BIA Advocacy Update
NAHB Industry Pulse Check, Give your feedback on ND Energy Codes, BIA wraps-up candidate forums, Fargo City Commission debate is tonight, Major win for housing affordability
NAHB Industry Pulse Check
The national association wants to hear from YOU!
As NAHB approaches a milestone- its 100th anniversary, they're establishing an effort called Blueprint to 100, an initiative designed to ensure the association is meeting the needs of its members.
The Industry Pulse Check is the first step of Blueprint to 100, designed to gather insights from members and industry professionals. Members who complete the Pulse Check will be eligible for a gift card or an expense-paid trip to the 2027 NAHB International Builders’ Show® (IBS).
Please visit blueprint.nahb.org to complete the Industry Pulse Check.
Give your Feedback on ND Energy Codes
The ND Department of Commerce and Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance are conducting research into energy code impacts in the state, and are interested in hearing about your experience with energy code enforcement.
The main goals of their research are:
- To understand the drivers of gaps in energy code adoption, compliance and enforcement.
- To understand the goals and priorities of municipalities and their relationship to energy efficiency.
- To understand how to bridge gaps in energy code adoption and enforcement.
Please fill out this anonymous survey with your candid feedback: https://forms.office.com/r/p7Gt1Zsz3q.
BIA wraps up candidate forums for Fargo & West Fargo
Your association recently hosted forums designed to meet candidates running for local offices, and to hear their perspectives on issues related to the building and housing industries.
View picture highlights on BIA's Facebook page. You can watch recordings of the forum's on the Association's Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@buildrrv.
BIA is also working on an election resource website that will provide election information, BIA endorsements and voting information. Stay tuned!
This evening: Fargo City Commission Debate
In partnership with the FMWF Chamber, there will be a city commission debate for Fargo candidates this evening (May 12) from 5-6:30 p.m. at Fargo City Hall, 225 4th St N, Fargo.
This event is free and open to the public but registration is required.
Rescinded Energy Code mandate a major win for NAHB and housing affordability
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced they are rescinding a requirement that imposed the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code and ASHRAE 90.1-2019 as the minimum energy-efficiency standards for certain single-family and multifamily housing programs.
The National Association of Home Builders has opposed this rule since it was first established in April 2024 during the Biden administration, citing concerns about increased construction costs and reduced housing affordability, and have been advocating to ensure it isn't implemented since then through various channels.
Your BIA, along with the North Dakota Association of Builders, also advocated on this issue. During a visit to Capitol Hill in June 2025, our delegation urged lawmakers to consider the impact of these requirements on housing affordability.
Read more here.
BIA part of Fargo Forward Coalition in support of one-cent infrastructure sales tax extension
Your Association is part of the coalition encouraging voters to vote YES on the extension of the current one-cent infrastructure sales tax in Fargo.
Infrastructure is the foundation of a community, and ensures well-kept roads, clean drinking water and other essential services. The current sales tax helps fund these items, with approximately 50% of revenue coming from visitors to Fargo, instead of placing the burden solely on residents through utility bills, special assessments or property taxes.
The BIA Board of Directors voted in March to support the extension and participate in the coalition.
This is not a new tax or tax increase. It is the extension of a current sales tax and serves as a sound investment in ongoing infrastructure projects and Fargo's future growth.
For more information, visit https://fargopennytax.com/.
Powered By GrowthZone