GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS


GHBA Advocacy Report Chapter 42 Updates


GHBA has worked very hard in advocating for the ultimate passage of the most recent Chapter 42 amendments. Over the last two months, a taskforce of a few in-town builders and govern- ment affairs staff sat down with all Houston City Council members to discuss the importance of the Chapter 42 changes.


By CASEY WATTS MORGAN, GHBA Director of Government Affairs


Amending Chapter 42 has long been a priority for the GHBA and has required much work over the last six years. In short, the Chapter 42 amendments will provide opportunity for denser single-family development outside of the 610 loop, stretching to the Houston city limits. The amendments also provide greater neighborhood protections includ- ing the opportunity for neighborhoods without deed restrictions to establish their own lot size and setbacks.


You Have a Voice with GAC!


If you have questions about this article or would like to get involved on the


Government Affairs Committee, call (281) 970-8970, x142 or email Casey at


cmorgan@ghba.org. 8


These amendments are critically important to the future growth of our city. From 2000 to 2010, the City of Houston grew by 145,820 people while surrounding suburbs of Houston grew by 520,289—almost four times the city’s growth. We strongly believe every year that Houston does not encourage development within the city limits is another lost opportunity for home buyers and growing the local tax base.


Further, the Chapter 42 amendments will allow for the redevelopment of blighted areas and abandoned property as well as the revitalization of under-utilized neighborhoods.


For this reason, last month all GHBA members were asked to email or call Houston City Council mem- bers as well as the Mayor in order to emphasize the importance of the Chapter 42 amendments and highlight its positive effect on the home building industry.


Moving forward, we hope City Council will finally bring the Chapter 42 amendments to a vote this month.


Texas Legislative Session


The 83rd Legislature recently convened for its first meeting. As legislators gathered in Austin, policy discussion relevant to the home building industry focused on three major items: water, transporta- tion, and vocational education. These three issues have also been prioritized by the Texas Association of Builders (TAB).


While the state’s population continues to grow, water supplies across the state are expected to decrease because of depleted aquifers. As a result, legislators are faced with addressing long-term funding of the State Water Plan. In total, the plan will cost $53 billion and, to date, it has only been partially funded.


Regarding transportation, legislators realize that traditional methods of funding have not accom- modated the growing transportation needs in Texas. For example, the state’s gas tax has not increased over the last two decades. Meanwhile, consumers are choosing to drive more and more


FEBRUARY 2013 | HOUSTON BUILDER | GREATER HOUSTON BUILDERS ASSOCIATION – BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE


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