For over 60 years, NJBA has worked to support and defend those affiliated with New Jersey’s building industry. NJBA’s commitment to providing our members with new opportunities and advantages has not wavered. That is why in 2007 NJBA developed a strategic plan for the future which continues to be evaluated, refined, and further strengthened.

This plan offers a new approach to support and grow the Association by focusing on the education and retention of the membership, influencing public policy, raising public awareness, and becoming the standard for education, training and certification. Beginning late in 2007 and proceeding to date, NJBA has taken a number of steps to implement the strategic plan while continuing to provide the highest standard of services.

One of the first initiatives NJBA undertook was the creation of the Public Affairs Task Force to influence public policy and raise public awareness.  Second, directing increased attention to Member Mobilization, NJBA’s nationally-respected grassroots advocacy arm.  Third, assisting in the formation of the Smart Growth Economic Development Coalition – a broad-based collection of industries working together to support legislative and regulatory initiatives to re-energize New Jersey’s economy.  

These efforts have resulted in increased access to key political figures and, notably, the passage of several key legislative proposals including Permit Extension and Time of Application. Following the passage of these critical lifelines, builders and remodelers will collectively save millions of dollars as a result of not having to reapply for extensions or new approvals and not having to reopen costly design and review work to comply with arbitrary ordinance changes. Aside from these critical industry lifelines, NJBA successfully advocated for the Licensed Site Remediation Professionals Bill; a bill which allows for the conversion of certain age-restricted housing developments; and the Economic Stimulus Act of 2009.

In addition to being the driving force on the passage of legislation to support the growth of the industry and all those employed by it, NJBA successfully amended legislation that would have imposed additional hardships. NJBA secured critical amendments to legislation concerning the offering of solar panel installation in new construction, as well as a critical exemption to legislation requiring the payment of prevailing wage in connection with any financial assistance provided by the Board of Public Utilities (BPU).  Following round-the-clock efforts by NJBA, this prevailing wage law does not apply to green remodeling projects in single family homes, town homes, row homes, apartment buildings, condominium buildings, or multi-family buildings of four stories or less.  Consequently, builders and remodelers can continue to take advantage of green incentives for the majority of their projects while controlling labor costs.

A multitude of legislative activities are being carried out on behalf of all those who earn their living through the building industry.  However, nothing is accomplished without cost.   In 2009, NJBA launched an industry defense fundraising campaign which has continued to date.  The central focus of the campaign is an Industry Defense Fund through which NJBA members, non-members and allied and related industries can make contributions.  The purpose of the fund is to defend, represent, and promote the interests of the building industry to protect the livelihoods of builders, associates, and remodelers alike.

The Board of Trustees of the Builders Political Action Committee, recognizing the importance of this campaign, has agreed to give donors to this industry defense fund credit toward their personal and locals’ goals to BPAC. Please write your check today payable to “NJBA” and note “Industry Defense Fund” in the memo line or in an accompanying transmittal letter.

If you have questions regarding how you can help support this campaign or how to assure you and your local are recognized for your contributions, contact Lisa Obolsky at 609-570-2162 or lisa@njba.org.

Thank you in advance for your support.