GHBA Rally Day

The Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA) is the largest home builders association in Texas, and the third-largest nationwide. GHBA members—including Cabinets & Designs’ president Maria Frank—are involved in all aspects of the development, homebuilding, and remodeling industry, including advocacy. Earlier this month more than one thousand builders from 31 local associations of the Texas Association of Builders (TAB) traveled to Austin to visit with state legislators and weigh in on legislation affecting homebuilders across the state for an event known as Rally Day. We touched base with Casey Morgan, Vice-President and Director of Government Affairs for GHBA for a Q-and-A on her organization’s role in government affairs.

Cabinets & Designs: What role does GHBA play in terms of government advocacy?

Casey Morgan: The GHBA government affairs program covers local city, county, state, and federal issues.  In government affairs advocacy, our chief objective is to protect the industry from onerous regulations that could raise the cost of housing in the Greater Houston area. Specifically, the GHBA government affairs programs includes:

• Monitoring and reviewing codes, ordinances and legislation which directly impact the homebuilding industry;

• Communicating with elected officials and policy makers regarding our industry issues.

• Formulating and advocate for needed changes; and

• Educating members of the association about current issues, new laws, regulatory and administrative matters.

C&D: What is Rally Day?

CM: On March 4, over 1,000 builders from the 31 local associations of the Texas Association of Builders will converge on Austin to visit with their state senators and representatives about legislation affecting homebuilders. Last session, over 120 GHBA members participated in Rally Day, and this year, we have over 160 GHBA members attending!

C&D: What resources for homeowners are available through GHBA?

CM: Since the GHBA is an association providing services for homebuilders and homebuilding industry associates, the organization’s resources don’t necessarily target homeowners.  However, if homeowners are interested in updates to codes and regulations homebuilders must follow, they can find that information on the GHBA website.  (www.GHBA.org)

Additionally, on the website, there is a GHBA membership directory.  Homeowners interested in finding a GHBA builder, remodeler or developer in their area can search the GHBA membership directory for their contact information.

C&D: What can homeowners do to become aware, understand how state/local laws affect them?

CM: Be active!  Get engaged with your homeowner’s association, your super neighborhood committee or your municipal utility district.  All entities should provide information to homeowners regarding news in their community as well as information about state and local regulations/codes/ordinances that have an impact.

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