ABOUT EVENTS MEMBERSHIP NEWS Anchorage Needs to Work Together to Create Affordable Housing AHBA New Construction Blog Version 2 Nov. 29, 2021 Anchorage Needs to Work Together to Create Affordable Housing Affordable housing is critical to the health of communities. But with the spike in housing prices, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for people to afford homes. While the uptick in new construction projects is viewed as good news, it’s only helpful if people can afford to buy these homes. However, a new report says that most Americans are being priced out of new construction. This is because wages can’t compete with rising costs. The rising price of new construction is a complicated formula that includes lack of land, the cost and availability of building materials, and building regulations that slow the process. It’s in the building industry’s best interest to be able to build homes at a wide range of price points. This is why our industry pushes for every possible cost savings, no matter how trivial it may seem to the general public. For example, the proposed changes to Title 21 and Title 23 that are working their way through the Boards and Commissions and before moving on to the Anchorage Assembly, could help lower prices by removing unnecessary barriers to the process. The Anchorage Home Building Association takes safety very seriously. We would never want regulations in place that could cause unnecessary risk. However, at times, regulations cause delays and unnecessary expenses. Minor adjustments to the standard of new homes, buildings and infrastructure developments that lower costs are changes that our community should make. Making housing more affordable helps solve our larger problems of petty crime and homelessness. People struggle when they can’t afford the necessities. The homebuilding industry creates jobs and puts people into homes. Both the public and private sectors are an important part of the solution. It’s no secret that the supply chain is creating major headaches right now. People are waiting months for materials like cabinets, appliances and garage doors. Some supplies aren’t available at all like phone jacks, nail on light boxes (non-gasket), single gang gasket boxes, and several types of amp meter bases and transfer switches. The lack of available supplies slows and even stalls the homebuilding process and tacks on additional costs. Any steps we can take right now to make the building process more efficient and affordable should be taken. So, when it comes to government oversight adding additional hurdles and delays, we should work on solutions. Third-party reviews are often faster and more efficient. “A rising tide lifts all boats,” is a saying that illustrates this issue. Adding units to our housing stock, at any price, is an opportunity to create less demand and open up opportunities. Together, we can focus on finding the right solutions for Anchorage. Economic • Advocacy • Your Community Post not marked as liked Featured Posts 2020 Spring Preview of Homes Sponsorships & Ads Seeking: 2020 Home Show Presenting Sponsor MID-YEAR MARKET SUMMARY: A Slow Start Sets Up a Strong Finish Advocating for Alaskans: How Colony Builders’ Bill Taylor Cares for His Community AHBA Announces the Winner of the 2018 Anchorage Home Show Playhouse Raffle Land in Anchorage – The Key to A Strong Economy 5 Reasons to Buy New Are You Ready for a Smart Home? ANCHORAGE HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION HELPS ALASKANS IN NEED Anchorage Housing Market Update Recent Posts AHBA Brings Holiday Cheer to 1,508 Anchorage Children through the 19th Annual Shoebox Program Anchorage Needs to Work Together to Create Affordable Housing NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME TO BUILD Alaska Housing’s Wild Ride DON’T GET LEFT IN THE COLD MEET THE TITANS OF ALASKA’S LANDSCAPE AND SITEWORK INDUSTRY ILLUMINATE YOUR HOME THROUGH LIGHTING How to Parade LOW MORTGAGE RATES CONTINUE TO STIMULATE HOME SALES MAKING DREAM HOMES REALITY WITH TREVI BUILDERS Archive November 2021 (2) 2 posts September 2021 (5) 5 posts August 2021 (3) 3 posts May 2021 (1) 1 post April 2021 (6) 6 posts March 2021 (2) 2 posts February 2021 (1) 1 post November 2020 (1) 1 post October 2020 (1) 1 post August 2020 (4) 4 posts July 2020 (4) 4 posts May 2020 (1) 1 post April 2020 (7) 7 posts January 2020 (2) 2 posts December 2019 (2) 2 posts September 2019 (1) 1 post August 2019 (4) 4 posts March 2019 (6) 6 posts December 2018 (2) 2 posts November 2018 (2) 2 posts October 2018 (2) 2 posts September 2018 (7) 7 posts August 2018 (5) 5 posts July 2018 (1) 1 post June 2018 (6) 6 posts May 2018 (1) 1 post March 2018 (8) 8 posts January 2018 (3) 3 posts September 2017 (1) 1 post Search By Tags AHBA StaffBUILD-PAC Follow Us AHBA About AHBA AHBA Pressroom Consumer Resources Member Resources © 2020 Anchorage Homebuilders Association. All rights reserved. CONTACT (907) 522 - 3605 8301 Schoon St. Suite 200 Anchorage, AK 99518 CONNECT WITH AHBA Site Design by Saggio