HUD clarified that owners of Section 8 project-based properties must comply with the LEP guidance, and that public housing authorities — not the property owners — will be responsible for implementing the LEP guidance for Section 8 tenant-based voucher holders. Developers using HOME funds in whole or in part to finance an affordable housing property also would have to comply with the LEP guidance. HUD will translate a number of documents, depending on the program, and make them available on its web site.  However, property owners will be responsible for identifying other “vital” documents and determining whether they must be translated. The LEP guidance also requires property owners to provide oral interpretation services when needed.

NAHB, along with other industry trade representatives, is requesting that HUD further delay the implementation until concerns about the information provided is adequate to provide federal housing recipients the information needed to implement the LEP guidance.

• Updates on NAHB’s Hot Legislative Issues

Every year NAHB compiles a short guide to many of the association’s legislative priorities for the coming Congressional session. This year’s guide addresses the likelihood of the return of Mold as a major issue, as well as many other issues of widespread industry importance. Download it at this link.

• With Terrorism Insurance Legislation Set to Expire, Coalition Takes Its Case to Congress

Testifying on behalf of the Coalition to Insure Against Terrorism, which includes NAHB, Arthur M. Coppola, president & CEO of the Macerich Co., told the Senate Banking Committee that it is critical to the nation’s real estate industry and property owners that the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 be made permanent. If Congress fails to act on this issue, TRIA will expire on Dec. 31 of this year. The complete testimony is at this link.

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As the USGBC program continues its efforts to establish LEED as the primary certification program for green commercial building, it also has been making a serious effort to expand LEED to cover smaller-scale residential construction with a LEED for Homes (LEED-H) pilot program which will apply to low- and mid-rise multifamily construction (up to six stories). The pilot program, in process for more than a year, will not officially launch until this fall, at the earliest. Further, USGBC 's grassroots have been successful in encouraging local jurisdictions to mandate LEED requirements. Many jurisdictions already are considering measures that would mandate LEED-H compliance for all residential construction, once the program moves beyond the pilot stage.

In 2005, NAHB produced a comprehensive set of voluntary Model for Green Home Building Guidelines for non-high-rise residential construction. The Guidelines, downloadable at this link, have been endorsed by a number of jurisdictions where local builders have taken the initiative to bring them to the attention of lawmakers. For information on the Guidelines, and on other alternative rating systems such as the Green Globes program, e-mail Emily English or call her at 800-368-5242 x8366.

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To apply to be on the consensus committee, or for more information, e-mail John Ritterpusch, at NAHB Construction, Codes and Standards, or call him at 800-368-5242 x8325. [return to top]

• 2007 Pillars of the Industry Conference and Gala — April 11-14

The upcoming Pillars of the Industry Conference and Awards Gala will be held at the Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa, in Hollywood, Fla., April 11-13. The venue has a lovely beachfront location, featuring a variety of water sports and sport fishing opportunities, as well as a full spa facility for off-hours relaxation. Of course, as always, the educational programs will feature a top-flight roster of speakers drawn from upper-tier industry leaders. For more information or to register online, view this page.

• Spring Board of Directors Meeting — June 5-10

It’s not too soon to pencil in the Spring Board meeting on your calendar. We’re planning multifamily events already.

• If You Build For-Sale Product....

...and you’re an NAHB member, you can ask your local Home Builders’ Association to apply for an advertising assistance grant to encourage consumers to “buy now.” This multi-million dollar marketing commitment will focus on markets that have experienced a major decline in residential production and sales. Read the full story in NBN, or contact Niki Clark at 800-368-5242 x8061.

• Condo Story Available for HBAs to Release

A short news piece about the "up side" of condo living is available for local HBAs to send to their local news outlets under the byline of the local association president. View it at this link.

• The Language of Construction, for Workers Learning English

A new language-learning effort, put together by the Home Builders’ Institute and sponsored by Lowe’s, will help Spanish-speaking construction labor and tradespeople learn English by using the workplace as a context for vocabulary and usage. Find out more about Sed de Saber—Construction Edition by reading the full story in Nation's Building News.