At its monthly meeting March 17, the CMBA Government Affairs Committee hosted its regular panel discussion with area mayors about housing and commercial building and development-related issues, including plan review and permitting systems, building regulations, zoning and fees.  They also discussed what each city is willing to do to spur more housing development.  Sartell recently announced it is waiving SAC/WAC fees, and freezing permit fees for in-fill home building on existing platted properties. Area mayors all indicated they are willing to "be flexible" in considering proposals from area developers and builders.

On April 21, the CMBA Government Affairs Committee hosted a panel of area community development directors. Area cities are all eager for more housing construction.  City of St. Cloud Community Development Director, Matt Glaesman, confirmed the city is looking at a broad set of residential and commercial/industrial building permit fee increases.  The city argues it has not raised building fees since 2015, wants to raise fees to more closely match those of neighboring communities, and is not currently meeting the city's costs.

CMBA Government Affairs is open to any CMBA member, and strives to engage members with local and state government officials and processes impacting the local building industry. The committee meets every third Tuesday of the month, 8:00-9:00 a.m., at Liberty Savings Bank upstairs conference room.

To join us or for more information about CMBA Government Affairs, contact:  Steve Gottwalt, steve@cmbaonline.org, 952-923-5265