing supply in order to meet current and future demand, even though getting there can often be a difficult process. She has a tough job balancing many disparate interests. We are grateful for her willingness to get engaged and stay engaged with us as we continue to strive for more certainty and clarity on these and other important issues.
Statesville Soars is an ongoing project aimed at updating the City of Statesville’s Unified Development Code (UDC) in an effort to implement the 2045 Land Development Plan. Elements of the project include restructuring and modernizing the current UDC, clarifying development review procedures, adding modern uses, and incorporating more graphics and illustrations. Consultants hired by the city recently concluded a round of stakeholder interviews that included members of the development community as well as elected officials. Some of the feedback included the following thoughts:
My take: If you take a look at the summary of the stakeholder interviews (link is above) you’ll see the name of James Pressly, President of the Pressly Residential Group. James and his father, David, have been involved in the industry for many years as members of the Canopy Realtor® Association and the Home Builders Association of Greater Charlotte. We are thankful James takes the time to stay involved as this project moves ahead. We at REBIC look forward to providing the kind of support necessary to achieve an outcome for Statesville that results in its local economy achieving significant growth and supporting the industry in delivering varying housing types for many different home buying consumers.
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