More Great News on TUMF Reductions

Your Riverside BIA Government Affairs team is always eager to share good news when it comes to housing opportunities and homebuilding.

That's why we are very pleased to report that the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, Riverside City Council, Eastvale City Council and Perris City Council have all voted unanimously to extend temporary 50% TUMF reductions in their jurisdictions through 2012. The new City of Jurupa Valley also has a 50% reduction in place.

These votes were made possible due to recent action by the Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG) Executive Committee, which approved an extension of the temporary 50% TUMF reduction opportunity for 2012, allowing WRCOG jurisdictions to decide whether or not to adopt the reduction for 2012.

Keep in mind that because TUMF reduction ordinances require two public readings, some jurisdictions will have a short time period where full TUMF rates will be collected. Please contact your Government Affairs team to get these dates for your area.

The Riverside BIA Government Affairs team will continue to solicit support for the 50% reduction in other jurisdictions and look forward to reporting continued good news!

Riverside Votes to Continue TUMF Reduction

We've got some good news this week!

The Riverside City Council voted 7–0 earlier this week to continue the 50% TUMF Reduction through December 31, 2012 or until the $20 million dollar aggregate cap in uncollected TUMF Revenues has been reached.   

The Council waived further readings of this measure and will therefore allow for a seamless extension of the 50% reduction.   

If you have any questions, please contact Bill Blankenship.

Riverside County BIA Names New Executive to Lead Association

RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The Riverside County Chapter of the Building Industry Association (BIA) of Southern California has appointed Bill Blankenship of Redlands  the Association's new Executive Officer. Blankenship assumed the Chapter’s leadership role last week following Mark Knorringa's recent appointment as Chief Executive Officer of the Building Industry Association of Southern California.

"Bill has more than a decade of experience advocating for the local homebuilding industry," said Board President Mike White. "The depth and breadth of his knowledge and expertise about the homebuilding industry and our community made him the obvious choice to lead the Riverside Chapter."

Blankenship is deeply rooted in Riverside County. He joined the BIA team as Director of Government Affairs in March of 2000 and shortly thereafter was promoted to, Deputy Director. Prior to his roles with the BIA, Blankenship worked for several California legislators including Congressman Gary Miller, State Senator Cathie Wright and Assemblyman Paul Woodruff. In addition, he has extensive campaign experience at the local, state and federal levels.  

"Bill's experience gives us a tremendous ability to move forward without missing a beat," explained White.  "As the Chapter's industry advocate, Bill is well known and respected throughout the region by elected officials, community leaders, staff and our entire membership."

In his new role, Blankenship will lead the non-profit trade organization which includes companies and individual members who are actively involved in all facets of the homebuilding industry. In addition to a vigorous governmental relations program, the chapter provides a multitude of networking opportunities, cost-saving benefits, and educational programs to help strengthen individual members' businesses as well as the local home-building environment as a whole.

"While I'm excited and look forward to continuing to working on behalf of the homebuilding industry, today's challenges are unlike anything before," stated Blankenship. "For many years, the BIA has forged great alliances with local government and communities leaders. In these difficult times, I look forward to furthering relationships and achieving tremendous results on behalf of the men and women of the homebuilding industry and most importantly for the economic benefit of our region."

Riverside County Chapter Installs 2012 Board of Directors

RIVERSIDE, CA – More than 160 homebuilders, trade contractors, associates and local elected officials gathered at the Mission Inn on the evening of October 14, for the installation of the new board of directors and officers of the Riverside County Chapter of the Building Industry Association of Southern California, Inc. The annual event honored incoming President Mark Torres of Lennar, his executive committee and board of directors, as well as several special award recipients. In his capacity as President, Mr. Torres will lead the association in 2012, advancing its mission and providing vision and direction to the Board of Directors.

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BIASC Taps Riverside Chapter's CEO to Lead Principal Office

Riverside CEO Mark Knorringa takes on the role of CEO of BIASC today.The Building Industry Association of Southern California, Inc. (BIASC), which represents more than 1,000 member businesses involved in the homebuilding industry, has tapped Riverside BIA CEO Mark Knorringa as its new Chief Executive Officer.  He starts the new position today.

Mark has worked in the industry for more than 35 years as a builder, developer and association executive and has been the Riverside County Chapter's CEO since 2008.  He was named BIASC's Executive Officer of Year in 2010.

"Strong leadership and member involvement are critical as BIASC continues to fight for homeownership and the professionals that work hard every day to deliver the American Dream," said Bob Yoder, President of the Southern California Division of Shea Homes and this year's BIASC President.

"Mark has a unique perspective given his breadth of experience in Southern California. He understands the business and the impacts that legislation and regulations have on members, and he has the organizational skills we need to continue providing members with valuable programs and services." 

Mark is a longtime leader in Southern California's homebuilding and community development industry. His real estate expertise includes oversight of large-scale master-planned community infrastructure installation; entitlements; and the development of several all-suite hotel projects and residential subdivisions.

"I'm honored to have been asked to take on this new challenge, especially during these unprecedented economic times," Mark said. "For many years, the BIA has forged great alliances with local government and community leaders. Holly Schroeder has achieved great results, and I'm committed to working with our members and staff to sustain our momentum. I look forward to furthering relationships and achieving tremendous results on behalf of the men and women of the building industry and most importantly for the economic benefit of our region."

Bill Blankenship has been tapped as Riverside BIA's new CEO. The Riverside County Chapter's leadership will change, but familiar faces remain.

Bill Blankenship, Deputy Director of the Riverside County Chapter, was selected by the Riverside Board of Directors to lead the Chapter's as its new CEO. 

Bill joined the Riverside County Chapter as Director of Governmental Affairs in March of 2000. Shortly thereafter, he was promoted to Deputy Director. Bill's duties included overseeing the Riverside Chapter's governmental affairs, which consist of Chapter involvement in election issues throughout Riverside County.  He led both the targeting and recruiting efforts in various elections in Western Riverside County, monitored the governmental issues in the various municipalities of Western Riverside County, directed the Legislative Affairs Committee, which meets on a monthly basis, and played an integral role in day to day office operations.

Bill's combination of education and extensive experience in the legislative affairs area include being both the District Director and Campaign Manager for Congressman Gary Miller. Bill also served as the Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Gary Miller. Other activities include the position of Field Representative for California State Senator Cathie Wright and Assemblyman Paul Woodruff. In addition, Bill has worked in numerous political campaigns and has served as Field Director for Cathie Wright for Lieutenant Governor, Campaign Manager for Paul Woodruff for Assembly and Voter Outreach Director for the Riverside and San Bernardino County Republican Party.

Bill resides in Redlands with his wife Tonja, his daughter Caroline and their Chocolate Labrador, Libby.