January also marked CAHB’s first quarterly meetings of 2018. On January 17, we installed new leadership and board members, and both our Government Affairs (GAC) and Political Funding (PFC) committees held their first meetings of the year. We also held a very successful, and enjoyable, legislative reception. Around 30 legislators and almost 60 members mingled at the reception, an indication of our success at cultivating legislative relationships—and our ability to pursue our advocacy.

 

I want to thank the 2018 executive committee and board, and each of the committee members. Your time and expertise are vital to CAHB’s mission, and without your service, CAHB could not function properly. There are 39 members on the Board of Directors this year, including the executive committee, representing members from each of our 10 local associations. GAC includes 32 voting members, and likewise, it has a good cross-section of representatives from across the state. The PFC currently has 11 members. 

 

The PFC members are the fiduciaries of the political money raised by CAHB, and they are charged with determining which candidates to support. Clearly, 2018 is going to be a consequential election cycle, and we could use additional members on the committee to ensure we have broad representation from across the state. Should you be interested in serving, please contact me to learn more.

 

I am excited to work with 2018 Board Chairman, Marc Towne of Classic Homes, as well as all of CAHB’s board and committee volunteers. This will be an exciting, yet busy, year for the industry and the association—and one in which our good work will hopefully pay dividends on our advocacy efforts well into the future. 

 

One issue keeping us busy is the attempt to limit housing growth – Initiative 66. As most of you know, should this proposal pass it would limit all housing growth, including apartment units, to one percent each year, for at least two years. Then, in the third year after passage (2021), local initiatives would have to be passed to remove these arbitrary and severely harmful limits. CAHB is leading our allies in challenging Initiative 66 at the Colorado Supreme Court. 

 

The earliest we may receive a decision by the Court is late February. Should our challenge prevail, the issue will be voided, and the proponents would have to refile a separate measure. Should the Court decide with the proponents, they will be cleared to gather signatures to qualify for the 2018 ballot. We will keep you apprised of the status of this measure. Rest assured, all involved with CAHB understand the ramifications of such a measure and are committed to seeing its defeat, not only for the sake of our industry but for the sake of our state’s economy.

 

I also want to thank those members whom I have had the opportunity to meet; each of you have been very welcoming and encouraging. To my executive officer colleagues, thank you as well! Our calls have been very helpful in getting up to speed and thank you for your patience as I learn this new role. 

 

I feel that I need to specifically recognize and express my gratitude to former CEO Scott Smith. Scott, you have been nothing short of tremendous during this transition. Without your guidance, I would not feel nearly as comfortable as I do three months into my tenure. I am delighted that your service to the association and our industry will continue with your work as Chair of the GAC.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact me with your questions. Cassie and I, and our incredible lobbyists and consultants, are here to serve you. I hope you each have a prosperous 2018.

 

Sincerely,

 

Ted