Southern Nevada Home Builders Association’s Push for Affordable Housing
The Southern Nevada Home Builders Association (SNHBA) is ramping up its advocacy for affordable housing in the region. With escalating housing costs putting pressure on families, the association’s leadership is set to travel to Washington, D.C. next week. Their aim? To persuade the federal government to make more land available for residential development, addressing a growing crisis.
Legislative Landscape in Nevada and Beyond
Recent developments highlight a complex legislative landscape both at the state and federal levels. Earlier this month, U.S. Representative Mark Amodei of Northern Nevada spearheaded House Republicans in passing a reconciliation bill. This included an amendment to sell off over 65,000 acres of public land in Nevada for affordable housing—a move that surprised and frustrated environmentalists and many congressional Democrats.
Conversely, bipartisan efforts led by Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez Masto have sought to allow Clark County to utilize 25,000 acres of federal land for affordable housing and business development, while also conserving other areas. However, this Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act has faced roadblocks in Congress, revealing a divide in priorities.
Concerns Over Funding and Land Sales
The controversy surrounding Amodei’s amendment lies in the allocation of proceeds from federal land sales. Traditionally, funds generated from these sales have been used to improve infrastructure and support conservation efforts within Nevada. The new proposal, however, suggests that these funds would instead contribute to tax cuts championed by former President Donald Trump. The land targeted for sale includes areas in Mesquite, Searchlight, and Moapa, differing from the preferred suburban locales of the Las Vegas Valley.
State Initiatives for Attainable Housing
Back at the state level, Governor Joe Lombardo is advocating for Assembly Bill 540, which proposes a substantial allocation of $250 million for attainable housing projects. This legislation also broadens the definition of income eligibility to include families earning up to 150% of the area median income. The bill is supported by the SNHBA, alongside Assembly Joint Resolution 10, which calls on Congress to release more federal land for housing development—creating opportunities while supporting Senator Masto’s initiatives.
Tina Frias, CEO of the SNHBA, highlighted the critical link between available land and housing production. “One of our biggest constraints is on housing production in Nevada and that’s tied to our lack of developable land,” she said. This sentiment echoes nationwide, where rising residential lot values have reached unprecedented heights.
The Urgency of Coordinated Policies
The pressing demand for affordable housing in Nevada is underscored by various reputable institutions, including UNLV’s Lied Center for Real Estate and the Nevada Housing Coalition. These organizations have all concluded that the current housing supply is insufficient to meet the needs of the state’s growing population. As Frias points out, “This imbalance continues to drive up costs and put more pressure on Nevada families.”
The cost factors paint a dire picture. With land prices soaring between $1 million and $1.8 million per acre and median new-home prices hovering around $498,974, many prospective buyers find themselves squeezed. Interest rates of 5.5% to 7% only exacerbate this crisis, leading to higher monthly housing payments.
Advocating for Housing Development
Frias advocates for bold and coordinated policies across all government levels. She sees AB 540 as a step in the right direction for increasing housing supply and believes that Assembly Joint Resolution 10 addresses the barriers currently limiting affordable housing construction. On a federal level, the SNHBA has voiced its support for the Southern Nevada Economic Development and Conservation Act, underlining the importance of expanding land access for housing development.
Clarity and Collaboration on Legislative Changes
Concerning Amodei’s amendment, Frias notes that it could redirect funds traditionally used for local needs—like infrastructure, education, and environmental conservation—into the U.S. Treasury. She emphasizes the necessity of gaining clarity on the amendment’s implications, remarking on the potential long-term effects it may have on Nevada’s future.
“We need clarity on how these changes could impact our funding and what we can expect moving forward,” Frias added. She stressed the importance of bipartisan collaboration to meet the best interests of Nevadans.
Engaging with Federal Stakeholders
As the SNHBA prepares to engage with the federal delegation in Washington, their goal is to catalyze momentum for federal legislation and communicate the critical need for a multifaceted approach to residential development. Frias articulated the belief that “homebuyers aren’t partisan,” and emphasized a united front to prioritize attainable housing for all Nevadans.
In her closing remarks, Frias expressed hope that the Federal Joint Task Force on Federal Land for Housing would provide additional support for residential development. However, she asserts that it’s essential for Nevada stakeholders to have a prominent voice in these discussions to ensure local needs are adequately addressed.
Through their ongoing efforts, the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association remains dedicated to pushing for policies that prioritize affordable housing, reflecting the urgent need for collaborative solutions in a region facing significant housing challenges.