BATC announces the formation of its Local Government Issues Working Group (LGIWG), illustrating the continued growth of BATC’s advocacy work at the local level with cities, counties, watershed districts and others. Over the past two years, BATC has added professional advocacy staff who are expanding our work in the regulatory, grassroots, political, and local government space. The LGWG emerges from this emphasis and will provide a structure to review, prioritize and manage local engagement opportunities.
Formed under the umbrella of BATC’s Public Policy Committee, the group will examine the growing regulatory pressures placed on the industry and homeowners by local governments. The LGIWG is comprised of members of the Public Policy Committee, Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee and Legal Defense Fund.
“BATC has engaged with state, regional, and local governments for two decades, and we continue our strategic modernization efforts with the formation of the LGIWG” said David Siegel, executive director. “This working group is another way BATC is bringing value to our members.”
The formalization of this group continues BATC’s longtime policy of strategic local engagement and our council to members on how to best handle issues and concerns with local governments.
Local issues often serve as the basis for legislative, regulatory, and legal engagement efforts, and the surge of issues in 2017 indicates that this trend is holding. In the first three months of the year, BATC has dealt with development-related issues in Lake Elmo, permit delays in Stillwater, road construction fee issues in Rogers and Hennepin County, model home limits in Lakeville and land supply planning concerns with the Metropolitan Council.
Staff have also advised members on how to best solve issues with Wayzata’s tree cutting policy and Washington County permanent stormwater management issues. BATC has also served as a resource for border-city builders from Greater Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.
Mark Foster, political engagement manager, and Nick Erickson, regulatory affairs manager, are staffing the working group. Members with local government issues and concerns should contact Foster or Erickson.
