I have been asked by several people to encapsulate some of the activities of WeSERV Government Affairs in 2022. While there have been several, below are my selections to highlight:
1 – ADOR: WeSERV worked directly with Director Rob Woods, Az DOR (Dept. of Revenue), to create solutions to TPT submission problems at DOR. WeSERV hosted follow up discussions between the Department and PMC members to provide feedback. Several solutions have been implemented and PMC specific email, PMC team and webpage have been created.
2 – City Meetings: WeSERV hosted small group roundtable discussions between members and city officials. Data was provided regarding real estate in each city, the overall market, and trending. City officials appreciated the discussion and being able to ask questions and tell us their concerns and new development plans. Both members and cities requested future meetings.
3 – Homestead Act: Significant changes were made to the Homestead Act effective Jan 2022. Government Affairs hosted a one hour discussion with an attorney and title company representative to explain the changes and how they affect ownership and transactions. Video on weservgad.org.
4 – SR-30: WeSERV’s SR-30 Study was distributed to state legislators, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development organizations (WESTMARC, etc.), city officials and other business and government decision makers.
5 – Housing Study: WeSERV initiated a housing study. Results are anticipated mid December 2022. The study spotlights solutions to housing (rental and purchase) supply and costs brought forward by the private sector.
6 – ADUs and other housing product/materials: An increasing number of cities and towns are accepting ADUs, code changes, and changes to the LDO and construction codes to allow new materials and a variety of housing solutions. WeSERV GAD and members continue to engage in these conversations.
7 – The WHIP: WeSERV participated in the discussions of The WHIP, an interactive mapping system for water information created by the Upper San Pedro River Partnership. WeSERV was the first organization to provide training of the new tool. That training video is available at weservgad.org.
8 – Candidate Interviews and Forums: WeSERV Candidate Interview Workgroups began interviewing candidates running for local office in January and completed interviews in September 2022. West Valley, Southeast Valley and Cochise chapters interviewed candidates. Santa Cruz co-hosted a candidate forum for Nogales City Council and Mayor candidates in conjunction with the Nogales Chamber of Commerce.
9 – MAG: WeSERV hosted a discussion with Audra Thomas regarding the proposed transportation projects included in the proposed Prop. 400 extension.
10 – I-10 Expansion: WeSERV submitted a letter in support of Arizona receiving one-time special grant funding from the Department of Transportation to expand I-10 between Chandler and Casa Grande. The letter was distributed to ADOT, MAG, cities, Phx East Valley Partnership, Pinal Partnership and other decision makers.
11 – Water: WeSERV presented local concerns regarding the proposed changes to the Harquahala INA to AR.
12 – Military: WeSERV continued to bring housing information and data to both Luke AFB and Ft. Huachuca. The information was distributed to the bases for use in BAH discussions with the Pentagon, local cities and government officials as the state and federal level.
13 – Port Authority: WeSERV presented housing data to the Nogales/Santa Cruz Port Authority
14 – Local Advocacy: WeSERV GAD and members advocated for changes to LDOs (Land Use Development Ordinances), sign ordinances, economic development housing product, and other local real estate policies.
15 – Save the Family: GAD presented Fair Housing information and began establishing a relationship with a housing 501c3 group located in Mesa. They wish to know more about the housing markets and will ask for information as we continue to grow this relationship.
16 – Mingus Park: WeSERV Santa Cruz chapter participated in the official dedication ceremony of Mingus Park in Nogales. WeSERV provided funding for benches, picnic table and trash receptacles at the park though a NAR grant.
17 – Rental Housing: WeSERV GAD Surveyed cities regarding their rental housing projects: completed, in process and anticipated. The information was provided to AR, federal and state legislators, local governments, Chambers of Commerce and others at housing discussions and city zoning and process discussions.
18 – AR Caucus: WeSERV Government Affairs members brought forth concerns on TPT, Homestead Act, Water, property lien notification, definition of abandoned, changes needed to “and/or assigns” legislation, definition of institutional buyer and other issues at the AR Caucus in August.
19 – Land Acquisition and Entitlement: WeSERV Government Affairs hosted a presentation on land acquisition and entitlement. The presenter will be coming back in 2023 for a longer in person discussion.
20 – Coffee with Decision Makers: WeSERV Government Affairs hosted a 3 CE event with ADEQ and Rep. Lesko. The ADEQ presentation may be seen on weservgad.org. Click on Videos.
21 – Right to Private Contract: WeSERV Government Affairs presented a 3 hour CE class on contracts and current policies, rules and laws affecting contracts in Arizona. Nikki Salgat, AR Attorney, presented information.
I hope you will consider joining us for Government Affairs meetings and events in 2023. Watch for updates on www.weservgad.org, weserv.realtor, and listen to our podcast Government Policy, Real Estate and YOU!